Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern apartments and condos do not come with air conditioning units. They do have windows that extend from floor to ceiling, which provide great views, but also let in too much sun and heat.
If your house has ductwork, then central AC is a good option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that if your building isn’t equipped with any ductwork, then a central AC system might be the best option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an inexpensive and simple method to cool your apartment without the need for ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from rooms and replacing it with cooler air, making them a great option for people on a tight 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 able to cool a single room which is why they aren’t suitable for homes with larger spaces. It’s also essential to select models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They could also pose an security risk, since they can be easily removed, permitting 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 need to put in accordions or even wood to block off any extra space around one or both sides of the window. The majority of window units come with an installation kit for windows that 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 that have higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to move back and forth on rails, and the sleeve is attached to the frame using brackets that hold it to the window.
To determine the right size unit you need you simply need to multiply the square footage of your space by the number of BTUs that it needs to cool it comfortably. Take into consideration whether the room is in an area with high-rises or receives lots of sunlight. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it could save you money in energy costs over time. If you want to have a long-term solution, our HVAC experts recommend investing in a central AC system. The initial cost may be higher, but it will pay for itself over time with lower monthly utility bills and a longer service life as compared to multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are independent cooling systems that work like space heaters. They are designed to plug into an outlet, and a tube or mini-duct can be run through an opening to vent carbon dioxide and heat (not to be confused with the harmful gas carbon monoxide). The units are mobile and can be sized by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit must 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 mostly in apartment buildings or converted homes that don’t have ducting systems or in which the central AC unit is the main cooling system. By using a portable AC unit in one or more rooms, you can lessen the load on your central system and save money and energy.
The best portable units also come with the option of dehumidifying to cut down on the amount of moisture that is a frequent reason for hot spots and can make a room feel uncomfortably warm. The units should also have washable filters that can be cleaned to maintain their performance and a remote control for easy operation. Choose ENERGY START-certified models that meet efficiency standards and reduce energy and cost when compared with non-certified units.
If you choose to go the portable route 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 through the other hose. This improves the efficiency and lowers the sound of the unit. It is more expensive to purchase a portable unit that has this feature, but it could be worth the cost in terms of savings and comfort.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, also known as mini-splits are duct-free alternatives to central air conditioning. 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 make a great choice for condos because they can be installed where traditional HVAC ducts aren’t feasible. They are the ideal cooling solution for many Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments because homeowners do not want to cut through floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless cooling system the indoor unit cools air as it passes through a tube filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than traditional models which means you can cool your home without causing disturbance to others. Certain ductless systems have heating capabilities, too which means you can enjoy all year round comfort.
The ductless system is perfect for many areas like sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also increase the comfort of older homes or condos that don’t have ductwork. This type of system can also be utilized in multifamily housing because it can easily be adapted to different occupancy patterns.
In addition that, a ductless system could be much more energy efficient than conventional systems because it does not have to push air over long distances. It can also lower your electricity bills. These systems are smaller than forced air systems, saving on the installation cost and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling performance and can be customized to your personal preferences in temperature. They can improve the air quality in your apartment, too, with an efficient filtering system that can remove harmful particles from the air. This can help you avoid asthma and allergies and keeps your home at a comfortable temperature all season. If you’re ready to learn more about installing an ductless system in your condominium, contact us now! Our technicians are on hand to assist you. We can assist you in choosing the ideal air conditioner for your situation by assessing your needs.