Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern condos and apartments do not have air conditioning built in. Many of the apartments and condos with air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, which provide great views, but also too much sunshine and heat.
If your home is equipped with ductwork then a central AC is a good option. If not however, the HVAC contractors Brick interviewed said that the majority of board are now welcoming mini-splits with ductless technology.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a simple and inexpensive method of cooling a home without the need for ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from a space and replacing it with cooler air, making them an ideal choice for people on a tight budget or for older homes that don’t have ductwork. There are some disadvantages that should be considered prior to purchasing.
Window ACs are confined to cooling a single room, so they’re not the best option for homes with a large number of rooms. It’s also important to pick models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They can also be an security risk, since they are 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. You can install most window units by yourself using an installation set for windows. Simply place the chassis inside the frame and then attach the sleeves. For larger models with a higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide between rails, and the sleeve is fixed to the frame by brackets that secure it to the window.
To determine the amount of unit you’ll need to purchase, multiply the square footage by the amount of BTUs required to cool the room. Take into consideration whether the room is located in an area with high-rises or receives plenty of sunlight. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it will save you money in energy costs over time. Our HVAC experts suggest investing in central AC for long-term solutions. The initial cost may be higher, but it will pay for itself over time with lower monthly utility bills and a longer lifespan than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling system that functions as an electric space heater. They are designed to be plugged into an outlet, and a tube or mini-duct will run out of a window to vent heat and carbon dioxide (not to be confused with the toxic gas carbon monoxide). The units can be moved from rooms and are typically sized according to their cooling capacity, which is determined by BTU ratings. A unit must be sized according to the room it is intended to be used in. The units that are too big won’t cool well and can get worn out faster than.
They are typically in apartments or converted homes that do not have ducting systems and in which the central AC unit is the primary cooling system. By using a portable AC unit in one or more of your rooms, you can reduce the burden on the central system and reduce the cost of electricity and money.
The most reliable portable units include a dehumidifier feature to reduce humidity. This is a typical reason for hot spots, and can make the room feel uncomfortable. The units should also have washable filters to maintain the performance of the unit and remote controls for simple operation. Find ENERGY STAR-certified models that meet efficiency standards and save money and electricity when compared with non-certified units.
If you choose to move your portable device, it is important to select a dual-hose unit instead of a single-hose model. The dual-hose models allow air from outside to be drawn into the condenser coils that are hot, then blown out through the other hose. This increases the efficiency and decreases the sound level of the unit. It may 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 comprise an outdoor unit, and one or more indoor units, which are connected via thin piping that functions as electrical wires through small openings in your walls. Ductless systems make a great choice for condos because they can be used in areas in areas where traditional HVAC ducts simply aren’t feasible. This makes them a great cooling option for many Southwest Florida homes and condominiums as homeowners don’t wish to cut through the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless system air is chilled by the indoor unit by passing through refrigerant-filled tubes from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter in comparison to other systems, meaning it is possible to cool your space without disturbing others. Certain ductless systems come with heating capabilities, as well to provide all year round comfort.
The ductless system is ideal for many spaces including garages, sunrooms and bedrooms. They can also enhance the comfort of older homes, apartments and condos without ductwork. This kind of system can also be utilized in multifamily housing because it is easily adaptable to various types of occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is more energy efficient than traditional systems since it doesn’t have to push air over long distances. In turn, it can cut down on your energy bills by a significant amount. These systems are also smaller than forced-air systems which can help them reduce the cost of installation and space.
Ductless systems are a fantastic choice to replace obtrusive window air conditioners in condo buildings, because they offer superior cooling performance and more personal temperature control. With an air filtration system that eliminates harmful air particles, they can also improve the air quality in your condominium. This helps you stay away from asthma and allergies while also keeping your space cool all year. If you are ready to learn more about installing an ductless system in your apartment, contact us today! Our experienced technicians are ready to assist you. We will assess your needs and help you determine the best air conditioning solution for your particular situation.
