Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos don’t come with built-in air cooling units. Many of the condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are outfitted with floor-to ceiling windows, that offer stunning views but also a lot of sunshine and heat.
If your home has ductwork then an central AC system could be ideal. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with said that if your building does not have ductwork, a central AC system might be the best option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a cheap and easy way to cool your condo without the need for ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from a room and replacing it with cooler air, which makes them a great option for those with a limited budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. However, they do have some drawbacks that need to be considered prior to making the purchase.
Window ACs are limited to cooling one room, which makes them not a good option for larger homes. It’s also important to pick models with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. Furthermore, they pose 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 type of window it’s set in, you may need to put in accordions or even wood to block off any extra space around the sides of the window. Most window units come with a window installation kit which you can use to easily install them by sliding the chassis into the window and then attaching the sleeve to the outside of the frame. For larger models with a higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to move back and forth on rails and the sleeve is attached to the frame using brackets that secure it to the window.
To determine the size unit you need to purchase, simply multiply the square footage of your room by the number of BTUs it requires to be comfortably cooled. Consider whether the room is in an apartment building that is high-rise or receives plenty of sunlight. A larger unit is more expensive, but it could save you money on energy over time. For a more long-term solution we recommend that our HVAC experts suggest investing in central AC system. Although the initial cost is more expensive, it will eventually pay for itself over time by reducing monthly costs and a longer life span than multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling system that functions like the space heater. They are designed to be plugged into an outlet and a tube or mini-duct can be run through the window to let out carbon dioxide and heat (not to be confused with the harmful gas carbon monoxide). The units are mobile and can be measured by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). For the best results, the unit should be designed to accommodate its intended room because larger units won’t provide enough cooling and could get worn out faster than needed.
They are typically in apartments or converted homes that do not have ducting systems, and where the central AC unit is the main cooling system. By installing an AC unit portable in one or more of your rooms, you can reduce the load on the central system and save money and energy.
The best portable units will also have the option of dehumidifying to cut down on humidity, which is a frequent cause of hot spots and can make a room feel uncomfortably warm. The units should come with washable filters for optimum performance, as well as a remote controller to make the operation simpler. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified models that meet efficiency standards to save electricity and money as compared to non-certified models.
If you decide to go the portable route it’s crucial to choose the dual-hose model over one-hose options. Dual-hose models draw air from outside through the condenser coils and then blow it out through the other hose. This increases the efficiency and reduces the sound of the unit. It might cost more to purchase a portable unit that has this feature, but it could be worth the cost in terms of savings and ease of use.
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, which are connected by thin piping that functions as electrical wires through small openings in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent choice for condos, because they can be placed in places where traditional HVAC ducts cannot. They are the perfect cooling solution for a lot of Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments since homeowners do not wish to cut into the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless cooling system the indoor unit cools the air as it passes through the tubing that is filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter compared to other options, which means it’s possible to cool your room without causing disturbance to others. Certain ductless systems also provide heating and cooling, allowing you to enjoy all-year-round luxury.
The ductless system is suitable for a variety of spaces like garages, sunrooms, and bedrooms. They can also improve comfort for older houses or condos that don’t have ductwork. This type of system could also be used in multifamily housing because it can easily be adapted to various types of occupancy patterns.
Additionally the ductless system can be a lot more energy efficient than conventional systems, as it does not have to force air across long distances. It also helps reduce your electric bills. These systems are smaller than forced-air systems which can help them save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling efficiency, and can be tailored to your own temperature preferences. They can improve the air quality in your apartment, too by utilizing a powerful filtering system that can remove harmful particles from the air. This will help you avoid allergies and asthma, while maintaining your condo’s comfort throughout the year. Contact us today if ready to learn more. Our technicians are on hand to assist you. We can help you determine the ideal air conditioner for your situation by assessing your needs.