Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern condos and apartments do not have air conditioning systems installed. Those that do tend to have windows that extend from floor to ceiling, which provide great views, but also let in too much sun and heat.
If your home is duct-worked, a central AC system is a good idea. If not however, the HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that the majority of board are now accepting mini-splits of ductless.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a straightforward and cost-effective option to cool a condominium without installing ductwork. They remove warm air from the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them an ideal choice for those with a tight budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. However, they do have a few drawbacks and must be considered prior buying.
Window ACs are able to cool a single room which is why they aren’t suitable for homes with a larger area. It’s also important to pick models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They can also be a security threat, as they can be easily removed, giving you 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 put in accordions or even wood to block out excess space around one or both sides of 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 exterior of the frame. For larger models with a higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide back and forth on rails. The sleeve then gets attached to the frame using brackets that secure it to the window.
To determine the amount of unit you’ll need by multiplying the square footage by the number of BTUs required to cool the room. To maximize efficiency, think about whether the room receives plenty of sunlight or is located on the upper floor. A larger HVAC unit will be more costly, but can help you save on energy costs over time. Our HVAC experts recommend investing in central AC for long-term solutions. The initial cost might be higher, but it will pay for itself over time with lower utility bills each month and a longer service life than multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are standalone cooling units that function like space heaters. The units are designed to connect to an outlet, and the tube, or mini-duct, will be able to run out a window in order to let CO2 and heat out (not to confuse with the toxic gas CO2). The units can be moved from rooms and are usually sized according to their cooling capacity, which is defined by BTU ratings. A unit must be sized according to the room it is intended to be utilized in. Oversized units will not keep cool and be worn out more quickly than.
These units are utilized mostly in apartment buildings or homes that don’t have ducting systems or where the central AC unit is the main cooling system. By using an AC unit portable in one or more rooms, you can reduce the load on your central system and reduce the cost of electricity and money.
The most reliable portable units include a dehumidifier feature to cut down on the amount of moisture. This is a common reason for hot spots and can make the room feel uncomfortable. The units should also come with washable filters that can be cleaned to maintain their performance and remote controls for simple operation. Choose ENERGY START-certified models that meet efficiency standards to reduce energy and cost when compared with non-certified units.
If you opt to go portable, it is crucial to choose a dual-hose unit instead of a single-hose model. Dual-hose models permit outside air to be drawn in through the condenser coils heated to a certain temperature and then expelled through the other hose. This improves the efficiency and reduces the sound level of the unit. This option may cost more, but the savings and comfort can be worth the extra expense.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives for central air conditioners. They comprise an outdoor unit, and one or more indoor units which are connected by thin piping that is shaped like electrical wires through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a great choice for condos, because they can be installed in areas that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. This makes them the ideal cooling option for a lot of Southwest Florida homes and condominiums as homeowners do not want 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 travels through a tube filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than conventional alternatives, so you can cool your space without disturbing other. Some ductless systems can also provide heating, so you can have all-year-round luxury.
The ductless system is ideal for many spaces like garages, sunrooms and bedrooms. They can also enhance comfort in older houses or apartments as well as condos that are not equipped with ductwork. This type of system is also ideal for multifamily housing because it is able to easily adapt to various demands and occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is more energy-efficient than traditional systems because it doesn’t require the force of air over long distances. This means that it can reduce your energy bills by a significant amount. They are smaller than forced-air systems which can help them save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems offer superior cooling efficiency, and can be adapted to suit your individual preferences for temperature. They can improve the air quality of your apartment, too by utilizing a powerful filtering system that eliminates harmful particles from the air. This helps you stay away from allergies and asthma while also keeping your space at a comfortable temperature throughout the year. If you are ready to learn more about the benefits of installing an ductless system in your apartment, contact us today! Our skilled technicians are waiting to assist. We can assess your needs and help you choose the best air conditioning solution for your unique situation.