Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern apartments and condos do not come with air conditioning units. Many of the condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, that offer stunning views but also a lot of heat and sunlight.
If your home has ductwork then an central AC system could be ideal. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with said that if the building isn’t equipped with ductwork, a central AC system is a good option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a cheap and easy way to cool your apartment without the need for ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from a space and replacing it with cooler air, which makes them an ideal choice for those on a tight budget or older homes that don’t have ductwork. There are some disadvantages that must be considered prior purchasing.
Window ACs are limited to cooling a single room, so they’re not a great option for homes with a large number of rooms. They also consume lots of energy, so it’s crucial to choose models with high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. They could also pose an issue for security, since they are easily removed, allowing easy access into your home.
You may have to put in accordions, or wood, to block out the excess space around the window. It is possible to install most window units yourself using a window installation set. Simply place the chassis inside the frame and attach the sleeves. For larger models with higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to move across rails and the sleeve is attached to the frame using brackets that hold it to the window.
To determine the right size of unit you require you simply need to multiply the square footage of your space by the amount of BTUs it requires to be able to cool comfortably. To maximize efficiency, take into consideration whether your room gets plenty of sunlight or is located on the upper floor. A larger unit is more expensive, but will help you save money on energy over time. Our HVAC experts suggest investing in a central AC for an investment that will last for a long time. The initial cost could be higher, but it will pay for itself over time, with lower utility bills each month and a longer life span than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a standalone cooling device that functions as a space heater. They are designed to be plugged into an outlet, and a tube or mini-duct will be able to exit an opening to vent heat and carbon dioxide (not to be confused with the harmful gas carbon monoxide). They are portable and are sized by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit should be sized in accordance with the space it will be used in. Oversized units will not be able to cool effectively and may wear out faster than necessary.
They are typically in apartment buildings or converted homes that don’t have ducting systems or where the central AC unit is the primary cooling system. By installing an AC unit portable in one or more rooms, you can reduce the load on your central system and reduce the cost of electricity and money.
The most reliable portable units also have the option of dehumidifying to cut down on the amount of moisture that is a frequent cause of hot spots. It can make a room feel uncomfortably warm. The units should be equipped with washable filters for optimum performance, and a remote controller to make operation more simple. Select energy STAR certified models to save money and energy when compared to non-certified units.
If you decide to opt for a portable option, it’s important to select an hose-to-hose system instead of a single-hose model. The dual-hose models allow outside air to be drawn into the hot condenser coils and then expelled through the other hose. This improves the efficiency of the unit and helps reduce the sound generated by the process. This feature could cost more however the benefits and comfort make it worth the extra money.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives for central air conditioners. They are made up of an outdoor unit, one or more indoor units and thin piping that runs through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems make a great choice for condos because they can be used in areas in areas where traditional HVAC ducts are not possible. This makes them the perfect cooling option for many Southwest Florida homes and condominiums as homeowners don’t want to cut into walls and floors for ductwork.
In a ductless unit, air is chilled by the indoor unit by passing through refrigerant-filled tubes from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than other models and allows you to cool your space without disturbing other. Some ductless systems offer heating capabilities, too to provide all year round comfort.
A ductless system is ideal for many types of spaces, such as sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also improve the comfort of older homes, apartments and condos without ductwork. This kind of system is also ideal for multifamily housing, as it can easily adapt to various occupancy patterns and requirements.
Additionally the ductless system can be a lot more energy efficient than traditional systems, since it doesn’t have to force air over long distances. As a result, it can reduce your power consumption significantly. They are also smaller than forced air systems, saving on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems are a fantastic option to replace the obtrusive window air conditioners in condominium buildings, because they offer superior cooling performance and personal temperature control. They can improve the air quality of your apartment, in addition with a highly efficient filtering system that can remove harmful particles from the air. This can help you avoid asthma and allergies, while keeping your space cool throughout the year. Contact us today if ready to learn more. Our technicians are on hand to assist you. We can assist you in determining the best air conditioner for your situation by assessing your needs.
