Air Conditioners For Condos
A majority of modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning integrated into them. A lot of apartments and condos with air conditioning units are outfitted with floor-to ceiling windows, which provide great views, but also too much sunlight and heat.
If your home is duct-worked, an central AC system could be ideal. If not, the HVAC contractors Brick interviewed said that the majority of board are now welcoming mini-splits with ductless technology.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an affordable and simple way to cool your condo without having to install ductwork. They remove warm air from the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them a good option for those on a budget or with older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they have certain disadvantages that must be considered before making the purchase.
Window ACs can only cool a single space which is why they aren’t suitable for homes with a larger area. They also consume plenty of energy, making it important to look for models that have high energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. In addition, they pose a security risk because the windows are easily removed and give easy access to your home.
It is possible to install accordions, or even wood, to block out the extra space around the window. It is possible to install the majority of window units yourself with the window installation set. Simply slide the chassis into the frame and secure the sleeves. For larger models with larger BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, with the sleeve attached to the frame with brackets.
To determine the right size unit you need, simply multiply the square footage of your room by the number of BTUs it needs to be comfortably cooled. Be aware of whether the room is in a high-rise building or gets lots of sunlight. A larger unit is more expensive, but it can help you save on energy costs over time. Our HVAC experts suggest buying a central AC for long-term solutions. The initial cost could be higher but it will pay for itself over time, with lower utility bills each month and a longer lifespan than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling device that functions like a space heater. They are designed to plug into an outlet and a mini-duct or tube will run out of the window to let out carbon dioxide and heat (not to be confused with the toxic gas carbon monoxide). They are portable and can be sized by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit should be designed according to the space it will be utilized in. Oversized units won’t keep cool and get worn out faster than.
They are typically used in apartment buildings and homes that have been converted without ducting systems. The primary method of cooling is a central AC unit. By installing an AC unit portable in one or more of your rooms, you can lessen the load on the central system and save money and electricity.
The best portable units include a dehumidifier mode to reduce moisture, which is another frequent reason for hot spots and can make a room feel uncomfortable warm. The units should also have washable filters to ensure the performance of the unit and remote controls for effortless operation. Choose ENERGY START-certified models that meet efficiency standards and save electricity and money in comparison to non-certified units.
If you choose to opt for a portable option, it’s essential to choose an hose-to-hose system instead of a one-hose model. The dual-hose models allow air from outside to be drawn into the condenser coils that are hot and then expelled through the other hose. This significantly increases the efficiency of the unit, and it helps to minimize the noise produced by the process. It is more expensive to purchase a portable unit that has this feature, but it could be well worth the investment in terms of savings and the comfort.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, often referred to as mini-splits, are duct-free alternatives to central air conditioning. They are comprised of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units and thin piping that runs through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent option for condos because they can be put in places that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. This makes them the perfect cooling option for a lot of Southwest Florida homes and condominiums as homeowners don’t want to cut through walls and floors for ductwork.
In a ductless system air is cool by the unit in the indoor by passing through refrigerant-filled tubing coming from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than other models, so you can cool your space without disturbing other. Certain ductless systems have heating capabilities as well which means you can enjoy all year-round comfort.
A ductless system can be ideal for many types of spaces, including sunrooms garages, and bedrooms. They can also enhance the comfort of older homes or apartments as well as condos that are not equipped with ductwork. This kind of system is also ideal for multifamily homes, since it can easily adapt to different needs and patterns of occupancy.
Additionally 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 bills. They are also smaller than forced-air systems which means they can save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems offer superior cooling performance, and they can be tailored to your own temperature preferences. They can improve the air quality in your condo, as well, with an efficient filtering system that removes harmful particles from the air. This can aid in avoiding allergies and asthma, while maintaining your condo’s comfort throughout the year. Contact us today if you’re ready to learn more. Our technicians are ready to assist you. We will assess your requirements and help you choose the best air conditioning solution for your particular situation.