Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning installed. Those that do tend to have floor-to-ceiling windows which offer great views, but also let in too much sun and heat.
If your house has ductwork, then a central AC could be the best option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that if the 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 condo without the need to install ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from a space and replacing it with cooler air, making them a fantastic choice for people on a tight budget or for older homes that don’t have ductwork. They do have some drawbacks, which must be considered prior purchasing.
Window ACs are only capable of cooling one room, which makes them not a good choice for larger homes. It’s also important to choose models with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. In addition, they pose a security risk, as windows are easily removed and allow an easy access to your home.
You may need to install accordions, or wood, to block the extra space around the window. The majority of window units come with a window installation kit which you can use to install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and affixing the sleeve to the outside of the frame. For larger models that have a higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, with the sleeve connected to the frame using brackets.
To determine the amount of unit you’ll require to purchase, multiply the square footage by the amount of BTUs required to cool the room effectively. Take into consideration whether the room is an apartment building that is high-rise or receives lots of sunlight. A larger unit is more expensive, but it can save you money on energy over time. Our HVAC experts suggest investing in a central AC for a long-term solution. Although the initial cost is much more expensive, it will eventually pay off in the long run by reducing monthly costs and a longer life span than a variety of window units.
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 tube or mini-duct will be able to exit a window to vent carbon dioxide and heat (not to be confused with the poisonous gas carbon monoxide). They are portable and are sized by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). For the best results a unit should be sized to accommodate its intended room as larger units will not offer adequate cooling and may wear down faster than necessary.
These units are utilized most often in apartment buildings or converted homes that don’t have ducting systems and in which the central AC unit is the main cooling system. Using portable AC units in a single or multiple rooms can reduce the workload on your central system, saving electricity and money.
The best portable units will include an option to dehumidify to lessen moisture, which is another common cause of hot spots. It can make a room feel uncomfortably warm. The units should also have washable filters to maintain the performance of the unit and remote controls for simple operation. Choose ENERGY START-certified models that meet efficiency standards to save electricity and money in comparison to non-certified units.
If you choose to move your portable device, it is important to select a dual-hose unit instead of a one-hose model. Dual-hose models permit air from outside to be drawn in through the condenser coils that are hot and then expelled through the other hose. This improves the efficiency and decreases the noise of the unit. This feature may cost more but the savings and comfort could make it worth the extra money.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives for central air conditioners. They are made up of an outdoor unit as well as one or more indoor units, and thin piping that runs through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent choice for condos, because they can be placed in places where traditional HVAC ducts cannot. They are the ideal cooling solution for a lot of Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments since homeowners do not want to cut into walls and floors to install ductwork.
In a ductless system, air is cooled by the indoor unit when it travels through refrigerant-filled tubes from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than other models and allows you to cool your room without disturbing other. Certain ductless systems have heating capabilities as well to provide all year round comfort.
A ductless system is ideal for many types of spaces, including sunrooms bedrooms, and garages. They can also increase comfort in older houses, apartments, and condos which aren’t equipped with ductwork. This type of system can also be utilized in multifamily housing as it can easily be adapted to various kinds of occupancy patterns.
Additionally, a ductless system can be more energy efficient than conventional systems, since it doesn’t have to force air across long distances. As a result, it can lower your power bills significantly. They are also smaller than forced air systems, saving on the installation cost and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling performance, and they can be customized to your personal preferences in temperature. With an air filtration system that eliminates harmful air particles, they can also improve the air quality of your condominium. This will aid in avoiding allergies and asthma, while maintaining your condo’s temperature throughout the season. If you are ready to learn more about installing a ductless system in your apartment, contact us now! Our skilled technicians are waiting to help. We can assist you in choosing the most appropriate air conditioner for your particular situation by assessing your needs.