Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern apartments and condos do not have built-in air conditioning units. Many apartments and condos with air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, which provide great views, but also a lot of heat and sunlight.
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 are an easy and affordable option to cool a condominium without installing ductwork. They remove warm air from the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them an ideal choice for people 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 are limited to cooling a single room, making them not the best choice for larger homes. They also consume plenty of energy, which is why it’s crucial to choose models that have high energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. In addition, they pose a security risk because the windows can be easily removed and give easy access to your home.
It is possible to install accordions, or wood, to block out the extra space around the window. The majority of window units come with an installation kit for windows which you can use to easily install them by sliding the chassis into the window and attaching the sleeve to the exterior of the frame. For larger models with higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide across rails. The sleeve then gets connected to the frame with brackets that attach it to the window.
To determine what size unit you need to purchase, simply multiply the square footage of your room by the number of BTUs that it needs to cool it comfortably. Be aware of whether the room is in an area with high-rises or receives lots of sunlight. A larger unit is more expensive, but it could save you money in energy costs over time. For a more long-term solution we recommend that our HVAC experts suggest investing in a central AC system. The initial cost might be higher but it will pay off over time, with lower utility bills each month and a longer life span than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are independent cooling systems that function as space heaters. The units are designed to plug into an outlet and a tube, or mini-duct, will be able to run out the window to vent heat and CO2 (not to be confused with the toxic gas CO2). The units can be moved from rooms and are typically sized based on their cooling capacity, which is determined by BTU ratings. A unit should be designed according to the room it is intended to be used in. Oversized units will not be able to cool effectively and may be worn out more quickly than.
These units are utilized mostly in apartments or converted homes that do not have ducting systems and in which the central AC unit is the primary cooling system. Using portable ACs in a room or two can help reduce the load on central systems, thereby saving electricity and money.
The most reliable portable units will also have 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 have washable filters for optimum performance, and remote controls to make operation easier. Choose the ENERGY STAR certified models to save money and electricity when compared to non-certified units.
If you choose to go the portable route it is important to select a dual-hose model rather than a single-hose model. The dual-hose models allow outside air to be drawn into the condenser coils that are hot and then blown out via the other hose. This increases the efficiency and lowers the sound level of the unit. It is more expensive 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
Ductless systems, also known 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 running through tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a great choice for condos, because they can be put in spaces where traditional HVAC ducts can’t. They are the perfect cooling solution for a lot of Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments since homeowners do not want to cut through walls and floors to install ductwork.
In a ductless unit, air is chilled by the indoor unit by passing through refrigerant-filled tubing coming from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than traditional models, so you can cool your room without causing disturbance to others. Some ductless systems also offer heating which means you can enjoy all-year-round luxury.
The ductless system is ideal for many spaces like garages, sunrooms and bedrooms. They can also improve comfort in older houses or apartments as well as condos that have not been fitted with ductwork. This kind of system can also be utilized in multifamily homes since it is easily adaptable to various occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is also more energy efficient than conventional systems due to the fact that it doesn’t need to force air over long distances. As a result, it can reduce your energy bills by a significant amount. These systems are also smaller than forced-air systems which means they can save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems are superior in cooling efficiency, and can be tailored to your own temperature preferences. They can improve the air quality of your apartment, in addition by utilizing a powerful filtering system that can remove harmful particles from the air. This can aid in avoiding asthma and allergy symptoms, while maintaining the comfort of your home throughout the season. If you’re ready to learn more about installing a ductless system in your condominium, contact us now! Our technicians are available to assist you. We can assist you in choosing the ideal air conditioner for your situation by assessing your needs.