Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern condos and apartments do not have air conditioning systems installed. The ones that do have floor-to-ceiling windows which offer stunning views, but let in too much light and heat.
If your home is duct-worked and ductwork, central AC system might be a good option. But if it doesn’t however, the HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that the majority of board are now accepting ductless mini-splits.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a simple and inexpensive method of cooling a home without installing ductwork. They remove warm air from the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them an ideal choice for those on a budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. However, they do have a few drawbacks that should be considered prior to buying.
Window ACs are limited to cooling one room, so they’re not a good option for homes with a large number of rooms. They also consume lots of energy, making it important to look for models with high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. In addition, they pose a security risk because the windows are easily removed and provide an easy access to your home.
It is possible to install accordions, or wood, to block the extra space around the window. It is possible to install the majority of window units by yourself using an installation set for windows. Simply place the chassis inside the frame and secure the sleeve. For larger models with higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide back and forth on rails and the sleeve is fixed to the frame by brackets that attach it to the window.
To determine the amount of unit you’ll require, multiply the square footage by the amount of BTUs needed to cool the room. Take into consideration whether the room is located in an apartment building that is high-rise or receives a lot more sunlight. A larger HVAC unit will be more expensive, but it can help you save on energy costs over time. To ensure a longer-term solution, our HVAC experts suggest purchasing a central AC system. Although the initial cost is much more expensive, it will pay off in the long run with lower monthly utility bills and a longer service life than a variety of window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are cooling systems that work like space heaters. The units are designed to connect to an outlet and a tube, or mini-duct, will run out a window in order to vent heat and CO2 (not to confuse with the toxic gas CO2). They are portable and are determined by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). To get the best results, the unit should be constructed to accommodate its intended room, as oversized units won’t provide adequate cooling and can get worn out faster than needed.
These units are used mostly in apartment buildings or converted homes that don’t have ducting systems and where the central AC unit is the main cooling system. Utilizing portable AC units in a single or multiple rooms can help reduce the load on your central system, saving energy and money.
The best portable units also include a dehumidifier feature to cut down on humidity. This is a typical reason for hot spots and it can make the space feel uncomfortable. The units should be equipped with washable filters to ensure optimal performance, as well as a remote controller to make operation more simple. Select energy STAR certified models to save money and energy compared to non-certified units.
If you opt to go portable, it is important to select a dual-hose unit instead of a one-hose model. Dual-hose models permit outside air to be drawn into the condenser coils that are hot and then blown out via the other hose. This improves the efficiency of the unit and helps reduce the noise produced by the process. This feature may cost more, but the benefits and comfort make it worth the extra cost.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives for central air conditioners. They are comprised of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units and thin piping that is inserted into small holes in your walls. Ductless systems make a great choice for condos because they can be put in places where traditional HVAC ducts are not feasible. This makes them the perfect cooling option for many Southwest Florida homes and condominiums, since homeowners often do not wish to cut through the walls and floors to install ductwork.
In a ductless unit, air is chilled by the indoor unit as it passes through refrigerant-filled tubing coming from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than conventional alternatives which means you can cool your space without disturbing other. Some ductless systems also offer heating which means you can enjoy all-year-round comfort.
The ductless system is suitable for a variety of spaces like sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also enhance comfort for older houses condominiums, apartments, and homes that do not have ductwork. This type of system could also be used in multifamily housing as it can easily be adapted to different occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is also more energy-efficient than conventional systems due to the fact that it doesn’t need to force air over long distances. It also helps reduce your electric bills. They are also smaller than forced air systems, which saves on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems are a great choice to replace obtrusive window air conditioners in condo buildings, because they offer superior cooling performance and more personalized temperature control. They can improve the air quality of your condo, as well with a highly efficient filtering system that can remove harmful particles from the air. This can help you avoid allergies and asthma and maintain your condo’s temperature throughout the year. If you are ready to learn more about the benefits of installing an ductless system in your apartment, contact us now! Our experienced technicians are ready to assist. We can assess your requirements and help you choose the best air conditioning solution for your particular situation.