Air Conditioners For Condos
A majority of modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning integrated into them. A lot of apartments and condos that have air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, which provide great views, but also too much heat and sunlight.
If your building has ductwork, a central AC system is a good idea. But if it doesn’t however, the HVAC contractors Brick interviewed said that the majority of board are now accepting ductless mini-splits.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners can be an affordable and simple way to cool your apartment without having to install ductwork. They remove warm air from the room and replace it with cooler air. This is a great option for people on a budget or older homes without ductwork. However, they do have a few drawbacks, which must be considered prior buying.
Window ACs can only cool a single room and are therefore not suitable for homes with a larger area. They also consume plenty of energy, so it’s essential to select models with high energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. Furthermore, they pose a security risk, as windows are easily removed and allow an easy access to your home.
You may need to install accordions, or wood, to block the extra space around the window. The majority of window units come with an installation kit for windows that you can use to easily install them by sliding the chassis into the window and affixing the sleeve to the outside of the window frame. For larger models with higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide back and forth on rails and the sleeve is attached to the frame using brackets that secure it to the window.
To determine the amount of unit you will require by multiplying the square footage by the number BTUs needed to cool the room effectively. To maximize efficiency, think about whether the room receives plenty of sun or is on the upper floors. A larger unit will be more expensive, but will help you save money on energy over time. To ensure a longer-term solution, our HVAC experts suggest purchasing central AC system. Although the initial cost is more expensive, it will eventually pay for itself over time with lower monthly utility bills and a longer lifespan than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are standalone cooling systems that function as space heaters. The units are designed to plug into an outlet and the tube, or mini-duct, will run out an opening to vent heat and CO2 (not to be confused with the toxic gas CO2). They are portable and can be measured by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). To get the best results, a unit should be sized to accommodate its intended room because larger units won’t provide enough cooling and could wear down faster than necessary.
They are most often in apartment buildings or homes that don’t have ducting systems or where the central AC unit is the primary cooling system. Using a portable AC in one or more rooms can help reduce the load on the central system, which can save energy and money.
The most reliable portable units will include the option of dehumidifying to cut down on humidity, which is a common cause of hot spots. It can make a room feel uncomfortable warm. The units should also come with washable filters that can be cleaned to maintain their efficiency and remote controls for simple operation. Find ENERGY STAR-certified models that meet efficiency standards and save money and electricity when in comparison to non-certified units.
If you opt to go portable, it is important to select a dual-hose unit instead of a single-hose model. Dual-hose models draw outside air through condenser coils, and then blow it out through the other hose. This greatly increases the efficiency of the unit, and it helps to minimize the noise generated by the process. This option may cost more but the savings and comfort could be worth the extra money.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits can be ductless replacements for central air conditioners. They are made up of an outdoor unit as well as one or more indoor units and thin piping that runs through tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a great option for condos as they can be used in areas in areas where traditional HVAC ducts are not feasible. They are the perfect cooling solution for a lot of Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments since homeowners don’t wish to cut into floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless system, air is chilled by the indoor unit when it travels through refrigerant-filled tubing coming from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than conventional alternatives which means you can cool your home without disturbing others. Some ductless systems can also provide heating, so you can have all year round comfort.
A ductless system is suitable for various types of spaces, such as sunrooms, bedrooms, and garages. They can also enhance the quality of life in older houses, apartments, and condos that are not equipped with ductwork. This kind of system is also ideal for multifamily housing, as it is able to easily adapt to various needs and patterns of occupancy.
In addition that, a ductless system could be much more energy efficient than conventional systems, since it does not have to force air across long distances. It can also reduce your electricity bills. They are also smaller than forced-air systems which means they can reduce the cost of installation and space.
Ductless systems are superior in cooling performance, and they can be customized to your personal preferences in temperature. With an air filtering system that eliminates harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality in your apartment. This helps you avoid allergies and asthma and keeps your home cool all season. If you’re looking to know more about installing a ductless system into your home, call us now! Our technicians are on hand to assist you. We can help you determine the ideal air conditioner for your situation by assessing your requirements.
