Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern apartments and condos don’t come with built-in air conditioning units. Many apartments and condos with air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to ceiling windows, which offer great views but also too much sunlight and heat.
If your home has ductwork, then a central AC is a good option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with told us that if your home does not have ductwork, a central air conditioning system might be the best option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners can be an affordable and simple way to cool your condo without the need to install ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from a space and replacing it with cooler air, making them an ideal choice for those on a tight budget or older homes that don’t have ductwork. There are some disadvantages, which should be considered prior to purchase.
Window ACs are able to be used to cool a small area which is why they aren’t suitable for homes with a larger area. They also consume a lot of energy, so it’s important to look for models with high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. They could also pose 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 kind of window it’s placed in, you may have to install accordions or wooden to block any space around one or both sides of the window. Most window units come with a window installation kit which you can use to easily install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and then attaching the sleeve to the outside of the frame. For larger models with larger BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide on rails, and the sleeve is fixed to the frame with brackets.
To determine the size unit you’ll need by multiplying the square footage by the amount of BTUs required to cool the room effectively. To maximize efficiency, take into consideration whether the room gets plenty of sunlight or is located on the upper floors. A larger unit will be more expensive, but will help you save on energy costs over time. Our HVAC experts recommend purchasing a central AC to provide an investment that will last for a long time. 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
A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling device that functions like an electric space heater. The units are designed to plug into an outlet and a tube, also known as a mini-duct, is able to be run through the window to vent heat and CO2 (not to be confused with the toxic gas CO2). The units can be moved from room to room, and are usually sized according to their cooling capacity, which is defined by BTU ratings. A unit should be sized according to the space it will be used in. Oversized units won’t cool well and can wear out faster than necessary.
These units are usually employed in apartment buildings and converted homes without ducting systems, where the principal cooling method is central AC unit. Using a portable AC in a single or multiple rooms can help reduce the load on the central system, which can save electricity and also money.
The most effective portable units come with a dehumidifier option to cut down on moisture. This is another common reason for hot spots, and can cause the room to feel uncomfortable. The units should also have washable filters to ensure efficiency and remote controls for effortless operation. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified models that meet efficiency standards to save money and electricity when compared with non-certified units.
If you opt to move your portable device, it is crucial to choose a dual-hose unit instead of a single-hose model. Dual-hose models draw outside air through the condenser coils and then blow it out using the other hose. This improves the efficiency and lowers the sound level of the unit. This option may cost more, but the savings and comfort can be worth the extra cost.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, also 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, which are connected by thin piping that is shaped like electrical wires through small openings in your walls. Ductless systems are a great option for condos because they can be installed in places that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. This makes them the ideal cooling option for many Southwest Florida homes and condominiums because homeowners typically do not want to cut into walls and floors for ductwork.
In 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 compared to other systems, meaning it is possible to cool your home without disturbing other people. Some ductless systems also offer heating, so you can have year-round comfort.
The ductless system is perfect for a variety of spaces including garages, sunrooms, and bedrooms. They can also improve the comfort of older homes, apartments, and condos that have not been fitted with ductwork. This type of system could also be utilized in multifamily homes since it can easily be adapted to different kinds of occupancy patterns.
Additionally the ductless system can be much more energy efficient than traditional systems, as it does not have to force air across long distances. As a result, it can cut down on your energy bills by a significant amount. These systems are smaller than forced air systems, allowing you to save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems are superior in cooling efficiency, and can be adapted to your personal preferences in temperature. They can improve the air quality in your condo, as well with a highly efficient filtering system that removes harmful particles from the air. This will aid in avoiding asthma and allergy symptoms while ensuring your condo’s comfort throughout the year. If you are ready to learn more about installing a ductless system in your condominium, contact us now! Our skilled technicians are waiting to help. We can help you determine the ideal air conditioner for your situation by assessing your needs.