Air Conditioners For Condos
A majority of modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning systems integrated into them. Many of the apartments and condos with air conditioning units are outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows which offer great views but also too much sunshine and heat.
If your home has ductwork, then a central AC is a good option. However, if it doesn’t, the HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that the majority of board are now welcoming ductless mini-splits.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an affordable and simple way to cool your apartment without the need for ductwork. They take warm air out of the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them a good option for those with a tight budget or older homes without ductwork. However, they have a few drawbacks that should be considered prior to making the purchase.
Window ACs are confined to cooling one room, which makes them not a great option for larger homes. They also consume lots of energy, so 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, as windows are easily removed and give an easy access to your home.
Depending on the size of the unit and the type of window it’s installed in, you may need to install accordions or wood to block out excess space around both sides of the window. You can install most window units yourself with the window installation set. Simply put the chassis in the frame and attach the sleeve. For larger models with a higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to move between rails and the sleeve is attached to the frame using brackets that attach it to the window.
To determine the size of unit you require to purchase, simply multiply the area of your room by the number of BTUs it requires to be comfortably cooled. Consider whether the room is in an apartment building that is high-rise or receives a lot more sunlight. A larger unit will be more costly, but can help you save money on energy over time. To ensure a longer-term solution we recommend that our HVAC experts recommend purchasing a central AC system. The initial cost could be higher, but it will pay off over time with lower monthly utility bills and a longer life span as compared to multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are standalone cooling systems that work like space heaters. The units are designed to connect to an outlet and a tube, or mini-duct, is able to be run through a window in order to let CO2 and heat out (not to be confused with the toxic gas CO2). They are portable and are measured by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). To get the best results, a unit should be sized to fit in the space it is intended for, as oversized units won’t provide enough cooling and could be more prone to wear down than.
These units are usually utilized in apartment buildings as well as homes that have been converted without ducting systems, where the primary cooling method is through a central AC unit. By installing a portable AC unit in one or more rooms, you can lessen the load on your central system, and save money and energy.
The most reliable portable units also come with a dehumidifier mode to reduce moisture, which is another common cause of hot spots. It can make a room feel uncomfortable warm. The units should also have washable filters that can be cleaned to maintain their performance and remote controls for effortless operation. Select the ENERGY STAR certified models to save money and energy compared to non-certified units.
If you choose to go for a portable model it’s crucial to choose the dual-hose model over one-hose options. Dual-hose models permit air from outside to be drawn into the hot condenser coils, then blown out through the other hose. This increases the efficiency and reduces the sound of the unit. It may cost more to purchase a portable unit with this feature, but it could be worth the cost in terms of savings and the comfort.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, also known as mini-splits, are duct-free alternatives to central air conditioning. They consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, which are connected via thin piping that functions as electrical wires through tiny openings in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent option for condos because they can be put in areas where traditional HVAC ducts can’t. They are the perfect cooling solution for a lot of Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments since homeowners don’t want to cut through floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless system, air is cooled by the indoor unit as it passes through refrigerant-filled tubes from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter compared to other options, which means it is possible to cool your home without causing disturbance to others. Certain ductless systems also provide heating, so you can have all year round comfort.
The ductless system is ideal for a variety of spaces including garages, sunrooms, and bedrooms. They can also enhance comfort in older houses or apartments as well as condos that are not equipped with ductwork. This type of system could also be used in multifamily housing as it is easily adaptable to different kinds of occupancy patterns.
In addition the ductless system can be a lot more energy efficient than conventional systems, since it does not have to force air over long distances. As a result, it can lower your power bills significantly. These systems are also smaller than forced-air systems which means they can save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems are a fantastic choice to replace obtrusive window air conditioners in condo buildings, because they provide superior cooling performance and personal temperature control. With a filtering system that removes harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality in your condominium. This can aid in avoiding allergies and asthma and maintain the comfort of your home throughout the all year. If you are ready to learn more about installing an ductless system in your apartment, contact us now! Our technicians are ready to assist you. We will assess your needs and help you choose the best air conditioning solution for your specific situation.