Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos don’t come with built-in air conditioning units. Many condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer great views but also too much heat and sunlight.
If your home is duct-worked, an central AC system might be a good option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with said that if your building does not have any ductwork, then a central AC system might be the best option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a simple and cost-effective way to cool a condo without installing ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from rooms and replacing it with cooler air, making them a great option for those with a limited budget or older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they have some drawbacks that need to be considered prior to making the purchase.
Window ACs are limited to cooling a single room, making them not a great choice for larger homes. They also consume lots of energy, which is why it’s important to look for 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, permitting easy access to your home.
It is possible to install accordions or even wood to block out the extra space around the window. The majority of window units come with a window installation kit which you can use to easily install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and then attaching the sleeve to the outside of the window frame. For larger models with larger BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, with the sleeve fixed to the frame with brackets.
To determine what size of unit you require, simply multiply the area of your room by the amount of BTUs it needs to cool it comfortably. To maximize efficiency, consider whether the room gets a lot of sun or is on the upper floors. A larger unit is more expensive, but it will save you money in energy costs over time. For a more long-term solution for your home, our HVAC experts suggest investing in a central AC system. Although the initial cost is much more expensive, it will be able to pay for itself over time with lower monthly utility bills and a longer service life than multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are cooling units that function like space heaters. The units are designed to connect to an outlet, and the tube, or mini-duct, will run out a window in order to vent heat and CO2 (not to confuse with the poisonous gas CO2). The units are portable and can be determined by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). To get the best results, the unit should be constructed to fit in the space it is intended for as larger units will not provide enough cooling and could wear down faster than necessary.
These units are used mostly in apartments or converted homes that do not have ducting systems, and where the central AC unit is the main cooling system. Utilizing a portable AC in a room or two can reduce the workload on the central system, which can save electricity and also money.
The best portable units will also have the option of dehumidifying to cut down on humidity, which is a frequent reason for hot spots and can make a room feel unbearably warm. The units should be equipped with washable filters to provide the best performance, as well as a remote controller to make the operation simpler. Choose ENERGY START-certified models that meet efficiency standards to save money and electricity when in comparison to non-certified units.
If you decide to go for a portable model it is important to select the dual-hose model over one-hose options. The dual-hose models allow air from outside to be drawn in through the condenser coils that are hot and then expelled through the other hose. This improves the efficiency of the unit, and helps reduce the sound generated by the process. It is more expensive to purchase a portable unit with this feature, but it can be worth it in terms of savings and the comfort.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, also referred to as mini-splits, are ductless alternatives to central air conditioning. They are made up of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units and thin piping that runs through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a great choice for condos because they can be installed where traditional HVAC ducts are not feasible. This makes them a great cooling option for many Southwest Florida homes and condominiums because homeowners typically don’t wish to cut through walls and floors for ductwork.
In a ductless system air is chilled by the indoor unit as it passes through refrigerant-filled tubing from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than traditional models, so you can cool your space without disturbing other. Certain ductless systems have heating capabilities, too, so you can enjoy year-round peace and comfort.
A ductless system can be ideal for many types of spaces, including sunrooms garages, bedrooms, and bedrooms. They can also improve the quality of life in older houses or apartments as well as condos that have not been fitted with ductwork. This type of system can also be used in multifamily homes since it is easily adaptable to various occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is more energy efficient than conventional systems due to the fact that it doesn’t need to force air over long distances. As a result, it can cut down on your power bills significantly. These systems are smaller than forced air systems, which saves on costs of installation and space.
Ductless systems offer superior cooling efficiency, and can be tailored to your personal preferences in temperature. They can improve the air quality of your condo, as well, with an efficient filtering system that can remove harmful particles from the air. This helps you avoid allergies and asthma, while keeping your space cool throughout the year. If you are ready to learn more about the benefits of installing an ductless system in your condominium, contact us now! Our technicians are available to assist you. We can evaluate your needs and help you choose the best air conditioning solution for your specific situation.