Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning systems integrated into them. The ones that do have floor-to-ceiling windows which offer great views, but also let in too much sunlight and heat.
If your home has ductwork, central AC system is a good idea. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with told us that if your home doesn’t have any ductwork, then a central AC system is a good option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners can be an inexpensive and simple method to cool your apartment 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 those with a limited budget or for older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they do have some drawbacks that need to be considered before making the purchase.
Window ACs can only cool a single room, so they are not suitable for homes with a larger area. It’s also important to pick models with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. Additionally, they’re an security risk since windows can be removed easily and allow 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 put in accordions or even wood to block out excess space around both sides of the window. It is possible to install the majority of window units yourself with a window installation set. Simply place the chassis inside the frame and secure the sleeve. For larger models that have higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to move across rails and the sleeve is attached to the frame using brackets that attach it to the window.
To determine the amount of unit you will require to purchase, multiply the square footage by the number of BTUs needed to cool the room comfortably. 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. Our HVAC experts recommend purchasing central AC to provide long-term solutions. Although the initial cost is much more expensive, it will pay off over the years with lower monthly utility bills and a longer lifespan than multiple window units.
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 be able to run out an opening to let CO2 and heat out (not to be confused with the toxic gas CO2). The units can be moved from rooms and are typically sized based on their cooling capacity, which is measured by BTU ratings. A unit should be sized according to the room it will be utilized in. Oversized units won’t be able to cool effectively and may be worn out more quickly than.
These units are used most often in apartments or converted homes that don’t have ducting systems or in which the central AC unit is the main cooling system. By installing a portable AC unit 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 reduce moisture. This is another common reason for hot spots and can cause the room to feel uncomfortable. The units should come with washable filters to provide the best performance, and a remote controller to make the operation simpler. Choose ENERGY START-certified models that meet efficiency standards to reduce energy and cost when in comparison to non-certified units.
If you choose to opt for a portable option, it’s essential to choose a dual-hose unit instead of a one-hose model. Dual-hose models allow outside air to be drawn into the condenser coils that are hot, then blown out through the other hose. This improves the efficiency and reduces the sound of the unit. This option may cost more but the savings and comfort could make it worth the extra expense.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, often 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 by thin piping that is shaped like electrical wires through small openings in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent option for condos because they can be placed in places that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. This makes them the ideal cooling option for a lot of Southwest Florida homes and condominiums as homeowners don’t want to cut into the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless unit, air is cool by the unit in the indoor as it passes through refrigerant-filled tubing from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than traditional models and allows you to cool your home without causing disturbance to others. Certain ductless systems have heating capabilities as well which means you can enjoy all year-round comfort.
A ductless system can be suitable for various types of spaces, including sunrooms garages, and bedrooms. They can also improve the comfort of older homes, apartments, and condos that have not been fitted with 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 because it doesn’t need to force air over long distances. It also helps reduce your electricity costs. They are smaller than forced-air systems which can help them reduce the cost of installation and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling efficiency, and can be tailored to your personal preferences in temperature. They can improve the air quality of your condo, as well, with an efficient filtering system that can remove harmful particles from the air. This can help you avoid allergy and asthma symptoms, while maintaining your condo’s temperature throughout the season. Contact us today if you’re looking to learn more. Our experienced technicians are ready to assist you. We can assist you in choosing the most appropriate air conditioner for your particular situation by assessing your requirements.
