Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern condos and apartments do not have air conditioning installed. The ones that do have floor-to-ceiling windows that offer amazing views, but let in too much sun and heat.
If your home is duct-worked, a central AC system is a good idea. HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that if the building isn’t equipped with ductwork, a central AC system could be ideal.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an affordable and simple way to cool your condo 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 with a tight budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. There are some disadvantages, which should be considered prior to buying.
Window ACs are able to cool a single space, so they are not suitable for homes with larger spaces. They also consume lots of energy, making it important to look for models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. They can also be an issue for security, since they are easily removed, allowing easy access into your home.
You may need to install accordions, or wood, to block the extra space around the window. Most window units come with an installation kit for windows which you can use to easily install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and then attaching the sleeve to the outside of the frame. For larger models that have a higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, with the sleeve attached to the frame with brackets.
To determine the amount of unit you will need to purchase, multiply the square footage by the number of BTUs needed to cool the room. Consider whether the room is in an apartment building that is high-rise or receives plenty of sunlight. A larger unit is more expensive, but it could save you money on energy bills over time. To ensure a longer-term solution we recommend that our HVAC experts recommend investing in a central AC system. The initial cost might 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 cooling systems that function as space heaters. The units are designed to connect to an outlet and a tube, or mini-duct, will run out the window to let CO2 and heat out (not to confuse with the toxic gas CO2). They are portable and can be determined by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit must be sized according to the space it is intended to be utilized in. Oversized units won’t be able to cool effectively and may get worn out faster than.
These units are usually used in apartment buildings and converted homes without ducting systems, where the primary method of cooling is central AC unit. Using portable AC units in a single or multiple rooms can help reduce the load on your central system, saving energy and money.
The best portable units include the option of dehumidifying to cut down on humidity, which is a common reason for hot spots and can make a room feel unbearably warm. The units should also include washable filters to maintain the performance of the unit and a remote control for easy operation. Choose ENERGY START-certified models that comply with efficiency standards to save money and electricity when in comparison to non-certified units.
If you opt to opt for a portable option, it’s essential to choose a dual-hose unit instead of a one-hose model. The dual-hose models allow outside air to be drawn into the condenser coils heated to a certain temperature and then blown out via the other hose. This increases the efficiency and decreases the sound level of the unit. 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
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives to central air conditioners. They consist 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 an excellent option for condos because they can be put in areas where traditional HVAC ducts cannot. 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 unit, air is cooled by the indoor unit as it passes through refrigerant-filled tubing from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter when compared to other systems, meaning it’s possible to cool your room without disturbing others. Some ductless systems also offer heating and cooling, allowing you to enjoy year-round luxury.
A ductless system can be ideal for many types of spaces, including sunrooms, garages, bedrooms, and bedrooms. They can also enhance comfort for older houses, apartments and condos without ductwork. This kind of system is also suitable for multifamily housing because it is able to easily adapt to different occupancy patterns and requirements.
A ductless system is also more energy-efficient than conventional systems due to the fact that it doesn’t require the force of air over long distances. As a result, it can reduce your power bills significantly. These systems are smaller than forced air systems, saving on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling efficiency, and can be customized to suit your individual preferences for temperature. With an air filtering system that removes harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality in your condo. This will aid in avoiding asthma and allergy symptoms, while maintaining your condo’s temperature throughout the year. If you’re looking to learn more about installing a ductless system in your home, call us now! Our technicians are on hand to assist you. We can assist you in determining the most appropriate air conditioner for your situation by assessing your requirements.
