Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern condos and apartments do not have air conditioning installed. Many of the condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are outfitted with floor-to ceiling windows, which offer great views but also too much sunlight and heat.
If your building has ductwork then a central AC system could be ideal. However, if it doesn’t however, the HVAC contractors Brick interviewed said that the majority of board are now welcoming mini-splits of ductless.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners can be an affordable and simple way to cool your condo without the need to install ductwork. They take warm air out of the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them an ideal choice for people on a budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. However, they do have certain disadvantages that must be considered prior to making a purchase.
Window ACs are able to be used to cool a small area which is why they aren’t suitable for larger homes. They also consume a lot of energy, making it important to look for models that have high energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. Additionally, they’re an security risk since the windows can be removed easily and provide easy access to your home.
Depending on the size of the unit and the kind of window it’s placed in, you may need to install accordions or wooden to block any space around one or both sides of the window. It is possible to install the majority of window units yourself with the window installation set. Simply place the chassis inside the frame and then attach the sleeves. 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 of unit you require, simply multiply the area of your room by the amount of BTUs it needs to be comfortably cooled. Be aware of whether the room is in an apartment building that is high-rise or receives a lot more sunlight. A larger unit is more expensive, but will help you save on energy costs over time. Our HVAC experts suggest buying a 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 lifespan than multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling device that functions like a space heater. The units are designed to plug into an outlet and a tube, also known as a mini-duct, will be able to run out an opening to vent heat and CO2 (not to be confused with the toxic gas CO2). The units are portable and can be sized by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit must be sized according to the space it will be utilized in. The units that are too big won’t be able to cool effectively and may be worn out more quickly than.
These units are used most often in apartment buildings or converted homes that do not have ducting systems and where the central AC unit is the primary cooling system. Utilizing portable AC units in a single or multiple rooms can reduce the workload on your central system, saving energy and money.
The most effective portable units come with a dehumidifier option to decrease moisture. This is a common reason for hot spots, and can make the room feel uncomfortable. The units should have washable filters for optimum performance, and remote controls to make operation easier. Choose the ENERGY STAR certified models to save on electricity and money compared to non-certified units.
If you decide to move your portable device, it is crucial to choose a dual-hose model instead of a one-hose model. Dual-hose models permit outside air to be drawn into the condenser coils heated to a certain temperature, then blown out through the other hose. This improves the efficiency and reduces the sound level of the unit. This option may cost more but the benefits and comfort be worth the extra money.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits can be ductless replacements for central air conditioners. They consist of an outdoor unit as well as one or more indoor units and thin piping running through tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a great choice for condos because they can be installed in areas where traditional HVAC ducts simply aren’t feasible. They are the ideal cooling solution for a lot of Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments since homeowners do not want to cut through floors and walls to install ductwork.
In the case of a ductless cooling system the indoor unit cools the air as it moves through tubing filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than other models and allows you to cool your space without causing disturbance to others. Some ductless systems offer heating capabilities, as well, so you can enjoy all year round luxury.
The ductless system is ideal for a variety of spaces including garages, sunrooms and bedrooms. They can also improve the comfort of older homes condominiums, apartments, and homes that are not equipped with ductwork. This type of system could also be utilized in multifamily homes since it can easily be adapted to different kinds of occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is more energy-efficient than traditional systems since it doesn’t have to push air over long distances. This means that it can reduce your energy bills by a significant amount. These systems are smaller than forced-air systems, which can help them reduce the cost of installation and space.
Ductless systems are a fantastic choice to replace obtrusive window air conditioners in condo buildings because they provide superior cooling performance and more personal temperature control. They can improve the air quality of your apartment, in addition with a highly efficient filtering system that eliminates harmful particles from the air. This helps you stay away from asthma and allergies while also keeping your space comfortable throughout the year. If you’re ready to learn more about installing a ductless system in your condominium, contact us now! Our technicians are on hand to assist you. We can assist you in choosing the best air conditioner for your situation by assessing your requirements.