Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern condos and apartments do not have built-in air conditioning units. Many of the condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer great views but also too much sunshine and heat.
If your home is equipped with ductwork, then a central AC could be the best option. If not then the HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that the majority of board are now welcoming mini-splits of ductless.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an inexpensive and simple method to cool your condo without the need to install ductwork. They remove warm air from 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 do have some drawbacks that need to be considered before making the purchase.
Window ACs are only capable of cooling one room, so they’re not a good option for homes with a large number of rooms. It’s also important to pick models with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They can also be an issue for security, since they are easily removed allowing easy access into your home.
Depending on the dimensions of the unit as well as the type of window it’s installed in, you may have to install accordions or wooden to block out excess space around one or both sides of the window. The majority of window units come with a window installation kit that you can use to easily install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and affixing the sleeve to the outside of the window frame. For larger models with more BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, and the sleeve attached to the frame with brackets.
To determine the size unit you’ll require to purchase, multiply the square footage by the amount of BTUs required to cool the room. To maximize efficiency, take into consideration whether the room receives plenty of sunlight or is on an upper floor. A larger unit is more expensive, but it could save you money on energy bills over time. To ensure a longer-term solution, our HVAC experts recommend investing in a central AC system. Although the initial cost is more expensive, 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 cooling units that function like 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 toxic gas carbon monoxide). The units can be moved from room to room, and are typically sized according to their cooling capacity, which is measured by BTU ratings. For the best results, the unit should be designed to accommodate its intended room, as oversized units won’t provide enough cooling and could get worn out faster than needed.
These units are usually utilized in apartment buildings as well as converted homes that do not have ducting systems, in which the principal cooling method is the central AC unit. By using an AC unit that is portable in one or more of your rooms, you can reduce the burden on your central system and save money and energy.
The most reliable portable units include a dehumidifier feature to reduce humidity. This is another common reason for hot spots, and can cause the room to feel uncomfortable. The units should also have washable filters to ensure efficiency and a remote control for easy operation. Choose energy STAR certified models to save money and electricity compared to non-certified units.
If you choose to go with a portable option it’s crucial to choose a dual-hose model instead of a single-hose option. Dual-hose models permit air from outside to be drawn into the hot condenser coils, then blown out through the other hose. This greatly increases the efficiency of the unit and it helps to minimize the sound generated by the process. It is more expensive to purchase a portable unit that has this feature, but it could be worth it in terms of savings and ease of use.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, also referred to as mini-splits are duct-free alternatives to central air conditioning. They comprise an outdoor unit, and one or more indoor units which are connected via thin piping that runs like electrical wires through small openings in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent option for condos since they can be used in areas where traditional HVAC ducts aren’t feasible. This makes them the ideal cooling option for a lot of Southwest Florida homes and condominiums as homeowners do not want to cut through the walls and floors to install ductwork.
In a ductless unit, air is cooled by the indoor unit when it travels through refrigerant-filled tubing coming from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter when compared to other systems, meaning it’s possible to cool your home without disturbing others. Certain ductless systems come with heating capabilities, too which means you can enjoy all year round comfort.
A ductless system can be ideal for a variety of spaces, such as sunrooms, garages, bedrooms, and bedrooms. They can also enhance comfort for older houses or condos that don’t have ductwork. This kind of system can also be utilized in multifamily housing as it is easily adaptable to different kinds of occupancy patterns.
In addition the ductless system can be more energy efficient than traditional systems, since it does not need to force air across long distances. As a result, it can lower your power bills significantly. They are also smaller than forced air systems, saving on costs of installation and space.
Ductless systems are superior in cooling performance and can be tailored to your personal preferences in temperature. With an air filtration system that removes harmful air particles, they can also improve the air quality of your condo. This helps you avoid allergies and asthma, while keeping your space cool all season. Contact us today if looking to learn more. Our skilled technicians are waiting to assist you. We will assess your requirements and help you select the most suitable air conditioning solution for your specific situation.