Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern condos and apartments don’t come with built-in air conditioning units. Many of the apartments and condos with air conditioning units are outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows which offer great views but also a lot of sunlight and heat.
If your home is duct-worked then a central AC system might be a good option. If not however, the HVAC contractors Brick spoke to say most board are now accepting ductless mini-splits.
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 on a tight budget or older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they do have some drawbacks that need to be considered before making the purchase.
Window ACs are limited to cooling a single room, making them not the best option for homes with a large number of rooms. They also consume a lot of energy, making it essential to select models that have high energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. Furthermore, they pose an security risk since the windows can be removed easily and provide easy access to your home.
Depending on the size of the unit and the type of window it’s installed in, you may have to install accordions or wooden to block off any extra space around both sides of the window. The majority of window units come with an installation kit for windows which you can use to install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and affixing the sleeve on the outside of the window frame. For larger models with more BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide on rails, and the sleeve is connected to the frame using brackets.
To determine the size unit you require, simply multiply the area of your room by the number of BTUs that it needs to cool it comfortably. To maximize efficiency, take into consideration whether the room gets a lot of sunlight or is located on the upper floor. A larger unit will be more costly, but can help you save on 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 could be higher but it will pay for itself 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 systems that function as space heaters. They are designed to plug into an outlet, and a mini-duct or tube will be able to exit an opening to vent heat and carbon dioxide (not to be confused with the toxic gas carbon monoxide). They are portable and are determined by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit must be sized in accordance with the space it will be utilized in. Oversized units won’t be able to cool effectively and may get worn out faster than.
These units are most often utilized in apartment buildings as well as converted homes without ducting systems. The principal cooling method is central AC unit. Using a portable AC in a single or multiple rooms can help reduce the load on central systems, thereby saving electricity and also money.
The best portable units will also have an option to dehumidify to lessen humidity, which is a frequent cause of hot spots and can make a room feel unbearably warm. The units should also include washable filters to maintain the performance of the unit and remote controls for simple operation. Choose ENERGY STAR certified models to save money and energy compared to non-certified units.
If you decide to go the portable route it is important to select the dual-hose model over one-hose options. Dual-hose models permit air from outside to be drawn into the condenser coils heated to a certain temperature and then expelled through the other hose. This significantly increases the effectiveness of the unit, and helps reduce the sound generated by the process. It may cost more to purchase a portable unit with this feature, but it will be worth the cost in terms of savings and the comfort.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives for central air conditioners. They are comprised of an outdoor unit, one or more indoor units, and thin piping that runs through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent option for condos since they can be installed in places that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. They are the perfect cooling solution for many Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments since homeowners do not want to cut into floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless unit, air is cooled by the indoor unit as it passes through refrigerant-filled tubes from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than traditional models and allows you to cool your room without causing disturbance to others. Some ductless systems also offer heating, so you can have year-round comfort.
A ductless system is suitable for various types of spaces, including sunrooms bedrooms, and garages. They can also enhance comfort in older houses or apartments as well as condos that are not equipped with ductwork. This kind of system can also be utilized in multifamily housing because it is easily adaptable to different occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is more energy-efficient than conventional systems due to the fact that it doesn’t have to push air over long distances. It can also lower your electricity bills. They are also smaller than forced-air systems, which can help them reduce the cost of installation and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling efficiency, and can be customized to your personal preferences in temperature. With an air filtration system that filters out harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality of your condominium. This helps you avoid allergies and asthma and keeps your home cool throughout the year. Contact us today if looking to learn more. Our skilled technicians are waiting to assist you. We can assist you in choosing the ideal air conditioner for your particular situation by assessing your needs.