Air Conditioners For Condos
A majority of modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning systems installed. Many apartments and condos with air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, which provide great views, but also too much heat and sunlight.
If your house is equipped with ductwork then central AC is a good option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with told us that if your home doesn’t have any ductwork, then a central AC system could be ideal.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners can be an inexpensive and simple method to cool your apartment without the need for ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from a room and replacing it with cooler air, making them a fantastic choice for those with a limited budget or older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they do have a few drawbacks and must be considered prior purchase.
Window ACs can only cool a single space and are therefore not suitable for homes with a larger area. It’s also important to choose models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They can also be a security threat, as they are easily removed, giving you easy access to your home.
Depending on the dimensions of the unit as well as the kind of window it’s placed in, you may have to put in accordions or even wood to block any space around both sides of the window. It is possible to install the majority of window units yourself using an installation set for windows. Simply put the chassis in the frame and then attach the sleeve. For larger models with larger BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, and the sleeve attached to the frame with brackets.
To determine what size unit you require to purchase, simply multiply the square footage of your room by the number of BTUs it needs to cool it comfortably. To maximize efficiency, consider whether your room gets lots of sunlight or is located on the upper floor. A larger unit is more expensive, but it can help you save on energy costs over time. For a more long-term solution we recommend that our HVAC experts suggest investing in central AC system. Although the initial cost is much more expensive, it will eventually pay off over the years with lower monthly utilities and a longer service life than multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling system that functions like a space heater. They are designed to plug into an outlet, and a mini-duct or tube can be run through a window to vent heat and carbon dioxide (not to be confused with the harmful gas carbon monoxide). The units are portable and can be determined by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit must be sized according to the space it is intended to be used in. The units that are too big won’t cool well and can get worn out faster than.
These units are most often utilized in apartment buildings as well as homes that have been converted without ducting systems, where the principal cooling method is the central AC unit. Utilizing portable ACs in a single or multiple rooms could reduce the burden on the central system, which can save energy and money.
The best portable units will also come with a dehumidifier mode to reduce moisture, which is another frequent reason for hot spots and can make a room feel uncomfortably warm. The units should also come with washable filters to ensure performance and remote controls for effortless operation. Find ENERGY STAR-certified models that comply with efficiency standards to save electricity and money as compared to non-certified models.
If you decide to go with a portable option it’s crucial to choose a dual-hose model instead of a single-hose model. Dual-hose models draw air from outside through the condenser coils and then blow it out using the other hose. This greatly increases the efficiency of the unit and also helps to reduce the noise generated by the process. This option may cost more however the savings and comfort could be worth the extra money.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits can be ductless replacements 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 are an excellent option for condos because they can be put in areas that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. They are the perfect cooling solution for many Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments, as homeowners don’t wish to cut into the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless unit, air is chilled by the indoor unit as it passes through refrigerant-filled tubes from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter in comparison to other options, which means it’s possible to cool your home without causing disturbance to others. Certain ductless systems come with heating capabilities as well which means you can enjoy year-round comfort.
The ductless system is ideal for many spaces like garages, sunrooms, and bedrooms. They can also enhance the quality of life in older houses condominiums, apartments, and homes which aren’t equipped with ductwork. This type of system could also be utilized in multifamily housing because it is easily adaptable to various kinds of 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. In turn, it can lower your power bills significantly. They are also smaller than forced air systems, which saves on costs of installation and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling performance, and they can be tailored to suit your individual preferences for temperature. With a filtering system that eliminates harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality in your apartment. This helps you stay away from asthma and allergies and keeps your home cool throughout the year. If you’re looking to learn more about the benefits of installing an ductless system in your condominium, contact us today! Our technicians are on hand to assist you. We can assess your needs and help you choose the best air conditioning solution for your specific situation.
