Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos do not have built-in air conditioning units. Many of the apartments and condos that have air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows which provide great views, but also a lot of sunlight and heat.
If your building is equipped with ductwork then central AC could be the best option. If not, the HVAC contractors Brick spoke to say most board are now accepting mini-splits with ductless technology.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a straightforward and inexpensive way to cool a condo without the need for ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from rooms and replacing it with cooler air, which makes them a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget or older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they have certain disadvantages that must be considered prior to making the purchase.
Window ACs are only capable of cooling one room, so they’re not a good option for homes with a large number of rooms. They also consume a lot of energy, making it important to look for models with high energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. They could also pose a security threat, as they are easily removed, giving you easy access to your home.
Depending on the dimensions of the unit as well as the type of window it’s installed in, you may need to install accordions or wood to block out excess space around one or both sides of the window. The majority of 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 exterior of the frame. For larger models that have larger BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, with the sleeve attached to the frame with brackets.
To determine what size unit you need, simply multiply the square footage of your room by the number of BTUs it needs to cool it comfortably. To maximize efficiency, take into consideration whether the room gets lots of sunlight or is located on the upper floors. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it can save you money on energy bills over time. For a more long-term solution, our HVAC experts suggest investing in a central AC system. The initial cost could be higher but it will pay off over time, with lower monthly utility bills and a longer life span than multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are standalone cooling systems that function as space heaters. The units are designed to connect to an outlet and a tube, or mini-duct, is able to be run through an opening to vent heat and CO2 (not to be confused with the toxic gas CO2). The units can be moved from rooms and are usually sized according to their cooling capacity, which is measured by BTU ratings. For the best results, a unit should be sized to fit in the space it is intended for, as oversized units won’t 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 principal cooling method is a central AC unit. By using an AC unit that is portable in one or more rooms, you can lessen the burden on your central system, and reduce the cost of electricity and money.
The best portable units also come with a dehumidifier option to decrease moisture. This is a typical reason for hot spots, and can cause the room to feel uncomfortable. The units should also come with washable filters to ensure the performance of the unit and remote controls for effortless operation. Choose ENERGY START-certified models that comply with efficiency standards to save electricity and money as compared to non-certified models.
If you choose to move your portable device, it is crucial to choose an hose-to-hose system instead of a one-hose model. The dual-hose models allow outside air to be drawn into the condenser coils that are hot and then expelled through the other hose. This greatly increases the efficiency of the unit and it helps to minimize the sound generated by the process. It may cost more to purchase a portable unit that has this feature, but it can be worth the cost in terms of savings and comfort.
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 runs like electrical wires through small openings in your walls. Ductless systems make a great option for condos as they can be put in places in areas where traditional HVAC ducts are not feasible. This makes them the perfect cooling option for a lot of Southwest Florida homes and condominiums, since homeowners often do not want to cut through walls and floors for ductwork.
In a ductless unit, air is cool by the unit in the indoor when it travels through refrigerant-filled tubes from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter when compared to other options, which means it is possible to cool your home without disturbing other people. Certain ductless systems also provide heating which means you can enjoy all-year-round luxury.
The ductless system is perfect for many spaces including sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also improve comfort in older houses condominiums, apartments, and homes which aren’t equipped with 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 more energy-efficient than conventional systems due to the fact that it doesn’t need to force air over long distances. It can also reduce your electricity costs. They are also smaller than forced air systems, saving on costs of installation and space.
Ductless systems are a great alternative to obstructive window air conditioners in condominium buildings, because they provide superior cooling performance and more personalized temperature control. With a filtering system that removes harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality in your condominium. This can assist you in avoiding allergy and asthma symptoms, while maintaining your condo’s temperature throughout the all year. If you’re looking 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 help you determine the ideal air conditioner for your situation by assessing your needs.