Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern condos and apartments don’t come with built-in air cooling units. They do have floor-to-ceiling windows that offer amazing views, but let in too much sun and heat.
If your house has ductwork, then central AC could be the best option. If not however, the HVAC contractors Brick spoke to say most board are now welcoming ductless mini-splits.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a simple and inexpensive way to cool a condo without installing ductwork. They remove warm air from the room and replace it with cooler air. This is a great option 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 the purchase.
Window ACs are limited to cooling a single room, so they’re not a good option for homes with a large number of rooms. They also consume lots of energy, which is why it’s important to look for models that have high energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. Furthermore, they pose a security risk because the windows can be removed easily and give easy access to your house.
You may need to install accordions, or wood, to block out the excess space around the window. You can install most window units by yourself using an installation set for windows. Simply slide the chassis into the frame and secure the sleeve. For larger models with higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to move between rails, and the sleeve is attached to the frame using brackets that secure it to the window.
To determine the size of unit you require to purchase, simply multiply the square footage of your space by the number of BTUs that it needs to cool it comfortably. To maximize efficiency, consider whether the room receives plenty of sunlight or is located on the upper floors. A larger unit is more expensive, but it will save you money on energy bills over time. If you want to have a long-term solution for your home, our HVAC experts suggest purchasing a central AC system. Although the initial cost is much more expensive, it will pay off in the long run with lower monthly utilities and a longer life span than multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a standalone cooling system that functions much like the space heater. The units are designed to connect to an outlet, and a tube, also known as a mini-duct, will run out the window to let CO2 and heat out (not to be confused with the poisonous gas CO2). The units can be moved from rooms and are typically sized according to their cooling capacity, which is measured by BTU ratings. A unit should be designed according to the room it will be utilized in. Oversized units will not cool well and can be worn out more quickly than.
These units are most often employed in apartment buildings and converted homes without ducting systems, in which the principal cooling method is a central AC unit. By using an AC unit portable in one or more rooms, you can reduce the load on your central system and save money and electricity.
The most reliable portable units include a dehumidifier mode to reduce moisture, which is another common cause of hot spots and can make a room feel uncomfortably warm. The units should also have washable filters to maintain the performance of the unit and remote controls for effortless operation. Choose the ENERGY STAR certified models to save money and electricity in comparison to non-certified models.
If you decide to go the portable route it is important to select the dual-hose model over one-hose options. The dual-hose models allow air from outside to be drawn into the hot condenser coils and then expelled through the other hose. This increases the efficiency and lowers the sound level of the unit. It is more expensive to purchase a portable unit with this feature, but it can be worth it in terms of savings and the comfort.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, also referred to as mini-splits, are duct-free alternatives to central air conditioning. They comprise an outdoor unit, and one or more indoor units, that are connected with thin piping that functions as electrical wires through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a great option for condos since they can be put in places in areas where traditional HVAC ducts are not feasible. This makes them the perfect cooling option for many Southwest Florida homes and condominiums because homeowners typically do not want to cut through walls and floors for ductwork.
In a ductless system air is cool by the unit in the indoor when it travels 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. Some ductless systems also offer heating, so you can have all-year-round peace and comfort.
A ductless system can be ideal for a variety of spaces, such as sunrooms, garages, bedrooms, and bedrooms. They can also improve the quality of life for older homes condominiums, apartments, and homes that do not have ductwork. This kind of system is also suitable for multifamily housing because it can easily adapt to different needs and patterns of occupancy.
Additionally the ductless system can be a lot more energy efficient than traditional systems, since it does not need to push air over long distances. It also helps reduce your electric bills. They are also smaller than forced-air systems, which means they can reduce the cost of installation and space.
Ductless systems are superior in cooling performance and can be tailored to your personal preferences in temperature. With a filtering system that filters out harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality in your condominium. This can help you avoid allergies and asthma, while maintaining the comfort of your home throughout the season. If you’re looking to know more about installing a ductless system into your condominium, contact us now! Our skilled technicians are waiting to help. We can assess your requirements and help you choose the best air conditioning solution for your specific situation.