Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern condos and apartments do not have air conditioning installed. A lot of condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer great views but also a lot of sunshine and heat.
If your building has ductwork, an central AC system could be ideal. If not, 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 straightforward and cost-effective way to cool a condo without installing ductwork. They work by removing warm air from a room and replacing it with cooler air, which makes them an ideal choice for people on a tight budget or older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they have a few drawbacks that should be considered prior to making a purchase.
Window ACs are limited to cooling one room, making them not a good option for homes with a large number of rooms. It’s also essential to select models with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. In addition, they pose a security risk because windows can be easily removed and provide easy access to your house.
It is possible to install accordions or even wood to block out the excess space around the window. It is possible to install the majority of window units by yourself using a window installation set. Simply slide the chassis into the frame and attach the sleeve. For larger models that have higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide between rails and the sleeve is connected to the frame with brackets that attach it to the window.
To determine the size of unit you require you simply need to multiply the square footage of your space by the amount of BTUs that it needs to cool it comfortably. Consider whether the room is in a high-rise building or gets lots of sunlight. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it can save you money in energy costs over time. If you want to have a long-term solution, our HVAC experts suggest purchasing a central AC system. Although the initial cost is much more expensive, it will pay for itself in the long run with lower monthly utilities and a longer lifespan than multiple 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 the tube, or mini-duct, is able to be run through an opening to vent heat and CO2 (not to confuse with the poisonous gas CO2). They are portable and are determined by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit should be sized according to the room it is intended to be utilized in. Oversized units won’t be able to cool effectively and may get worn out faster than.
These units are utilized typically in apartment buildings or homes that don’t have ducting systems or in which the central AC unit is the main cooling system. By installing an AC unit portable in one or more of your rooms, you will be able to reduce the load on the central system and save money and energy.
The most reliable portable units will also come with an option to dehumidify to lessen humidity, which is a common cause of hot spots. It can make a room feel unbearably warm. The units should have washable filters to ensure optimal performance, as well as a remote controller to make the operation simpler. Choose ENERGY START-certified models that meet efficiency standards to reduce energy and cost when compared with non-certified units.
If you decide to go for a portable model it is important to select the dual-hose model over one-hose options. Dual-hose models permit air from outside to be drawn into the condenser coils that are hot and then blown out via the other hose. This improves the efficiency and decreases the noise of the unit. This feature may cost more, but the savings and comfort can make it worth the extra money.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives to central air conditioners. They are made up of an outdoor unit, one or more indoor units and thin piping that is inserted into tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems make a great choice for condos because they can be used in areas in areas where traditional HVAC ducts simply are not feasible. They are the perfect cooling solution for many Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments because homeowners don’t want to cut into floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless cooling system, the indoor unit cools air as it travels through the tubing that is filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than other models which means you can cool your room without disturbing others. Some ductless systems can also provide heating and cooling, allowing you to enjoy all-year-round peace and comfort.
A ductless system is ideal for many types of spaces, including sunrooms bedrooms, and garages. They can also increase comfort in older houses or apartments as well as condos which aren’t equipped with ductwork. This kind of system is also suitable for multifamily housing because it is able to easily adapt to different 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. It can also lower your electricity costs. These systems are smaller than forced air systems, which saves on costs of installation and space.
Ductless systems are a great choice to replace obtrusive window air conditioners in condominium buildings, due to their superior cooling performance and personalized temperature control. They can improve the air quality of your condo, as well, with an efficient filtering system that can remove harmful particles from the air. This will aid in avoiding allergy and asthma symptoms while ensuring your condo’s temperature throughout the year. Contact us today if looking to learn more. Our technicians are ready to assist you. We can evaluate your needs and help you determine the best air conditioning solution for your specific situation.