Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern condos and apartments do not have air conditioning built in. A lot of apartments and condos that have air conditioning units are outfitted with floor-to ceiling windows, which provide great views, but also a lot of heat and sunlight.
If your home is equipped with ductwork then a central AC is a good option. But if it doesn’t, the HVAC contractors Brick spoke to say most board are now accepting mini-splits of ductless.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a cheap and easy way 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 is a great option for those on a budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. They do have some drawbacks, which must be considered prior to buying.
Window ACs are able to cool a single room, so they are not suitable for homes with a larger area. They also consume a lot of energy, which is why it’s important to look for models that have high energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. They can also be an security risk, since they are easily removed permitting easy access to your home.
Depending on the size of the unit and the type of window it’s installed in, you may have to put in accordions or even wood to block any space around both sides of the window. It is possible to install most window units by yourself using an installation set for windows. Simply slide the chassis into the frame and attach the sleeve. For larger models with larger BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide on rails, and the sleeve is connected to the frame using brackets.
To determine what size of unit you require you simply need to multiply the square footage of your space by the number of BTUs that it needs to be comfortably cooled. To maximize efficiency, think about whether the room gets plenty of sunlight or is on an upper floor. A larger HVAC unit will be more expensive, but will help you save on energy costs over time. Our HVAC experts suggest purchasing a central AC for long-term solutions. Although the initial cost is higher, it will pay off over time by reducing monthly costs and a longer life span than multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling system that functions as the space heater. They are designed to plug into an outlet and a tube or mini-duct can be run through the window to let out heat and carbon dioxide (not to be confused with the harmful gas carbon monoxide). The units can be moved from room to room, and are usually sized according to their cooling capacity, which is measured by BTU ratings. A unit should be sized according to the space it is intended to be utilized in. The units that are too big won’t keep cool and wear out faster than necessary.
These units are usually used in apartment buildings and converted homes that do not have ducting systems. The principal cooling method is the central AC unit. Utilizing a portable AC in one or more rooms could reduce the burden on the central system, which can save electricity and money.
The best portable units include the option of dehumidifying to cut down on humidity, which is a frequent cause of hot spots and can make a room feel uncomfortable warm. The units should also come with washable filters that can be cleaned to maintain their the performance of the unit and remote controls for effortless operation. Select energy STAR certified models to save money and electricity compared to non-certified units.
If you decide to move your portable device, it is important to select a dual-hose unit instead of a single-hose model. Dual-hose models allow air from outside to be drawn into the hot condenser coils, then blown out through the other hose. This greatly increases the efficiency of the unit and helps reduce the noise produced by the process. This option may cost more but the savings and comfort can make it worth the extra expense.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, also referred to as mini-splits, are duct-free alternatives to central air conditioning. They are comprised of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units which are connected via thin piping that is shaped like electrical wires through tiny openings in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent choice for condos because they can be installed in areas where traditional HVAC ducts are not possible. They are the ideal cooling solution for a lot of Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments because homeowners don’t want to cut into floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless system, air is chilled by the indoor unit by passing through refrigerant-filled tubing coming from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter in comparison to other systems, meaning it’s possible to cool your space without disturbing others. Certain ductless systems come with heating capabilities as well to provide all year round peace and comfort.
The ductless system is perfect for a variety of spaces including sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also improve comfort for older houses condominiums, apartments, and homes that do not have ductwork. This kind of system is also suitable for multifamily homes, since it is able to easily adapt to different demands and occupancy patterns.
In addition the ductless system can be much more energy efficient than conventional systems because it doesn’t have to force air across long distances. It also helps reduce your electricity costs. They are also smaller than forced air systems, saving on costs of installation and space.
Ductless systems are superior in cooling performance and can be customized to your personal preferences in temperature. With an air filtering system that removes harmful air particles, they can also improve the air quality in your condominium. This can help you avoid asthma and allergies while also keeping your space cool all year. If you’re ready to know more about installing an ductless system in your condominium, contact us now! Our knowledgeable technicians are available to help. We can assess your needs and help you choose the best air conditioning solution for your particular situation.