Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern apartments and condos do not come with air cooling units. A lot of apartments and condos that have air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows which provide great views, but also too much sunlight and heat.
If your home is duct-worked then central AC system could be ideal. If not, 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 a cheap and easy way to cool your condo without the need for ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from a room and replacing it with cooler air, which makes them an ideal choice for people on a tight budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. They do have some drawbacks and must be considered prior to purchase.
Window ACs are only capable of cooling a single room, so they’re not a great option for larger homes. They also consume a lot of energy, making it crucial to choose models with high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. They can also be a security threat, as they can be easily removed, giving you easy access to your home.
You may need to install accordions or even wood to block out the excess space around the window. It is possible to install most window units by yourself using a window installation set. Simply slide the chassis into the frame and attach the sleeves. For larger models with larger BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, and the sleeve connected to the frame using brackets.
To determine the size unit you will need to purchase, multiply the square footage by the number of BTUs required to cool the room effectively. To maximize efficiency, think about whether the room gets a lot of sunlight or is located on the upper floor. A larger HVAC unit will be more expensive, but it can help you save money on energy over time. If you want to have a long-term solution we recommend that our HVAC experts suggest investing in 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 life span as compared to multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are standalone cooling systems that function as space heaters. The units are designed to connect to an outlet and a tube, or mini-duct, is able to be run through the window to let CO2 and heat out (not to be confused with the poisonous gas CO2). The units can be moved from room to room and are typically sized based on their cooling capacity, which is defined by BTU ratings. For the best results, the unit should be constructed to fit in the space it is intended for because larger units won’t provide adequate cooling and can wear down faster than necessary.
They are typically utilized in apartment buildings as well as converted homes that do not have ducting systems, in which the principal cooling method is a central AC unit. The use of portable AC units in a room or two can reduce the workload on your central system, saving electricity and money.
The best portable units also have a dehumidifier setting to reduce humidity. This is another common reason for hot spots and it can make the space feel uncomfortable. The units should come with washable filters to provide the best performance, and a remote controller to make operation more simple. Choose the ENERGY STAR certified models to save money and electricity compared to non-certified units.
If you decide to go for a portable model, it’s important to choose the dual-hose model over a single-hose model. Dual-hose models allow outside air to be drawn in through the condenser coils that are hot and then blown out via the other hose. This improves the efficiency and lowers the sound of the unit. This feature may cost more, but the savings and comfort could make it worth the extra money.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, also referred to as mini-splits, are duct-free alternatives to central air conditioning. They comprise an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, which are connected via thin piping that runs like electrical wires through small openings in your walls. Ductless systems make a great choice for condos because they can be used in areas where traditional HVAC ducts are not possible. They are the ideal cooling solution for many Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments, as homeowners don’t want to cut into the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless cooling system, the indoor unit cools air as it travels through tubing filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter when compared to other options, which means it is possible to cool your home without causing disturbance to others. Some ductless systems offer heating capabilities as well which means you can enjoy all year-round comfort.
A ductless system can be suitable for various types of spaces, including sunrooms garages, and bedrooms. They can also improve the quality of life in older houses, apartments, and condos that are not equipped with ductwork. This kind of system is also suitable for multifamily homes, since it is able to easily adapt to different needs and patterns of occupancy.
In addition that, a ductless system could be much more energy efficient than traditional systems because it does not need to push air over long distances. It can also reduce your electric bills. They are also smaller than forced air systems, saving on the installation cost and space.
Ductless systems are a great choice to replace obtrusive window air conditioners in condo buildings, because they provide superior cooling performance and customized temperature control. With an air filtering system that removes harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality in your condo. This will aid in avoiding allergies and asthma while ensuring your condo’s temperature throughout the all year. Contact us today if you’re ready to learn more. Our skilled technicians are waiting to assist you. We will assess your requirements and help you determine the best air conditioning solution for your particular situation.