Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern condos and apartments do not come with air conditioning units. The ones that do have floor-to-ceiling windows which offer stunning views, but let in too much light and heat.
If your building has ductwork, a central AC system is a good idea. However, if it doesn’t, the HVAC contractors Brick spoke to say most board are now accepting mini-splits with ductless technology.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners can be a cheap and easy way 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 do not have ductwork. They do have some drawbacks and should be considered prior to buying.
Window ACs are able to be used to cool a small area, so they are not suitable for homes with a larger area. It’s also essential to select models with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They can also be a security threat, as they are easily removed allowing easy access into your home.
Depending on the dimensions of the unit as well as the type of window it’s set in, you may have to install accordions or wooden to block any space around both sides of the window. The majority of window units come with a window installation kit that can be used to easily install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and attaching the sleeve to the exterior of the frame. For larger models that have higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide across rails. The sleeve then gets attached to the frame using brackets that attach it to the window.
To determine the size unit you’ll need to purchase, multiply the square footage by the number BTUs required to cool the room. To maximize efficiency, take into consideration whether the room receives a lot of sun or is on the upper floors. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it can save you money on energy over time. Our HVAC experts recommend investing in central AC for a long-term solution. The initial cost might be higher but it will pay for itself over time with lower monthly utility bills and a longer service life than multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling system that functions as a space heater. The units are designed to connect to an outlet, and the tube, or mini-duct, will run out the window to vent heat and CO2 (not to confuse with the poisonous gas CO2). The units can be moved from room to room, and are typically sized according to their cooling capacity, which is determined by BTU ratings. A unit should be designed according to the space it is intended to be utilized in. The units that are too big won’t cool well and can get worn out faster than.
These units are usually used in apartment buildings and homes that have been converted without ducting systems. The primary cooling method is through the central AC unit. By installing an AC unit portable in one or more rooms, you will be able to reduce the burden on your central system and save money and energy.
The most effective portable units have a dehumidifier setting to cut down on the amount of moisture. This is a typical reason for hot spots, and it can make the space feel uncomfortable. The units should have washable filters for optimum performance, and a remote controller to make the operation simpler. Choose energy STAR certified models to save money and energy when compared 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. The dual-hose models allow outside air to be drawn into the hot condenser coils and then expelled through the other hose. This improves the efficiency of the unit, and it helps to minimize the noise generated by the process. It is more expensive to purchase a portable unit with this feature, but it could be worth it in terms of savings and ease of use.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, also referred to as mini-splits are duct-free alternatives to central air conditioning. They consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, and thin piping running through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a fantastic option for condos since they can be put in places that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. They are the perfect cooling solution for a lot of Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments since homeowners do not wish to cut into floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless system air is cooled by the indoor unit when it travels through refrigerant-filled tubing from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter in comparison to other systems, meaning it is possible to cool your space without disturbing others. Certain ductless systems have heating capabilities, too which means you can enjoy all year-round peace and comfort.
The ductless system is perfect for many spaces, such as sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also enhance the comfort of older homes, apartments, and condos that have not been fitted with ductwork. This type of system can also be used in multifamily homes since it can easily be adapted to different occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is also more energy efficient than traditional systems since it doesn’t need to force air over long distances. This means that it can cut down on your energy bills by a significant amount. They are smaller than forced-air systems which can help them reduce the cost of installation and space.
Ductless systems are a great option to replace the obtrusive window air conditioners in condo buildings due to their superior cooling performance and customized temperature control. With an air filtration system that removes harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality of your condo. This can help you avoid asthma and allergies and keeps your home cool all year. Contact us today if you’re looking to learn more. Our technicians are ready to assist you. We can assess your needs and help select the most suitable air conditioning solution for your specific situation.