Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern apartments and condos do not come with air cooling units. Many apartments and condos with air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views but also too much sunlight and heat.
If your house is equipped with ductwork then a central AC is a good option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that if the building doesn’t have ductwork, a central AC system could be ideal.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners can be a cheap and easy way to cool your condo without the need to install ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from a room and replacing it with cooler air, which makes them an ideal choice for people on a tight budget or for older homes that don’t have ductwork. They do have some drawbacks, which must be considered prior to purchase.
Window ACs are only capable of cooling one room, which makes them not the best option for larger homes. It’s also important to pick models with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. Furthermore, they pose an security risk since windows can be removed easily and allow easy access to your house.
Depending on the size of the unit and the type of window it’s set in, you may have to install accordions or wood to block off any extra space around both sides of the window. You can install most window units yourself using a window installation set. Simply slide the chassis into the frame and then attach the sleeve. For larger models with more BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, with the sleeve connected to the frame using brackets.
To determine the size unit you need, simply multiply the area of your room by the number of BTUs that it needs to cool it comfortably. Take into consideration whether the room is an apartment building that is high-rise or receives lots of sunlight. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it will save you money in energy costs over time. For a more long-term solution for your home, our HVAC experts recommend purchasing a central AC system. Although the initial cost is more expensive, it will pay for itself in the long run with lower monthly utilities and a longer life span than multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are cooling systems that work like space heaters. They are designed to plug into an outlet, and a tube or mini-duct will run out of an opening to vent carbon dioxide and heat (not to be confused with the toxic gas carbon monoxide). They are portable and are sized by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). For the best results the unit should be constructed to fit in the space it is intended for as larger units will not provide adequate cooling and can be more prone to wear down than.
These units are most often utilized in apartment buildings as well as homes that have been converted without ducting systems, in which the primary method of cooling is central AC unit. By installing a portable AC unit in one or more of your rooms, you can lessen the load on your central system, and save money and energy.
The most reliable portable units will include a dehumidifier mode to reduce moisture, which is another common cause of hot spots and can make a room feel uncomfortably warm. The units should be equipped with washable filters to provide the best performance, as well as a remote controller to make operation more simple. Find ENERGY STAR-certified models that comply with efficiency standards to save money and electricity when in comparison to non-certified units.
If you choose 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 via the other hose. This significantly increases the efficiency of the unit, and helps reduce the noise generated by the process. This feature could cost more, but the benefits and comfort be worth the extra cost.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives for central air conditioners. They are comprised of an outdoor unit, one or more indoor units, and thin piping that is inserted into small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent option for condos because they can be put in areas that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. They are the ideal cooling solution for a lot of Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments since homeowners do not want to cut into the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless cooling system the indoor unit cools the air as it travels through tubing filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter compared to other options, which means it’s possible to cool your space without causing disturbance to others. Some ductless systems offer heating capabilities, too to provide all year-round comfort.
The ductless system is suitable for many spaces, such as sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also increase the quality of life in older houses condominiums, apartments, and homes that are not equipped with ductwork. This kind of system is also suitable for multifamily housing, as it can easily adapt to different demands and occupancy patterns.
Additionally the ductless system can be a lot more energy efficient than traditional systems, since it does not need to push air over long distances. As a result, it can reduce your power bills significantly. They are smaller than forced-air systems which helps them reduce the cost of installation and space.
Ductless systems are an excellent option to replace the obtrusive window air conditioners in condo buildings, because they provide superior cooling performance and customized temperature control. They can improve the air quality in your condo, as well with a highly efficient filtering system that can remove harmful particles from the air. This helps you stay away from asthma and allergies, while keeping your space comfortable throughout the year. If you are ready to learn more about installing an ductless system in your apartment, contact us now! Our skilled technicians are waiting to assist. We can assess your requirements and help you select the most suitable air conditioning solution for your unique situation.
