Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern condos and apartments do not have air conditioning built in. The ones that do have windows that extend from floor to ceiling, which provide amazing views, but let in too much sun and heat.
If your home has ductwork, then central AC could be the best option. If not, the HVAC contractors Brick interviewed said that the majority of board are now welcoming mini-splits of ductless.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners can be an inexpensive and simple method to cool your home without the need 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 with older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they do have some drawbacks that need to be considered prior to making the purchase.
Window ACs are only capable of cooling one room, making them not a great option for homes with a large number of rooms. It’s also important to choose models with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They can also be a security threat, as they are easily removed, giving you easy access to your home.
It is possible to install accordions or even wood to block out the excess space around the window. The majority of window units come with a window installation kit that you can use to easily install them by sliding the chassis into the window and then attaching the sleeve to the exterior of the window frame. For larger models with higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to move back and forth on rails, and the sleeve is fixed to the frame by brackets that secure it to the window.
To determine what size unit you need you simply need to multiply the area of your room by the amount of BTUs that it needs to be able to cool comfortably. To maximize efficiency, think about whether your room gets plenty of sunlight or is on the upper floors. A larger HVAC unit will be more costly, but can help you save on energy costs over time. Our HVAC experts suggest investing in central AC for long-term solutions. Although the initial cost is much more expensive, it will pay for itself in the long run with lower monthly utilities and a longer service life than a variety of window units.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling system that functions like an electric 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 are mobile and can be sized by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). For the best results a unit should be sized to fit in the space it is intended for as larger units will not offer adequate cooling and may wear down faster than necessary.
They are typically employed in apartment buildings and homes that have been converted without ducting systems, where the primary cooling method is through a central AC unit. The use of portable AC units in a single or multiple rooms can reduce the workload on the central system, which can save electricity and money.
The most reliable portable units will also have the option of dehumidifying to cut down on humidity, which is a frequent cause of hot spots. It can make a room feel uncomfortably warm. The units should also include washable filters that can be cleaned to maintain their performance and remote controls for simple operation. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified models that meet efficiency standards to save electricity and money compared with non-certified units.
If you choose to go for a portable model it’s crucial to choose a dual-hose model instead of one-hose options. Dual-hose models draw air from outside through condenser coils then blow it out through the other hose. This improves the efficiency of the unit and helps reduce the sound generated by the process. It might cost more to purchase a portable unit with this feature, but it could be worth the cost in terms of savings and the comfort.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives for central air conditioners. They are comprised of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, which are connected by thin piping that is shaped like electrical wires through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a great choice for condos because they can be installed in areas where traditional HVAC ducts simply are not 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 the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In the case of a ductless cooling system the indoor unit cools air as it moves through the tubing that is filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter when compared to other systems, meaning it is possible to cool your space without causing disturbance to others. Certain ductless systems have heating capabilities as well which means you can enjoy all year round comfort.
A ductless system can be ideal for a variety of spaces, including sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also improve comfort in older houses or apartments as well as condos which aren’t equipped with ductwork. This kind of system can also be utilized in multifamily housing as it is easily adaptable to different kinds of occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is more energy-efficient than traditional systems since it doesn’t need to force air over long distances. In turn, it can cut down on your power bills significantly. They are also smaller than forced air systems, which saves on the installation cost and space.
Ductless systems are an excellent choice to replace obtrusive window air conditioners in condo buildings due to their superior cooling performance and personalized temperature control. With a filtering system that filters out harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality of your condominium. This helps you stay away from asthma and allergies, while keeping your space cool all season. Contact us today if interested in learning more. Our technicians are ready to assist you. We will assess your needs and help you select the most suitable air conditioning solution for your unique situation.