Air Conditioners For Condos
A majority of modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning systems built in. A lot of condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are outfitted with floor-to ceiling windows, which offer great views but also too much sunlight and heat.
If your building is equipped with ductwork, then central AC could be the best option. If not, the HVAC contractors Brick spoke to say most board are now welcoming ductless mini-splits.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a simple and affordable way to cool a condo without installing ductwork. They take warm air out of the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them a good option for those with a tight budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. However, they do have some drawbacks that need to be considered prior to making the purchase.
Window ACs are confined to cooling a single room, which makes them not a good option for larger homes. They also consume a lot of energy, so it’s important to look for models with high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. Additionally, they’re a security risk, as the windows can be removed easily and provide easy access to your house.
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 that you can use to easily install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and then attaching the sleeve to the exterior of the window frame. 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’ll require by multiplying the square footage by the number of BTUs needed to cool the room effectively. Be aware of whether the room is an apartment building that is high-rise or receives plenty of sunlight. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it could save you money in energy costs over time. To ensure a longer-term solution we recommend that our HVAC experts suggest purchasing a central AC system. The initial cost might be higher but it will pay off over time with lower monthly utility bills and a longer lifespan as compared to multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are cooling units that function like space heaters. They are designed to plug into an outlet, and a tube or mini-duct will be able to exit the window to let out carbon dioxide and heat (not to be confused with the toxic gas carbon monoxide). The units are portable and are sized by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). For the best results, the unit should be designed to fit in the space it is intended for, as oversized units won’t provide enough cooling and could wear down faster than necessary.
They are mostly in apartment buildings or homes that don’t have ducting systems, and in which the central AC unit is the main cooling system. The use of portable AC units in a room or two can help reduce the load on your central system, saving electricity and money.
The most effective portable units come with a dehumidifier option to cut down on moisture. This is a typical reason for hot spots, and can make the room feel uncomfortable. The units should also come with washable filters to ensure performance and remote controls for simple operation. Choose the ENERGY STAR certified models to save money and electricity when compared to non-certified units.
If you opt to opt for a portable option, it’s crucial to choose a dual-hose unit instead of a single-hose model. Dual-hose models permit outside air to be drawn into the condenser coils heated to a certain temperature, then blown out through the other hose. This improves the efficiency of the unit and it helps to minimize the noise generated by the process. It might cost more to purchase a portable unit that has this feature, but it will be worth the cost in terms of savings and ease of use.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives to central air conditioners. They consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units which are connected by thin piping that is shaped like electrical wires through small openings in your walls. Ductless systems make a great option for condos since they can be installed in areas where traditional HVAC ducts simply aren’t feasible. This makes them a great cooling option for many Southwest Florida homes and condominiums, since homeowners often don’t want to cut through the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless unit, air is cool by the unit in the indoor by passing through refrigerant-filled tubes from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter in comparison to other alternatives, so it’s possible to cool your space without causing disturbance to others. Some ductless systems can also provide heating, so you can have all year round comfort.
A ductless system is suitable for various types of spaces, such as sunrooms, bedrooms, and garages. They can also increase the quality of life in older houses condominiums, apartments, and homes which aren’t equipped with ductwork. This type of system can also be utilized in multifamily housing as it is easily adaptable to different kinds of occupancy patterns.
Additionally that, a ductless system could be much more energy efficient than traditional systems, as it does not need to force air across long distances. This means that 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 fantastic 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 of your apartment, too by utilizing a powerful filtering system that removes harmful particles from the air. This helps you stay away from allergies and asthma and keeps your home cool throughout the season. Contact us today if you’re interested in learning more. Our knowledgeable technicians are available to assist you. We can assist you in determining the most appropriate air conditioner for your needs by assessing your requirements.