Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern apartments and condos don’t come with built-in air cooling units. Many apartments and condos with air conditioning units are fitted with floor-to ceiling windows, which offer great views but also a lot of sunlight and heat.
If your home is equipped with ductwork, then central AC is a good option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with told us that if your home doesn’t have any ductwork, then a central AC system might be the best option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners can be a cheap and easy way to cool your condo without having to install ductwork. They take warm air out of the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them an ideal choice for those on a budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. However, they have some drawbacks that need to be considered prior to making a purchase.
Window ACs are able to be used to cool a small area which is why they aren’t suitable for larger homes. They also consume plenty of energy, making it essential to select models with high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. In addition, they pose a security risk because windows can be easily removed and allow easy access to your home.
You may have to put in accordions, or even wood, to block the extra space around the window. The majority of window units come with an installation kit for windows that can be used to easily install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and attaching the sleeve on the outside of the window frame. For larger models with larger BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide on rails, and the sleeve is attached to the frame with brackets.
To determine the amount of unit you’ll need to purchase, multiply the square footage by the amount of BTUs needed to cool the room comfortably. To maximize efficiency, think about whether the room gets a lot of sunlight or is located on an upper floor. A larger unit is more costly, but can help you save money on energy over time. Our HVAC experts recommend investing in central AC for an investment that will last for a long time. Although the initial cost is much more expensive, it will eventually be able to pay for itself in the long run with lower monthly utilities and a longer lifespan than a variety of window units.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a standalone cooling system that functions as a space heater. The units are designed to connect to an outlet and the tube, or mini-duct, is able to be run through a window in order to vent heat and CO2 (not to confuse with the toxic gas CO2). They are portable and are measured by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit should be designed in accordance with the space it is intended to be utilized in. Oversized units will not be able to cool effectively and may wear out faster than necessary.
They are typically in apartment buildings or homes that do not have ducting systems and in which the central AC unit is the main cooling system. By installing an AC unit portable in one or more of your rooms, you can lessen the burden on the central system and reduce the cost of electricity and money.
The most reliable portable units also come with the option of dehumidifying to cut down on the amount of moisture that is a frequent cause of hot spots. It can make a room feel unbearably warm. The units should be equipped with washable filters to ensure optimal performance, and a remote controller to make operation easier. Choose energy STAR certified models to save money and energy when compared to non-certified units.
If you decide to go with a portable option it’s crucial to choose the dual-hose model over a single-hose option. Dual-hose models permit air from outside to be drawn in through the condenser coils that are hot and then blown out via the other hose. This improves the effectiveness of the unit, and it helps to minimize the noise produced by the process. It is more expensive to purchase a portable unit that has this feature, but it can be worth it in terms of savings and ease of use.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, often referred to as mini-splits are duct-free alternatives to central air conditioning. They consist of an outdoor unit as well as one or more indoor units and thin piping running through tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent choice for condos, because they can be installed in areas that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. This makes them a great cooling option for many Southwest Florida homes and condominiums, since homeowners often don’t want to cut into the walls and floors to install ductwork.
In a ductless system, air is cooled by the indoor unit as it passes through refrigerant-filled tubing coming from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than conventional alternatives, so you can cool your home without disturbing other. Certain ductless systems come with heating capabilities, as well, so you can enjoy year-round comfort.
A ductless system is ideal for many types of spaces, including sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also enhance the quality of life in older houses, apartments, and condos that have not been fitted with ductwork. This type of system can also be utilized in multifamily housing because it is easily adaptable to different kinds of occupancy patterns.
Additionally, a ductless system can be more energy efficient than traditional systems, as it does not need to force air over long distances. As a result, it can cut down on your power consumption significantly. These systems are smaller than forced air systems, saving on the installation cost and space.
Ductless systems are an excellent option to replace the obtrusive window air conditioners in condo buildings, due to their superior cooling performance and more customized temperature control. They can improve the air quality of your apartment, in addition, with an efficient filtering system that can remove harmful particles from the air. This can help you avoid allergies and asthma and keeps your home at a comfortable temperature all season. If you’re looking to learn more about the benefits of installing an ductless system in your condominium, contact us now! Our knowledgeable technicians are available to assist you. We can assess your needs and help select the most suitable air conditioning solution for your specific situation.
