Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos don’t come with built-in air cooling units. Many condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows which provide great views, but also a lot of sunshine and heat.
If your building is equipped with ductwork, then central AC is a good option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with said that if your building doesn’t have ductwork, a central air conditioning system is a good option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an affordable and simple way to cool your home without the need for ductwork. They take warm air out of the room and replace it with cooler air. This is a great option for people on a budget or older homes without ductwork. There are some disadvantages that must be considered prior to purchasing.
Window ACs are able to cool a single space and are therefore not suitable for homes with a larger area. It’s also important to pick models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. Additionally, they’re an security risk since the windows are easily removed and give easy access to your house.
It is possible to install accordions or even wood to block out the excess space around the window. It is possible to install most window units by yourself using the window installation set. Simply put the chassis in the frame and then attach the sleeve. For larger models with higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide between rails. The sleeve then gets connected to the frame with brackets that attach it to the window.
To determine the right size unit you require you simply need to multiply the square footage of your space by the number of BTUs it needs to cool it comfortably. Take into consideration whether the room is a high-rise building or gets plenty of sunlight. A larger unit is more expensive, but it could save you money in energy costs over time. Our HVAC experts recommend buying a central AC for long-term solutions. The initial cost may be higher but it will pay off over time, with lower monthly utility bills and a longer service life than multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are independent cooling systems that function as space heaters. 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 poisonous gas CO2). The units can be moved from rooms and are typically sized based on their cooling capacity, which is measured by BTU ratings. To get the best results, a unit should be sized to accommodate its intended room, as oversized units won’t provide enough cooling and could be more prone to wear down than.
They are typically employed in apartment buildings and converted homes without ducting systems, where the primary method of cooling is a central AC unit. By using an AC unit that is portable in one or more rooms, you can reduce the burden on the central system and save money and energy.
The most reliable portable units will include a dehumidifier mode to reduce the amount of moisture that is a common cause of hot spots and can make a room feel uncomfortably warm. The units should be equipped with washable filters for optimum performance, as well as remote controls to make the operation simpler. Choose ENERGY START-certified models that meet efficiency standards to reduce energy and cost when as compared to non-certified models.
If you choose to go with a portable option it’s crucial to choose a dual-hose model rather than one-hose options. Dual-hose models draw air from outside through the condenser coils and then blow it out through the other hose. This improves the efficiency of the unit, and also helps to reduce the noise generated by the process. It might cost more to purchase a portable unit that has this feature, but it could be worth it in terms of savings and comfort.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, often referred to as mini-splits are duct-free alternatives to central air conditioning. They are made up of an outdoor unit as well as one or more indoor units and thin piping that runs through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a great option for condos since they can be put in places where traditional HVAC ducts can’t. This makes them a great cooling option for a lot of Southwest Florida homes and condominiums, since homeowners often do not want to cut through the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless cooling system the indoor unit cools the air as it moves through the tubing that is filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter in comparison to other options, which means it is possible to cool your space without disturbing others. Some ductless systems offer heating capabilities as well which means you can enjoy all year-round comfort.
A ductless system is ideal for a variety of spaces, such as sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also improve the quality of life for older homes condominiums, apartments, and homes that do not have ductwork. This kind of system can also be utilized in multifamily housing because it is easily adaptable to various kinds of occupancy patterns.
In addition, a ductless system can be more energy efficient than traditional systems, as it does not have to force air across long distances. It can also reduce your electricity bills. They are smaller than forced-air systems, which helps them save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems offer superior cooling performance and can be customized to your personal preferences in temperature. They can improve the air quality of your apartment, too with a highly efficient filtering system that eliminates harmful particles from the air. This can help you avoid asthma and allergies, while keeping your space at a comfortable temperature throughout the season. Contact us today if interested in learning more. Our technicians are available to assist you. We can help you determine the best air conditioner for your needs by assessing your requirements.