Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning integrated into them. A lot of apartments and condos that have air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, which provide great views, but also too much sunshine and heat.
If your building has ductwork, then a central AC could be the best option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with said that if your building does not have ductwork, a central AC system could be ideal.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners can be a cheap and easy way to cool your apartment 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 those on a budget or with older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they do have certain disadvantages that must be considered prior to making the purchase.
Window ACs are able to cool a single room, so they are not suitable for larger homes. It’s also important to choose models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They can also be an issue for security, since they are easily removed permitting easy access to your home.
Depending on the dimensions of the unit as well as the type of window it’s installed in, you may need to install accordions or wood to block out excess space around the sides of the window. The majority of window units come with an installation kit for windows which you can use to install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and then attaching the sleeve to the exterior of the window frame. For larger models that have a higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide on rails, and the sleeve is attached to the frame with brackets.
To determine the amount of unit you will require to purchase, multiply the square footage by the number of BTUs required to cool the room effectively. Be aware of whether the room is located in a high-rise building or gets lots of sunlight. A larger unit is more expensive, but it can help you save money on energy over time. If you want to have a long-term solution we recommend that our HVAC experts recommend investing in central AC system. 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 than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a standalone cooling system that functions much as an electric space heater. They are designed to be plugged 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 harmful gas carbon monoxide). The units can be moved from room to room, and are typically sized according to their cooling capacity, which is determined by BTU ratings. For the best results, a unit should be sized to fit in the space it is intended for, as oversized units won’t provide adequate cooling and can wear down faster than necessary.
They are mostly in apartments or converted homes that don’t have ducting systems or where the central AC unit is the primary cooling system. By using an AC unit that is portable in one or more rooms, you can reduce the burden on your central system, and save money and energy.
The most effective portable units have a dehumidifier setting to reduce moisture. This is a common reason for hot spots and can cause the room to feel uncomfortable. The units should come with washable filters for optimum performance, as well as remote controls to make operation easier. Select ENERGY STAR certified models to save on electricity and money in comparison to non-certified models.
If you decide to go portable, it is essential to choose a dual-hose unit instead of a one-hose model. Dual-hose models allow outside air to be drawn into the condenser coils heated to a certain temperature and then expelled through the other hose. This greatly increases the effectiveness of the unit, and also helps to reduce the sound generated by the process. It might cost more to purchase a portable unit that has this feature, but it can 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 made up of an outdoor unit as well as one or more indoor units and thin piping running through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent option for condos since they can be put in spaces that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. This makes them the ideal cooling option for a lot of Southwest Florida homes and condominiums, since homeowners often don’t want to cut into walls and floors for ductwork.
In the case of 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, so you can cool your home without causing disturbance to others. Some ductless systems can also provide heating, so you can have all year round comfort.
The ductless system is suitable for many spaces like sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also increase the comfort of older homes, apartments, and condos that have not been fitted with ductwork. This type of system is also suitable for multifamily housing because it can easily adapt to different demands and occupancy patterns.
Additionally, a ductless system can be a lot more energy efficient than conventional systems, since it does not have to force air across long distances. This means that it can cut down on your power bills significantly. They are smaller than forced-air systems which means they can save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems are a fantastic option to replace the obtrusive window air conditioners in condo buildings, because they provide superior cooling performance and personalized temperature control. They can improve the air quality in your apartment, in addition with a highly efficient filtering system that removes harmful particles from the air. This can help you avoid asthma and allergies, while keeping your space cool all year. If you’re looking to learn more about installing a ductless system in your condominium, contact us now! Our technicians are ready to assist you. We can assist you in determining the ideal air conditioner for your situation by assessing your needs.