Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos do not have built-in air conditioning units. Many of the condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are fitted with floor-to ceiling windows, which provide great views, but also a lot of heat and sunlight.
If your home is duct-worked and ductwork, a central AC system is a good idea. HVAC contractors Brick spoke to told us that if your home isn’t equipped with ductwork, a central AC system could be ideal.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a simple and cost-effective option to cool a condominium without the need 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 some drawbacks that need to be considered prior to making a purchase.
Window ACs can only cool a single space, so they are not suitable for larger homes. It’s also essential to select models with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. Furthermore, they pose a security risk because the windows can be easily removed and allow easy access to your home.
Depending on the size of the unit and the type of window it’s set in, you may have to install accordions or wood to block any space around both sides of the window. You can install most window units by yourself using an installation set for windows. Simply place the chassis inside the frame and then attach the sleeves. For larger models that have a higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide on rails, and the sleeve fixed to the frame with brackets.
To determine the size of unit you require you simply need to multiply the area of your room by the amount of BTUs it requires to cool it comfortably. To maximize efficiency, think about whether the room receives lots of sun or is on the upper floors. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it will save you money on energy over time. Our HVAC experts recommend investing in a central AC for a long-term solution. The initial cost may be higher but it will pay for itself over time with lower utility bills each month and a longer service life as compared to multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a standalone cooling system that functions like the space heater. The units are designed to connect to an outlet, and a tube, also known as a mini-duct, will be able to run out the window to vent heat and CO2 (not to confuse with the poisonous gas CO2). The units are portable and are sized by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit must be sized according to the room it will be used in. Oversized units will not be able to cool effectively and may be worn out more quickly than.
They are most often in apartment buildings or homes that do not have ducting systems, and where the central AC unit is the main cooling system. By installing an AC unit that is portable in one or more of your rooms, you can lessen the load on your central system, and save money and electricity.
The most reliable portable units have a dehumidifier setting to cut down on moisture. This is a typical reason for hot spots and it can make the space feel uncomfortable. The units should be equipped with washable filters for optimum performance, and a remote controller to make operation easier. Choose ENERGY START-certified models that meet efficiency standards and save electricity and money as compared to non-certified models.
If you choose to go portable, it is important to select a dual-hose model instead of a single-hose model. The dual-hose models allow 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 lowers the sound of the unit. It is more expensive to purchase a portable unit with this feature, but it could be worth the cost in terms of savings and the comfort.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives to central air conditioners. They comprise an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, that are connected with thin piping that is shaped like electrical wires through tiny openings in your walls. Ductless systems are a great option for condos because they can be installed in areas where traditional HVAC ducts can’t. They are the perfect cooling solution for many Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments because homeowners do not want to cut into floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless cooling system, the indoor unit cools the air as it travels through the tubing that is filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter compared to other systems, meaning it is possible to cool your room without disturbing other people. Certain ductless systems also provide heating, so you can have all-year-round luxury.
A ductless system can be ideal for many types of spaces, including sunrooms garages, and bedrooms. They can also increase comfort in older houses condominiums, apartments, and homes which aren’t equipped with ductwork. This type of system is also suitable for multifamily housing because it is able to easily adapt to different occupancy patterns and requirements.
A ductless system is more energy-efficient than conventional systems due to the fact that it doesn’t require the force of air over long distances. It can also lower your electric bills. They are also smaller than forced-air systems, which helps them save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems are superior in cooling efficiency, and can be tailored to suit your individual preferences for temperature. They can improve the air quality of your apartment, in addition by utilizing a powerful filtering system that eliminates harmful particles from the air. This will aid in avoiding allergies and asthma and maintain your condo’s temperature throughout the season. Contact us today if looking to learn more. Our technicians are ready to assist you. We can assist you in determining the best air conditioner for your particular situation by assessing your needs.