Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern apartments and condos do not come with air conditioning units. Many condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are fitted with floor-to ceiling windows, which offer great views but also a lot of heat and sunlight.
If your building has ductwork, central AC system is a good idea. If not then the HVAC contractors Brick spoke to say most board are now accepting mini-splits of ductless.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a simple and cost-effective method of cooling a home without the need to install ductwork. They remove warm air from the room and replace it with cooler air. This is a great option for those on a budget or with older homes that don’t have ductwork. There are some disadvantages and must be considered prior purchasing.
Window ACs are confined to cooling one room, making them not the best option for larger homes. They also consume plenty of energy, which is why it’s essential to select models with high energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. Additionally, they’re a security risk, as the windows can be removed easily and provide easy access to your home.
It is possible to install accordions or even wood to block out the extra space around the window. Most window units come with a window installation kit that can be used to easily install them by sliding the chassis into the window and attaching the sleeve to the exterior of the window frame. For larger models with a higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, with the sleeve fixed to the frame with brackets.
To determine the amount of unit you will require, multiply the square footage by the number BTUs required to cool the room comfortably. Consider whether the room is in an area with high-rises or receives plenty of sunlight. A larger unit is more expensive, but it could save you money on energy bills over time. To ensure a longer-term solution we recommend that our HVAC experts recommend investing in a central AC system. Although the initial cost is more expensive, it will be able to pay for itself over time with lower monthly utilities and a longer lifespan than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are independent cooling systems that function as space heaters. They are designed to be plugged into an outlet, and a mini-duct or tube will run out of a window to vent heat and carbon dioxide (not to be confused with the harmful gas carbon monoxide). The units can be moved from rooms and are usually sized according to their cooling capacity, which is determined by BTU ratings. For the best results, the unit should be constructed to fit in the space it is intended for because larger units won’t provide adequate cooling and can be more prone to wear down than.
These units are utilized most often in apartment buildings or homes that do not have ducting systems and in which the central AC unit is the main cooling system. The use of a portable AC in a single or multiple rooms can help reduce the load on your central system, saving electricity and also money.
The best portable units will also come with a dehumidifier mode to reduce moisture, which is another common cause of hot spots and can make a room feel uncomfortably warm. The units should also come with washable filters to ensure efficiency and remote controls for effortless operation. Select energy STAR certified models to save money and electricity in comparison to non-certified models.
If you decide to move your portable device, it is crucial to choose a dual-hose unit instead of a one-hose model. Dual-hose models permit air from outside to be drawn in through the condenser coils that are hot and then expelled through the other hose. This greatly increases the efficiency of the unit and helps reduce the noise generated by the process. This option may cost more however the savings and comfort could make it worth the extra money.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, often referred to as mini-splits, are duct-free alternatives to central air conditioning. They consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, and thin piping running through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a great choice for condos, because they can be installed in areas where traditional HVAC ducts can’t. This makes them the ideal cooling option for many Southwest Florida homes and condominiums as homeowners don’t want to cut into walls and floors for ductwork.
In a ductless cooling system the indoor unit cools the air as it passes through tubing filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than conventional alternatives, so you can cool your room without disturbing other. Some ductless systems can also provide heating, so you can have all-year-round comfort.
A ductless system can be suitable for various types of spaces, such as sunrooms, bedrooms, and garages. They can also enhance comfort in older houses condominiums, apartments, and homes that have not been fitted with ductwork. This kind of system is also ideal for multifamily homes, since it is able to easily adapt to different needs and patterns of occupancy.
A ductless system is more energy-efficient than traditional systems because it doesn’t have to push air over long distances. As a result, it can lower your power consumption significantly. They are also smaller than forced-air systems, which means they can reduce the cost of installation and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling performance, and they can be customized to your personal preferences in temperature. With a filtering system that filters out harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality of your condo. This can help you avoid allergies and asthma and keeps your home comfortable throughout the year. If you are ready to learn more about installing a ductless system into your home, call us now! Our technicians are ready to assist you. We can assess your needs and help you select the most suitable air conditioning solution for your specific situation.