Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning systems built in. A lot of apartments and condos with air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to ceiling windows, which provide great views, but also a lot of sunshine and heat.
If your home is equipped with ductwork, then a central AC could be the best option. But if it doesn’t, the HVAC contractors Brick interviewed said that the majority of board are now welcoming mini-splits of ductless.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a straightforward and affordable way to cool a condo without installing ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from a space and replacing it with cooler air, making them a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget or older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they do have a few drawbacks and should be considered prior to purchasing.
Window ACs are limited to cooling one room, so they’re not a good choice for larger homes. It’s also important to pick 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 have to put in accordions or even wood to block out the excess space around the window. It is possible to install most window units by yourself using an installation set for windows. Simply put the chassis in the frame and then attach the sleeves. For larger models with a higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide on rails, and the sleeve connected to the frame using brackets.
To determine what size unit you require you simply need to multiply the area of your room by the number of BTUs it needs to be able to cool comfortably. Be aware of whether the room is an apartment building that is high-rise or receives plenty of sunlight. A larger unit will be more expensive, but it can help you save money on energy over time. If you want to have a long-term solution we recommend that our HVAC experts recommend purchasing central AC system. Although the initial cost is more expensive, it will pay off over the years with lower monthly utilities and a longer life span than a variety of window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are independent cooling systems that function as space heaters. They are designed to plug into an outlet, and a mini-duct or tube will run out of the window to let out carbon dioxide and heat (not to be confused with the poisonous gas carbon monoxide). The units can be moved from room to room, and are typically sized according to their cooling capacity, which is defined by BTU ratings. A unit should be sized according to the room it is intended to be utilized in. Oversized units won’t keep cool and be worn out more quickly than.
These units are used typically in apartments or converted homes that don’t have ducting systems or in which the central AC unit is the main cooling system. By using an AC unit that is portable in one or more of your rooms, you will be able to reduce the load on your central system, and reduce the cost of electricity and money.
The most reliable portable units have a dehumidifier setting to decrease moisture. This is a typical reason for hot spots, and can cause the room to feel uncomfortable. The units should also have washable filters that can be cleaned to maintain their efficiency and remote controls for effortless operation. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified models that comply with efficiency standards to save money and electricity when in comparison to non-certified units.
If you opt to opt for a portable option, it’s crucial to choose a dual-hose model instead of a single-hose model. Dual-hose models allow air from outside to be drawn in through the condenser coils that are hot, then blown out through the other hose. This improves 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 can be worth the cost in terms of savings and ease of use.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, also referred to as mini-splits, are ductless alternatives to central air conditioning. They consist of an outdoor unit as well as one or more indoor units and thin piping that runs through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a great choice for condos because they can be put in places in areas where traditional HVAC ducts aren’t feasible. They are the perfect cooling solution for a lot of Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments since homeowners don’t wish to cut into floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless cooling system the indoor unit cools the air as it moves through tubing filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than conventional alternatives and allows you to cool your space without disturbing other. Certain ductless systems also provide heating, so you can have year-round peace and comfort.
The ductless system is suitable for many areas like sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also increase the quality of life in older houses, apartments, and condos which aren’t equipped with ductwork. This type of system is also suitable for multifamily housing because it is able to easily adapt to different occupancy patterns and requirements.
A ductless system is also more energy efficient than traditional systems because it doesn’t have to push air over long distances. As a result, it can reduce your power bills significantly. These systems are smaller than forced-air systems which helps them save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems are an excellent choice to replace obtrusive window air conditioners in condo buildings because they provide superior cooling performance and more customized temperature control. They can improve the air quality of your condo, as well by utilizing a powerful filtering system that removes harmful particles from the air. This helps you stay away from allergies and asthma and keeps your home cool all year. If you’re looking to learn more about installing an ductless system in your condominium, contact us today! Our experienced technicians are ready to assist you. We can assess your needs and help you determine the best air conditioning solution for your specific situation.