Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern condos and apartments do not have air conditioning built in. They do have floor-to-ceiling windows which offer amazing views, but let in too much sun and heat.
If your home has ductwork then central AC system might be a good option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke to told us that if your home doesn’t have ductwork, a central AC system might be the best option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an easy and cost-effective way to cool a condo without installing ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from a room and replacing it with cooler air, making them an ideal choice for those with a limited budget or older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they have certain disadvantages that must be considered prior to making a purchase.
Window ACs are confined to cooling a single room, making them not the best option for homes with a large number of rooms. They also consume lots of energy, making it important to look for models that have 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 house.
You may have to put in accordions, or wood, to block the extra space around the window. Most window units come with an installation kit for windows that can be used to install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and then attaching the sleeve to the outside of the frame. For larger models with a higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to move back and forth on rails, and the sleeve is connected to the frame with brackets that secure it to the window.
To determine the size unit you’ll need, multiply the square footage by the number of BTUs needed to cool the room. To maximize efficiency, think about whether your room gets lots of sunlight or is located on an upper floor. A larger unit is more expensive, but it can save you money on energy over time. For a more long-term solution we recommend that our HVAC experts recommend investing in central AC system. Although the initial cost is more expensive, it will pay for itself in the long run by reducing monthly costs and a longer life span than a variety of 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 mini-duct or tube will run out of an opening to vent 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 the unit should be designed to suit the intended space because larger units won’t provide adequate cooling and can get worn out faster than needed.
They are mostly in apartment buildings or converted homes that do not have ducting systems, and where the central AC unit is the primary cooling system. The use of portable ACs in a room or two could reduce the burden on the central system, which can save electricity and money.
The best portable units also have a dehumidifier setting to cut down on moisture. This is a typical reason for hot spots and can cause the room to feel uncomfortable. The units should also include washable filters to ensure the performance of the unit and a remote control for easy operation. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified models that meet efficiency standards to save money and electricity when compared with non-certified units.
If you choose to go for a portable model it is important to select a dual-hose model rather than a single-hose model. Dual-hose models draw outside air through condenser coils, and then blow it out through the other hose. This improves the efficiency and reduces the sound level of the unit. This feature could cost more however the savings and comfort could be worth the extra cost.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives to central air conditioners. They are comprised of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units that are connected with thin piping that functions as electrical wires through small openings in your walls. Ductless systems are a fantastic option for condos since they can be put in areas that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. This makes them the ideal cooling option for a lot of Southwest Florida homes and condominiums because homeowners typically don’t want to cut into walls and floors for ductwork.
In a ductless cooling system the indoor unit cools air as it passes through tubing filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter when compared to other options, which means it is possible to cool your room without causing disturbance to others. Certain ductless systems also provide heating which means you can enjoy all-year-round peace and comfort.
The ductless system is perfect for a variety of spaces like garages, sunrooms and bedrooms. They can also increase the quality of life for older homes, apartments and condos without ductwork. This type of system can also be utilized in multifamily housing because it can easily be adapted to different types of occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is also more energy efficient than traditional systems because it doesn’t have to push air over long distances. It also helps reduce your electric bills. They are also smaller than forced-air systems which can help them reduce the cost of installation 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 customized temperature control. They can improve the air quality in your apartment, too with a highly efficient filtering system that removes harmful particles from the air. This can help you avoid asthma and allergies while also keeping your space at a comfortable temperature all season. If you’re looking to learn more about the benefits of installing a ductless system in your condominium, contact us today! Our technicians are available to assist you. We can assist you in choosing the ideal air conditioner for your needs by assessing your requirements.
