Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern condos and apartments don’t come with built-in air cooling units. A lot of apartments and condos that have air conditioning units are outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, which provide great views, but also too much sunshine and heat.
If your building is equipped with ductwork then central AC is a good option. But if it doesn’t however, the HVAC contractors Brick spoke to say most board are now accepting ductless mini-splits.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a simple and inexpensive 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 those with a tight budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. They do have some drawbacks that should be considered prior to purchasing.
Window ACs are able to cool a single room and are therefore not suitable for homes with a larger area. It’s also important to pick models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They can also be an security risk, since they are easily removed, allowing easy access into your home.
You may have to put in accordions, or wood, to block the extra space around the window. It is possible to install most window units yourself using a window installation set. Simply slide the chassis into the frame and secure the sleeves. For larger models with a higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, and the sleeve fixed to the frame with brackets.
To determine the size unit you will require by multiplying the square footage by the number BTUs needed to cool the room effectively. Consider whether the room is a high-rise building or gets plenty of sunlight. A larger unit is more expensive, but it will 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. The initial cost might be higher, but it will pay off over time with lower monthly utility bills and a longer life span than multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are cooling units that function like space heaters. The units are designed to plug into an outlet and the tube, or mini-duct, will run out an opening to let CO2 and heat out (not to be confused with the toxic gas CO2). They are mobile and can be measured by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit must be sized according to the room it is intended to be utilized in. Oversized units will not be able to cool effectively and may get worn out faster than.
These units are most often utilized in apartment buildings as well as converted homes without ducting systems, in which the primary cooling method is through central AC unit. Using portable ACs in a room or two can help reduce the load on central systems, thereby saving electricity and also money.
The most effective portable units have a dehumidifier setting to cut down on the amount of moisture. This is a typical reason for hot spots, and can make the room feel uncomfortable. The units should be equipped with washable filters to provide the best performance, as well as a remote controller to make operation easier. Choose ENERGY STAR certified models to save money and energy when compared to non-certified units.
If you decide to go the portable route, it’s important to choose a dual-hose model instead of a single-hose option. The dual-hose models allow outside air to be drawn in through the condenser coils that are hot and then expelled through the other hose. This improves the effectiveness of the unit, and helps reduce the sound generated by the process. It might cost more to purchase a portable unit with this feature, but it will be well worth the investment in terms of savings and 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 a great choice for condos because they can be put in places where traditional HVAC ducts are not possible. They are the perfect cooling solution for many Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments since homeowners do not want to cut through the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless cooling system, the indoor unit cools air as it passes through a tube filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than conventional alternatives, so you can cool your space without causing disturbance to others. Some ductless systems also offer heating which means you can enjoy year-round luxury.
A ductless system can be suitable for various types of spaces, including sunrooms bedrooms, and garages. They can also increase the comfort of older homes, apartments and condos without ductwork. This type of system can also be utilized in multifamily housing as it can easily be adapted to various types of occupancy patterns.
In addition the ductless system can be more energy efficient than traditional systems, as it does not need to force air across long distances. It can also lower your electric bills. These systems are smaller than forced-air systems which helps them save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems are a great choice to replace obtrusive window air conditioners in condo buildings, because they offer superior cooling performance and more customized temperature control. They can improve the air quality of your apartment, in addition with a highly efficient filtering system that removes harmful particles from the air. This helps you stay away from asthma and allergies while also keeping your space comfortable throughout the season. Contact us today if ready to learn more. Our technicians are on hand to assist you. We can assist you in choosing the ideal air conditioner for your needs by assessing your requirements.