Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning installed. The ones that do have floor-to-ceiling windows which offer great views, but also let in too much sun and heat.
If your home is duct-worked and ductwork, a central AC system could be ideal. HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that if your building isn’t equipped with ductwork, a central air conditioning system might be the best option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners can be a cheap and easy way to cool your apartment without the need for ductwork. They remove warm air from the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them an ideal choice for those with a tight budget or with older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they do have certain disadvantages that must be considered prior to making a purchase.
Window ACs can only be used to cool a small area and are therefore not suitable for larger homes. They also consume lots of energy, which is why it’s important to look for models with high energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. They can also be an issue for security, since they can be easily removed, permitting easy access to your home.
You may have to put in accordions, or even wood, to block the extra space around the window. It is possible to install most window units yourself using the window installation set. Simply put the chassis in the frame and then attach the sleeves. For larger models that have higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide back and forth on rails. The sleeve then gets attached to the frame using brackets that secure it to the window.
To determine the amount of unit you will need, multiply the square footage by the amount of BTUs needed to cool the room. To maximize efficiency, think about whether the room receives plenty of sunlight or is on the upper floor. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it can save you money in energy costs over time. To ensure a longer-term solution for your home, our HVAC experts suggest purchasing a central AC system. The initial cost might be higher but it will pay off over time, with lower utility bills each month and a longer lifespan than multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a standalone cooling system that functions much as a space heater. The units are designed to plug into an outlet and a tube, also known as a mini-duct, is able to be run through an opening to vent heat and CO2 (not to confuse with the poisonous gas CO2). They are portable and are measured by their cooling capacity (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 get worn out faster than needed.
These units are used mostly in apartments or converted homes that don’t have ducting systems or in which the central AC unit is the main cooling system. Utilizing portable AC units in a room or two could reduce the burden on the central system, which can save electricity and also money.
The most reliable portable units will also have a dehumidifier mode to reduce moisture, which is another frequent cause of hot spots and can make a room feel uncomfortable warm. The units should come with washable filters to provide the best performance, and remote controls to make operation easier. Find ENERGY STAR-certified models that meet efficiency standards to save electricity and money as compared to non-certified models.
If you choose to opt for a portable option, it’s crucial to choose an hose-to-hose system instead of a one-hose model. Dual-hose models draw outside air through condenser coils then blow it out through the other hose. This improves the effectiveness of the unit, and it helps to minimize the sound generated by the process. It might cost more to purchase a portable unit with this feature, but it can be worth it in terms of savings and the comfort.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, also known as mini-splits are duct-free alternatives to central air conditioning. They are made up 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 option for condos because they can be placed in areas that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. They are the perfect cooling solution for a lot of Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments since homeowners don’t want to cut into floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless system air is cooled by the indoor unit as it passes through refrigerant-filled tubing from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than conventional alternatives, so you can cool your home without disturbing others. Certain ductless systems also provide heating, so you can have year-round luxury.
The ductless system is perfect for many areas including sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also enhance comfort for older houses or condos that don’t have ductwork. This kind of system is also suitable for multifamily homes, since it can easily adapt to different occupancy patterns and requirements.
A ductless system is also more energy efficient than traditional systems because it doesn’t need to force air over long distances. In turn, it can reduce your energy bills by a significant amount. These systems are smaller than forced air systems, which saves on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling efficiency, and can be adapted to suit your individual preferences for temperature. They can improve the air quality in your apartment, too with a highly efficient filtering system that can remove harmful particles from the air. This helps you avoid asthma and allergies, while keeping your space cool all year. Contact us today if interested in learning more. Our technicians are ready to assist you. We can assist you in choosing the most appropriate air conditioner for your situation by assessing your requirements.