Air Conditioners For Condos
A majority of modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning systems installed. They do have windows that extend from floor to ceiling, which provide stunning views, but let in too much sunlight and heat.
If your house has ductwork, then central AC could be the best option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with said that if the building doesn’t have ductwork, a central AC system might be the best option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an affordable and simple way to cool your home without having to install ductwork. They take warm air out of the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them a good option for people on a budget or older homes without ductwork. However, they come with some drawbacks that need to be considered before making the purchase.
Window ACs can only cool a single space and are therefore not suitable for homes with a larger area. They also consume plenty of energy, making it crucial to choose models with high energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. Additionally, they’re a security risk, as windows are easily removed and allow easy access to your home.
You may have to put in accordions, or wood, to block out the excess space around the window. Most window units come with an installation kit for windows that you can use 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 on rails, with the sleeve connected to the frame using brackets.
To determine the amount of unit you’ll need by multiplying the square footage by the amount of BTUs required to cool the room comfortably. To maximize efficiency, take into consideration whether your room gets a lot of sunlight or is on the upper floors. A larger HVAC unit will be more expensive, but will help you save on energy costs over time. Our HVAC experts suggest buying central AC to provide an investment that will last for a long time. The initial cost could be higher, but it will pay off in the long run with lower monthly utility bills and a longer service life than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are independent cooling units that function like space heaters. They are designed to plug into an outlet and a mini-duct or tube will be able to exit a window to vent heat and carbon dioxide (not to be confused with the poisonous gas carbon monoxide). They are portable and are measured by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit should be designed in accordance with the space it is intended to be used in. Oversized units won’t keep cool and get worn out faster than.
They are typically utilized in apartment buildings as well as converted homes without ducting systems, in which the primary cooling method is through central AC unit. Utilizing portable AC units in a single or multiple rooms can reduce the workload on the central system, which can save electricity and also money.
The most reliable portable units come with a dehumidifier option to cut down on moisture. This is a typical reason for hot spots, and can make the room feel uncomfortable. The units should also come with washable filters that can be cleaned to maintain their performance and a remote control for easy operation. Choose energy STAR certified models to save money and electricity compared to non-certified units.
If you decide to go with a portable option, it’s important to choose the dual-hose model over a single-hose option. Dual-hose models allow outside air to be drawn into the condenser coils heated to a certain temperature and then blown out via the other hose. This improves the efficiency and decreases the noise of the unit. This feature may cost more but the savings and comfort could be worth the extra money.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits can be ductless replacements for central air conditioners. They are made up of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, and thin piping that runs through tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a fantastic choice for condos, because they can be placed in places where traditional HVAC ducts cannot. They are the ideal cooling solution for a lot of Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments, as homeowners don’t want to cut through walls and floors to install ductwork.
In a ductless system, air is cooled by the indoor unit when it travels through refrigerant-filled tubing coming from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than traditional models, so you can cool your home without causing disturbance to others. Some ductless systems offer heating capabilities, too to provide all year round luxury.
A ductless system is ideal for a variety of spaces, including sunrooms, garages, bedrooms, and bedrooms. They can also increase the comfort of older homes or apartments as well as condos that have not been fitted with ductwork. This kind of system can also be utilized in multifamily housing as it can easily be adapted to various occupancy patterns.
In addition, a ductless system can be much more energy efficient than traditional systems because it does not need to force air over long distances. It can also reduce your electricity costs. They are also smaller than forced-air systems which means they can reduce the cost of installation and space.
Ductless systems are an excellent option to replace the obtrusive window air conditioners in condo buildings, due to their superior cooling performance and more personal temperature control. With a filtering system that removes harmful air particles, they can also improve the air quality of your apartment. This helps you stay away from allergies and asthma while also keeping your space comfortable throughout the season. If you’re looking to learn more about the benefits of installing an ductless system in your home, call us now! Our experienced technicians are ready to assist. We can help you determine the best air conditioner for your needs by assessing your requirements.