Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern condos and apartments do not have built-in air cooling units. Many of the condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are outfitted with floor-to ceiling windows, that offer stunning views but also a lot of sunshine 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 isn’t equipped with ductwork, a central air conditioning system might be the best option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an affordable and simple way to cool your home without the need to install ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from a room and replacing it with cooler air, which makes them an ideal choice for those with a limited budget or older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they do have certain disadvantages that must be considered prior to making the purchase.
Window ACs are limited to cooling a single room, making them not a good option for homes with a large number of rooms. They also consume plenty of energy, so it’s important to look for models that have high energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. In addition, they pose a security risk, as the windows can be easily removed and give easy access to your house.
You may have to put in accordions or even wood to block out the extra space around the window. The majority of window units come with an installation kit for windows that can be used to easily install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and affixing the sleeve to the exterior of the frame. For larger models that have higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to move back and forth on rails. The sleeve then gets fixed to the frame by brackets that attach it to the window.
To determine the size unit you require you simply need to multiply the square footage of your space by the number of BTUs it requires to cool it comfortably. To maximize efficiency, think about whether the room gets plenty of sun or is on the upper floor. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it will save you money in energy costs over time. If you want to have a long-term solution for your home, our HVAC experts suggest purchasing central AC system. Although the initial cost is more expensive, it will eventually pay for itself over time by reducing monthly costs and a longer lifespan than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are independent cooling systems that function as space heaters. They are designed to be plugged into an outlet, and a mini-duct or tube will run out of a window to vent carbon dioxide and heat (not to be confused with the poisonous gas carbon monoxide). They are portable and are determined by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit should be designed in accordance with the space it will be used in. The units that are too big won’t keep cool and get worn out faster than.
These units are usually used in apartment buildings and converted homes that do not have ducting systems. The principal cooling method is central AC unit. By using an AC unit that is portable in one or more rooms, you will be able to reduce the load on your central system and save money and electricity.
The best portable units also come with a dehumidifier option to reduce moisture. This is another common reason for hot spots, and can make the room feel uncomfortable. The units should also have washable filters to ensure efficiency and remote controls for simple operation. Choose ENERGY START-certified models that comply with efficiency standards to reduce energy and cost when compared with non-certified units.
If you decide to go for a portable model, it’s important to choose the dual-hose model over a single-hose model. Dual-hose models permit air from outside to be drawn into the condenser coils heated to a certain temperature and then blown out via the other hose. This increases the efficiency and lowers the sound of the unit. This feature could cost more but the savings and comfort can make it 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 as well as one or more indoor units and thin piping running through tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems make a great option for condos since they can be installed in areas where traditional HVAC ducts are not possible. This makes them a great 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 the air as it moves through a tube filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter when compared to other options, which means it is possible to cool your home without causing disturbance to others. Certain ductless systems come with heating capabilities, too, so you can enjoy year-round comfort.
The ductless system is suitable for many spaces like garages, sunrooms and bedrooms. They can also improve comfort for older houses or condos that don’t have ductwork. This type of system could also be utilized in multifamily homes since it can easily be adapted to various types of occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is also more energy-efficient than traditional systems because it doesn’t require the force of air over long distances. In turn, it can reduce your power bills significantly. They are also smaller than forced-air systems, which helps them reduce the cost of installation and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling performance, and they can be adapted to suit your individual preferences for temperature. With an air 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 also keeping your space comfortable throughout the season. Contact us today if interested in learning more. Our skilled technicians are waiting to assist you. We can assist you in choosing the best air conditioner for your needs by assessing your requirements.