Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning installed. Those that do tend to have windows that extend from floor to ceiling, which provide amazing views, but let in too much light and heat.
If your building has ductwork, then a central AC could be the best option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that if the building isn’t equipped with ductwork, a central air conditioning system could be ideal.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a simple and cost-effective method of cooling a home without installing ductwork. They take warm air out of the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them a good option for those on a budget or older homes without ductwork. However, they do have a few drawbacks, which must be considered prior purchase.
Window ACs are limited to cooling one room, which makes them not the best option for larger homes. It’s also important to choose models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They can also be an issue for security, since they are easily removed, giving you 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 have to install accordions or wooden to block off any extra space around one or both sides of the window. The majority of window units come with a window installation kit that you can use to install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and affixing the sleeve on the outside of the window frame. For larger models that have higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide across rails and the sleeve is fixed to the frame by brackets that attach it to the window.
To determine the amount of unit you’ll need, multiply the square footage by the number of BTUs needed to cool the room comfortably. Take into consideration whether the room is located in a high-rise building or gets lots of sunlight. A larger HVAC unit will be more costly, but can help you save money on energy over time. If you want to have a long-term solution for your home, our HVAC experts recommend purchasing a central AC system. The initial cost may be higher but it will pay for itself in the long run with lower monthly utility bills and a longer service life than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are standalone cooling systems that function as space heaters. 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 are mobile and can be determined by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). For the best results, a unit should be sized to suit the intended space as larger units will not provide adequate cooling and can be more prone to wear down than.
These units are utilized most often in apartments or converted homes that don’t have ducting systems, and where the central AC unit is the main cooling system. By installing an AC unit that is portable in one or more rooms, you can lessen the load on the central system and reduce the cost of electricity and money.
The most reliable portable units have a dehumidifier setting to decrease humidity. This is a 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 remote controls to make operation more simple. Find ENERGY STAR-certified models that comply with efficiency standards to reduce energy and cost when in comparison to non-certified units.
If you decide to go for a portable model it’s crucial to choose a dual-hose model instead of one-hose options. Dual-hose models draw air from outside through the condenser coils and then blow it out via the other hose. This improves the efficiency and reduces the noise of the unit. This feature may cost more however the benefits and comfort make it worth the extra expense.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, also known as mini-splits, are duct-free alternatives to central air conditioning. 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 tiny openings in your walls. Ductless systems are a great option for condos since they can be put in places where traditional HVAC ducts aren’t feasible. They are the perfect cooling solution for a lot of Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments because homeowners do not want to cut into the 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 than traditional models, so you can cool your room without disturbing other. Some ductless systems can also provide heating, so you can have year-round peace and comfort.
The ductless system is suitable for many spaces like sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also improve comfort in older houses or apartments as well as condos that are not equipped with ductwork. This kind of system can also be used in multifamily housing as it is easily adaptable to different kinds of occupancy patterns.
In addition the ductless system can be more energy efficient than traditional systems because it doesn’t have to force air over long distances. As a result, it can reduce your power bills significantly. They are also smaller than forced-air systems, which helps them save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling performance, and they can be tailored to your own temperature preferences. They can improve the air quality in your condo, as well by utilizing a powerful filtering system that removes harmful particles from the air. This helps you avoid asthma and allergies while also keeping your space comfortable throughout the year. If you are ready to learn more about installing an ductless system in your home, call us today! Our experienced technicians are ready to help. We can assess your needs and help select the most suitable air conditioning solution for your unique situation.
