Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern condos and apartments do not have air conditioning built in. The ones that do have windows that extend from floor to ceiling, which provide great views, but also let in too much sunlight and heat.
If your home has ductwork and ductwork, a central AC system could be ideal. If not however, the HVAC contractors Brick spoke to say most board are now accepting ductless mini-splits.
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 removing warm air from a space and replacing it with cooler air, making them an ideal choice for people on a tight budget or older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they do have certain disadvantages that must be considered prior to making the purchase.
Window ACs are able to cool a single room and are therefore not suitable for homes with a larger area. It’s also important to choose models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They could also pose an issue for security, since they are easily removed permitting easy access to your home.
You may have to put in accordions, or even wood, to block out the extra space around the window. The majority of window units come with an installation kit for windows which you can use to easily install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and attaching the sleeve to the outside of the frame. For larger models that have larger BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide on rails, and the sleeve is attached to the frame with brackets.
To determine the 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. To maximize efficiency, think about whether the room receives plenty of sunlight or is on the upper floors. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it could save you money in energy costs over time. Our HVAC experts suggest investing in central AC for an investment that will last for a long time. Although the initial cost is much more expensive, it will pay for itself in the long run with lower monthly utilities and a longer life span than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are cooling systems that function as space heaters. The units are designed to connect to an outlet and a tube, also known as a mini-duct, is able to be run through a window in order to let CO2 and heat out (not to confuse with the poisonous gas CO2). They are portable and can be 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 keep cool and wear out faster than necessary.
These units are utilized mostly in apartments or converted homes that don’t have ducting systems, and where the central AC unit is the main cooling system. Utilizing portable ACs in a single or multiple rooms could reduce the burden on the central system, which can save energy and money.
The best portable units will also come with a dehumidifier mode to reduce the amount of moisture that is a frequent reason for hot spots and can make a room feel uncomfortable warm. The units should also have washable filters that can be cleaned to maintain their performance and remote controls for simple operation. Look for 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 the portable route it is important to select a dual-hose model rather than a single-hose option. Dual-hose models draw outside air through the condenser coils and then blow it out using the other hose. This significantly increases the effectiveness of the unit, and also helps to reduce the noise generated by the process. This option may cost more, but the savings and comfort can be worth the extra cost.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, often referred to as mini-splits, are ductless alternatives to central air conditioning. They are comprised 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 a fantastic choice for condos, because they can be placed in spaces 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 the case of a ductless cooling system the indoor unit cools the air as it passes through a tube filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter compared to other systems, meaning it’s possible to cool your space without disturbing other people. Some ductless systems can also provide heating and cooling, allowing you to enjoy year-round luxury.
The ductless system is ideal for many areas, such as garages, sunrooms, and bedrooms. They can also improve comfort in older houses or apartments as well as condos that are not equipped with ductwork. This kind of system can also be used in multifamily housing as it can easily be adapted to various occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is also more energy-efficient than conventional systems due to the fact that it doesn’t have to push air over long distances. As a result, it can reduce your power consumption significantly. These systems are also smaller than forced-air systems, which means they can save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems are superior in cooling performance, and they can be tailored to your own temperature preferences. With an air filtration system that filters out harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality of your condo. This can help you avoid allergy and asthma symptoms and maintain the comfort of your home throughout the all year. If you’re ready to learn more about installing a ductless system into your home, call us now! Our technicians are available to assist you. We will assess your needs and help you determine the best air conditioning solution for your unique situation.