Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern condos and apartments do not come with air conditioning units. Many apartments and condos with air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows which provide great views, but also too much sunlight and heat.
If your house has ductwork, then central AC is a good option. However, if it doesn’t however, the HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that the majority of board are now accepting ductless mini-splits.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners can be a cheap and easy way to cool your apartment without the need for ductwork. They work by removing warm air from a room and replacing it with cooler air, making them a great option for people on a tight budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. However, they do have certain disadvantages that must be considered prior to making a purchase.
Window ACs are limited to cooling a single room, so they’re not the best option for larger homes. It’s also important to choose models with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. Additionally, they’re a security risk, as the windows can be removed easily and provide an easy access to your home.
You may need to install accordions, or wood, to block out the excess space around the window. Most window units come with a window installation kit which you can use to easily install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and then attaching the sleeve to the outside of the window frame. For larger models with a higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to move across rails, and the sleeve is fixed to the frame by brackets that hold it to the window.
To determine the size unit you will need, multiply the square footage by the number of BTUs needed to cool the room effectively. Take into consideration whether the room is located in an apartment building that is high-rise or receives plenty of sunlight. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it can save you money on energy over time. Our HVAC experts suggest buying a central AC for long-term solutions. The initial cost might be higher but it will pay off over time with lower monthly utility bills and a longer service life than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling system that functions much like the space heater. The units are designed to connect to an outlet, and the tube, or mini-duct, is able to be run through the window to vent heat and CO2 (not to be confused with the poisonous gas CO2). The units can be moved from room to room and are typically sized according to their cooling capacity, which is defined by BTU ratings. For the best results, the unit should be constructed to suit the intended space because larger units won’t provide adequate cooling and can be more prone to wear down than.
These units are used typically in apartments or converted homes that don’t have ducting systems, and where the central AC unit is the main cooling system. Using portable AC units in one or more rooms can reduce the workload on central systems, thereby saving energy and money.
The best portable units will include a dehumidifier mode to reduce the amount of moisture that is a frequent cause of hot spots. It can make a room feel uncomfortable warm. The units should come with washable filters to provide the best performance, as well as a remote controller to make the operation simpler. Choose energy STAR certified models to save on electricity and money when 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 model. Dual-hose models draw air from outside through condenser coils, and then blow it out through the other hose. This improves the efficiency of the unit and also helps to reduce the noise generated by the process. This feature may cost more but the savings and comfort can be worth the extra money.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives for central air conditioners. They consist of an outdoor unit, and one or more indoor units, that are connected with thin piping that functions as electrical wires through small openings in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent option for condos since they can be put in places in areas where traditional HVAC ducts aren’t feasible. This makes them a great cooling option for many Southwest Florida homes and condominiums as homeowners do not want to cut through the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In the case of a ductless cooling system the indoor unit cools the air as it travels through the tubing that is filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter compared to other options, which means it is possible to cool your home without disturbing other people. Some ductless systems also offer heating which means you can enjoy all-year-round comfort.
A ductless system can be suitable for various types of spaces, such as sunrooms, bedrooms, and garages. They can also improve the quality of life for older homes, apartments and condos without ductwork. This kind of system can also be utilized in multifamily housing as it can easily be adapted to different kinds of occupancy patterns.
In addition that, a ductless system could be more energy efficient than traditional systems, since it does not need to force air over long distances. As a result, it can reduce your energy bills by a significant amount. These systems are smaller than forced air systems, allowing you to save on the installation cost and space.
Ductless systems are a great choice to replace obtrusive window air conditioners in condominium buildings, because they offer superior cooling performance and more customized temperature control. With a filtering system that filters out harmful air particles, they can also improve the air quality of your apartment. This helps you avoid asthma and allergies, while keeping your space comfortable all season. If you’re ready to know more about installing a ductless system in your condominium, contact us now! Our skilled technicians are waiting to assist. We will assess your needs and help you select the most suitable air conditioning solution for your particular situation.
