Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern condos and apartments do not have air conditioning built in. The ones that do have windows that extend from floor to ceiling, which provide amazing views, but let in too much light and heat.
If your building has ductwork, an central AC system might be a good option. But if it doesn’t, the HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that the majority of board are now accepting mini-splits with ductless technology.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an easy and inexpensive method of cooling a home without installing ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from a room and replacing it with cooler air, which makes them a fantastic choice for those with a limited budget or older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they come with certain disadvantages that must be considered before making the purchase.
Window ACs are limited to cooling one room, making them not a good option for homes with a large number of rooms. It’s also important to pick models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. Furthermore, they pose an security risk since windows can be removed easily 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 have to install accordions or wood to block any space around one or both sides of the window. The majority of window units come with an installation kit for windows that can be used to install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and attaching the sleeve to the exterior of the window frame. For larger models that have larger BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, and the sleeve attached to the frame with brackets.
To determine the size unit you’ll require to purchase, multiply the square footage by the number BTUs needed to cool the room effectively. To maximize efficiency, consider whether the room gets lots of sunlight or is on the upper floor. A larger unit is more expensive, but it could save you money in energy costs over time. Our HVAC experts recommend buying central AC for an investment that will last for a long time. Although the initial cost is higher, it will pay off over time by reducing monthly costs and a longer service life than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling device that functions as a space heater. The units are designed to connect to an outlet, and the tube, or mini-duct, is able to be run through the window to vent heat and CO2 (not to confuse with the poisonous gas CO2). The units are portable and can be determined by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). For the best results, the unit should be designed to accommodate its intended room because larger units won’t provide enough cooling and could be more prone to wear down than.
They are mostly in apartments or converted homes that don’t have ducting systems and where the central AC unit is the primary cooling system. By installing an AC unit portable in one or more rooms, you will be able to reduce the burden on the central system and save money and energy.
The best portable units will include the option of dehumidifying to cut down on humidity, which is a common cause of hot spots and can make a room feel uncomfortable warm. The units should have washable filters for optimum performance, and a remote controller to make the operation simpler. Find ENERGY STAR-certified models that meet efficiency standards to save electricity and money in comparison to non-certified units.
If you decide to go with a portable option it’s crucial to choose a dual-hose model instead of a single-hose option. Dual-hose models draw outside air through condenser coils then blow it out using the other hose. This improves the efficiency of the unit and it helps to minimize the sound generated by the process. It might 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
Mini-splits can be ductless replacements for central air conditioners. They consist of an outdoor unit as well as one or more indoor units and thin piping running through tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent choice for condos because they can be installed where traditional HVAC ducts are not feasible. This makes them the ideal cooling option for many Southwest Florida homes and condominiums, since homeowners often do not wish to cut through the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless unit, air is cool by the unit in the indoor as it passes through refrigerant-filled tubing coming from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than traditional models which means you can cool your home without disturbing others. Some ductless systems can also provide heating which means you can enjoy year-round comfort.
A ductless system can be suitable for various types of spaces, including sunrooms bedrooms, and garages. They can also enhance comfort for older houses condominiums, apartments, and homes that do not have ductwork. This type of system can also be utilized in multifamily homes since it can easily be adapted to different occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is more energy-efficient than conventional systems due to the fact that it doesn’t have to push air over long distances. In turn, it can cut down on your power consumption significantly. These systems are smaller than forced air systems, allowing you to save on the installation cost and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling performance and can be customized to suit your individual preferences for temperature. They can improve the air quality in your apartment, in addition with a highly efficient filtering system that eliminates harmful particles from the air. This can aid in avoiding asthma and allergy symptoms while ensuring your condo’s temperature throughout the year. If you’re ready to know more about installing a ductless system in your apartment, contact us now! Our technicians are on hand to assist you. We can assess your requirements and help you select the most suitable air conditioning solution for your unique situation.