Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern condos and apartments do not come with air cooling units. Many of the apartments and condos that have air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, that offer stunning views but also a lot of sunshine and heat.
If your home is duct-worked, an central AC system is a good idea. HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that if the building isn’t equipped with ductwork, a central AC system is a good option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a straightforward and inexpensive method of cooling a home without the need for ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from rooms and replacing it with cooler air, which makes them an ideal choice for those on a tight budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. However, they do have a few drawbacks, which must be considered prior to buying.
Window ACs are confined to cooling a single room, which makes them not the best option for larger homes. It’s also important to pick models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They could also pose an issue for security, since they are easily removed allowing easy access into your home.
You may have to put in accordions or even wood to block out the extra space around the window. Most window units come with an installation kit for windows that can be used to easily install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and affixing the sleeve to the exterior of the window frame. For larger models with more BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, and the sleeve fixed to the frame with brackets.
To determine the size unit you’ll need, multiply the square footage by the number of BTUs needed to cool the room effectively. To maximize efficiency, take into consideration whether your room gets plenty of sunlight or is located on the upper floors. A larger unit is more expensive, but will help you save on energy costs over time. Our HVAC experts recommend buying central AC for a long-term solution. Although the initial cost is much more expensive, it will eventually pay for itself in the long run with lower monthly utilities and a longer lifespan than multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling device that functions like the space heater. They are designed to plug into an outlet and a tube or mini-duct will run out of a window to vent heat and carbon dioxide (not to be confused with the toxic gas carbon monoxide). They are portable and can be measured by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). To get the best results, a unit should be sized to suit the intended space because larger units won’t provide enough cooling and could be more prone to wear down than.
They are most often in apartment buildings or converted homes that don’t have ducting systems and in which the central AC unit is the primary cooling system. Using a portable AC in a single or multiple rooms can reduce the workload on central systems, thereby saving electricity and money.
The most reliable portable units will also come with the option of dehumidifying to cut down on moisture, which is another frequent cause of hot spots. It can make a room feel unbearably warm. The units should also come with washable filters to maintain performance and remote controls for effortless operation. Select ENERGY STAR certified models to save on electricity and money when compared to non-certified units.
If you choose to go portable, it is essential 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 that are hot and then expelled through the other hose. This greatly increases the effectiveness of the unit, and helps reduce the noise generated by the process. This feature may cost more but the savings and comfort can make it worth the extra expense.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives for central air conditioners. They are comprised of an outdoor unit, one or more indoor units and thin piping running through tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent choice for condos, because they can be installed in areas that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. This makes them the perfect cooling option for many Southwest Florida homes and condominiums as homeowners do not want to cut into the walls and floors to install ductwork.
In the case of a ductless cooling system the indoor unit cools air as it passes through the tubing that is filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter when compared to other options, which means it’s possible to cool your space without causing disturbance to others. Certain ductless systems have heating capabilities as well, so you can enjoy all year round comfort.
The ductless system is suitable for many spaces like sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also improve comfort for older houses, apartments and condos without ductwork. This kind of system is also suitable for multifamily housing because it is able to easily adapt to different needs and patterns of occupancy.
In addition that, a ductless system could be more energy efficient than traditional systems, as it does not need to push air over long distances. It can also reduce your electricity costs. 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 customized to your own temperature preferences. With a filtering system that filters out harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality of your condominium. This helps you stay away from allergies and asthma and keeps your home comfortable throughout the season. If you’re looking to learn more about the benefits of installing an ductless system in your home, call us today! Our technicians are on hand to assist you. We can help you determine the best air conditioner for your particular situation by assessing your requirements.