Air Conditioners For Condos
A majority of modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning systems integrated into them. A lot of apartments and condos with air conditioning units are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, which provide great views, but also a lot of sunlight and heat.
If your home is equipped with ductwork then central AC is a good option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with said that if the building doesn’t have ductwork, a central air conditioning system could be ideal.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a straightforward and cost-effective method of cooling a home without installing ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from a space and replacing it with cooler air, which makes them an ideal choice for people on a tight budget or for older homes that don’t have ductwork. They do have some drawbacks that should be considered prior to purchase.
Window ACs are only capable of cooling one room, making them not a good choice for larger homes. It’s also essential to select models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. Furthermore, they pose a security risk, as windows are easily removed and allow easy access to your home.
You may need to install accordions or even wood to block the extra space around the window. Most window units come with an installation kit for windows which you can use to easily install them by sliding the chassis into the window and then attaching the sleeve to the outside of the frame. For larger models that have a higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, with the sleeve connected to the frame using brackets.
To determine what size unit you require to purchase, simply multiply the square footage of your room by the amount of BTUs it needs to be able to cool comfortably. Consider whether the room is located in an apartment building that is high-rise or receives plenty of sunlight. A larger unit is more expensive, but it will save you money on energy over time. To ensure a longer-term solution, our HVAC experts recommend purchasing central AC system. The initial cost may be higher but it will pay for itself over time, with lower utility bills each month and a longer service life than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are independent cooling systems that function as space heaters. The units are designed to plug into an outlet and the tube, or mini-duct, will run out the window to let CO2 and heat out (not to be confused with the poisonous gas CO2). They are mobile and can be measured by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit should be sized according to the space it is intended to be utilized in. Oversized units won’t be able to cool effectively and may wear out faster than necessary.
These units are usually used in apartment buildings and homes that have been converted without ducting systems. The principal cooling method is a central AC unit. By installing 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 effective portable units have a dehumidifier setting to decrease humidity. This is a typical reason for hot spots, and can cause the room to feel uncomfortable. The units should come with washable filters to ensure optimal performance, as well as remote controls to make the operation simpler. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified models that meet efficiency standards to save money and electricity when in comparison to non-certified units.
If you decide to go for a portable model it’s crucial to choose the dual-hose model over one-hose options. 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 it helps to minimize the noise produced by the process. This feature could cost more, but the savings and comfort can be worth the extra expense.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, also known as mini-splits, are ductless alternatives to central air conditioning. They consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units which are connected by thin piping that functions as electrical wires through small openings in your walls. Ductless systems make a great option for condos since they can be put in places in areas where traditional HVAC ducts are not feasible. This makes them the ideal cooling option for a lot of Southwest Florida homes and condominiums because homeowners typically do not want to cut into walls and floors for ductwork.
In a ductless system, air is chilled by the indoor unit by passing through refrigerant-filled tubes from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter in comparison to other options, which means it’s possible to cool your space without causing disturbance to others. Some ductless systems also offer heating, so you can have year-round comfort.
A ductless system is ideal for a variety of spaces, such as sunrooms, garages, bedrooms, and bedrooms. They can also increase comfort for older houses, apartments and condos without ductwork. This type of system can also be used in multifamily housing as it is easily adaptable to different occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is more energy efficient than traditional systems since it doesn’t have to push air over long distances. It also helps reduce your electricity bills. These systems are also smaller than forced-air systems which can help them save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems are an excellent option to replace the obtrusive window air conditioners in condo buildings because they offer superior cooling performance and more customized temperature control. They can improve the air quality in your apartment, too by utilizing a powerful filtering system that removes harmful particles from the air. This helps you avoid asthma and allergies while also keeping your space at a comfortable temperature throughout the year. If you’re ready to learn more about the benefits of installing a ductless system into your home, call us today! Our technicians are available to assist you. We can evaluate your needs and help you choose the best air conditioning solution for your specific situation.