Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos do not have built-in air cooling units. Many of the apartments and condos with air conditioning units are outfitted with floor-to ceiling windows, which provide great views, but also too much sunshine and heat.
If your home has ductwork, then central AC could be the best option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with said that if your building doesn’t have ductwork, a central air conditioning system could be ideal.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an easy and inexpensive method of cooling a home without the need to install ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from rooms and replacing it with cooler air, making them an ideal choice for people on a tight budget or older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they do have a few drawbacks that must be considered prior buying.
Window ACs are able to cool a single room which is why they aren’t suitable for larger homes. It’s also essential to select models with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. Furthermore, they pose a security risk because windows are easily removed and allow an 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 wood to block any space around both sides of the window. It is possible to install most window units yourself using the window installation set. Simply slide the chassis into the frame and then attach the sleeves. For larger models that have a higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide on rails, and the sleeve is fixed to the frame with brackets.
To determine the right size unit you need to purchase, simply multiply the square footage of your room by the number of BTUs that it needs to cool it comfortably. To maximize efficiency, take into consideration whether your room gets lots of sunlight or is on the upper floor. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it can save you money in energy costs over time. Our HVAC experts recommend purchasing a central AC for a long-term solution. Although the initial cost is much higher, it will be able to pay for itself over time with lower monthly utilities and a longer service life than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a standalone cooling system that functions like a space heater. They are designed to plug into an outlet and a tube or mini-duct can be run through the window to let out heat and carbon dioxide (not to be confused with the harmful gas carbon monoxide). The units are portable and can be measured by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit must be sized according to the space it will be used in. Oversized units will not be able to cool effectively and may be worn out more quickly than.
These units are used mostly in apartment buildings or homes that do not have ducting systems and in which the central AC unit is the primary cooling system. By installing an AC unit portable in one or more of your rooms, you can lessen the burden on your central system, and reduce the cost of electricity and money.
The best portable units also have an option to dehumidify to lessen the amount of moisture that is a frequent cause of hot spots and can make a room feel uncomfortably warm. The units should have washable filters for optimum performance, and a remote controller to make operation more simple. Choose ENERGY START-certified models that meet efficiency standards and reduce energy and cost when compared with 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. Dual-hose models permit air from outside to be drawn in through the condenser coils that are hot and then expelled through the other hose. This increases the efficiency and decreases the sound level of the unit. It may cost more to purchase a portable unit that has this feature, but it will be well worth the investment in terms of savings and ease of use.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives for central air conditioners. They consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units that are connected with thin piping that is shaped like electrical wires through small openings in your walls. Ductless systems are a great choice for condos, because they can be put in areas where traditional HVAC ducts can’t. This makes them the perfect cooling option for a lot of Southwest Florida homes and condominiums as homeowners don’t wish to cut through the walls and floors to install ductwork.
In the case of a ductless cooling system the indoor unit cools the air as it passes through a tube filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than other models which means you can cool your home without causing disturbance to others. Some ductless systems also offer heating, so you can have all-year-round luxury.
A ductless system is suitable for various types of spaces, such as sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also improve comfort for older houses condominiums, apartments, and homes that do not have ductwork. This kind of system can also be used in multifamily housing because it can easily be adapted to various types of occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is also more energy efficient than traditional systems because it doesn’t require the force of air over long distances. It also helps reduce your electricity bills. These systems are smaller than forced air systems, which saves on the installation cost and space.
Ductless systems are superior in cooling performance, and they can be tailored to your personal preferences in temperature. They can improve the air quality in your apartment, in addition, with an efficient filtering system that eliminates harmful particles from the air. This can help you avoid asthma and allergies and keeps your home at a comfortable temperature all season. Contact us today if you’re ready to learn more. Our technicians are ready to assist you. We can assess your requirements and help you determine the best air conditioning solution for your particular situation.