Air Conditioners For Condos
A majority of modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning integrated into them. Many of the condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to ceiling windows, that offer stunning views but also a lot of sunlight and heat.
If your house is equipped with ductwork then a central AC is a good 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 home without the need for ductwork. They remove warm air from the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them a good option for those on a budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. However, they do have a few drawbacks, which must be considered prior to purchasing.
Window ACs are only capable of cooling a single room, so they’re not a good option for larger homes. It’s also important to choose models with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. Additionally, they’re an security risk since the windows are easily removed and allow easy access to your house.
You may need to install accordions, or even wood, to block the extra space around the window. You can install most window units yourself with an installation set for windows. Simply put the chassis in the frame and then attach the sleeves. For larger models with a higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, and the sleeve is fixed to the frame with brackets.
To determine the amount of unit you’ll require, multiply the square footage by the number of BTUs required to cool the room comfortably. To maximize efficiency, think about whether the room gets plenty of sunlight or is on an upper floor. A larger unit will be more expensive, but will help you save money on energy over time. Our HVAC experts recommend investing in a central AC to provide long-term solutions. Although the initial cost is much higher, it will be able to pay for itself in the long run by reducing monthly costs and a longer life span than a variety of window units.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling system that functions like a space heater. They are designed to be plugged into an outlet, and a mini-duct or tube can be run through a window to vent heat and carbon dioxide (not to be confused with the poisonous gas carbon monoxide). They are mobile and can be measured by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit must be sized according to the space it will be used in. Oversized units will not keep cool and get worn out faster than.
They are typically employed in apartment buildings and homes that have been converted without ducting systems, in which the primary cooling method is through central AC unit. Using a portable AC in a room or two could reduce the burden on central systems, thereby saving electricity and money.
The best portable units will include the option of dehumidifying to cut down on the amount of moisture that is a frequent cause of hot spots and can make a room feel unbearably warm. The units should come with washable filters for optimum performance, as well as remote controls to make operation more simple. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified models that meet efficiency standards to save electricity and money compared with non-certified units.
If you choose to move your portable device, it is important to select a dual-hose model instead of a one-hose model. The dual-hose models allow air from outside to be drawn into the condenser coils heated to a certain temperature and then expelled through the other hose. This improves the effectiveness of the unit, and also helps to reduce the noise produced by the process. This option may cost more, but the savings and comfort could be worth the extra expense.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, often referred to as mini-splits, are ductless alternatives to central air conditioning. They consist of an outdoor unit, one or more indoor units, and thin piping that runs through tiny 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 simply are not possible. They are the perfect cooling solution for a lot of Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments, as homeowners don’t want to cut through the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless system, air is chilled by the indoor unit as it passes through refrigerant-filled tubing from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter compared to other alternatives, so it’s possible to cool your space without causing disturbance to others. Certain ductless systems come with heating capabilities, too, so you can enjoy all year round luxury.
A ductless system can be ideal for a variety of spaces, including sunrooms garages, bedrooms, and bedrooms. They can also increase comfort in older houses, 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 types of occupancy patterns.
In addition the ductless system can be much more energy efficient than traditional systems, as it does not have to push air over long distances. It can also reduce your electric bills. They are also smaller than forced air systems, saving on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems offer superior cooling performance, and they can be tailored to your own temperature preferences. With an air filtration system that filters out harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality of your condo. This will help you avoid allergies and asthma and maintain the comfort of your home throughout the year. If you’re looking to learn more about installing an ductless system in your apartment, contact us now! Our technicians are on hand to assist you. We can evaluate your needs and help you select the most suitable air conditioning solution for your specific situation.