Air Conditioners For Condos
A majority of modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning systems installed. Many of the condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows which provide great views, but also a lot of sunshine and heat.
If your home is duct-worked and ductwork, central AC system is a good idea. If not however, the HVAC contractors Brick interviewed said that the majority of board are now accepting mini-splits of ductless.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an inexpensive and simple method to cool your home without the need to install ductwork. They work by removing warm air from a space and replacing it with cooler air, making them a fantastic choice for people on a tight budget or for older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they come with certain disadvantages that must be considered before making the purchase.
Window ACs can only cool a single room which is why they aren’t 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. They can also be a security threat, as they can be easily removed, permitting easy access to your home.
Depending on the size of the unit and the kind of window it’s placed in, you may have to put in accordions or even wood to block out excess space around one or both sides of the window. It is possible to install most window units by yourself using an installation set for windows. Simply put the chassis in the frame and secure the sleeve. For larger models with a higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide across rails and the sleeve is fixed to the frame by brackets that attach it to the window.
To determine the amount of unit you will need to purchase, multiply the square footage by the number of BTUs needed to cool the room. Take into consideration whether the room is an area with high-rises or receives a lot more sunlight. A larger unit is more expensive, but will help you save on energy costs over time. Our HVAC experts recommend buying central AC for long-term solutions. The initial cost could be higher, but it will pay for itself over time, with lower monthly utility bills and a longer life span as compared to multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are cooling units that function like space heaters. The units are designed to plug into an outlet and the tube, or mini-duct, will run out an opening to vent heat and CO2 (not to be confused with the toxic gas CO2). They are mobile and can be measured by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). For the best results, the unit should be designed to suit the intended space, as oversized units won’t provide adequate cooling and can wear down faster than necessary.
They are mostly in apartments or converted homes that don’t have ducting systems or in which the central AC unit is the main cooling system. Using portable ACs in one or more rooms can reduce the workload on the central system, which can save electricity and also money.
The best portable units will include an option to dehumidify to lessen the amount of moisture that is a common cause of hot spots and can make a room feel uncomfortably warm. The units should also have washable filters to ensure the performance of the unit and remote controls for simple operation. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified models that meet efficiency standards and reduce energy and cost when in comparison to non-certified units.
If you choose to move your portable device, it is crucial to choose an hose-to-hose system instead of a one-hose model. Dual-hose models permit air from outside to be drawn in through the condenser coils heated to a certain temperature, then blown out through the other hose. This improves the effectiveness of the unit, and it helps to minimize the sound generated by the process. It may cost more to purchase a portable unit with this feature, but it could be worth it in terms of savings and comfort.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits can be ductless replacements for central air conditioners. They are comprised of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, and thin piping that runs through tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent choice for condos, because they can be put in areas that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. They are the ideal cooling solution for many Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments since homeowners don’t wish to cut into floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless system air is cooled by the indoor unit by passing through refrigerant-filled tubes from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than conventional alternatives, so you can cool your room without disturbing others. Some ductless systems can also provide heating, so you can have all-year-round comfort.
A ductless system can be suitable for various types of spaces, such as sunrooms, garages, bedrooms, and bedrooms. They can also enhance the comfort of older homes condominiums, apartments, and homes which aren’t equipped with ductwork. This kind of system can also be utilized in multifamily homes since it is easily adaptable to various types of occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is also more energy-efficient than conventional systems due to the fact that it doesn’t need to force air over long distances. As a result, it can reduce your energy bills by a significant amount. These systems are also smaller than forced-air systems, which helps them save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems are a great alternative to obstructive window air conditioners in condo buildings, because they provide superior cooling performance and customized temperature control. With an air filtration system that removes harmful air particles, they can also improve the air quality in your apartment. This helps you stay away from allergies and asthma while also keeping your space cool all year. Contact us today if looking to learn more. Our technicians are ready to assist you. We can assist you in choosing the best air conditioner for your particular situation by assessing your requirements.
