Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning built in. Many of the apartments and condos that have air conditioning units are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer great views but also too much heat and sunlight.
If your building has ductwork, then central AC is a good option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that if the building isn’t equipped with ductwork, a central AC system could be ideal.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners can be an inexpensive and simple method to cool your condo without the need to install 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 older homes without ductwork. However, they do have certain disadvantages that must be considered before making the purchase.
Window ACs are confined to cooling one room, so they’re not a good choice for larger homes. It’s also important to pick models with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They can also be a security threat, as they can be easily removed, permitting easy access to your home.
You may need to install accordions, or wood, to block out the excess space around the window. Most window units come with a window installation kit that you can use to easily install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and then attaching the sleeve to the outside of the window frame. For larger models with more BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide on rails, with the sleeve connected to the frame using brackets.
To determine the amount of unit you will need by multiplying the square footage by the number BTUs required to cool the room comfortably. Be aware of whether the room is in an apartment building that is high-rise or receives a lot more sunlight. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it can save you money on energy bills over time. Our HVAC experts suggest buying central AC to provide a long-term solution. The initial cost may be higher, but it will pay for itself over time with lower monthly utility bills and a longer life span than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are standalone cooling systems that function as space heaters. The units are designed to connect to an outlet, and a tube, also known as a mini-duct, will run out a window in order to vent heat and CO2 (not to be confused with the poisonous gas CO2). The units are mobile and can be determined by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit should be designed in accordance with the space it will be used in. Oversized units will not cool well and can get worn out faster than.
These units are usually used in apartment buildings and converted homes without ducting systems, where the principal cooling method is the central AC unit. Utilizing a portable AC in one or more rooms can reduce the workload on the central system, which can save energy and money.
The most reliable portable units have a dehumidifier setting to reduce the amount of moisture. This is a common reason for hot spots, and it can make the space feel uncomfortable. The units should also have washable filters that can be cleaned to maintain their efficiency and remote controls for simple operation. Select the ENERGY STAR certified models to save money and energy in comparison to non-certified models.
If you choose to go the portable route it’s crucial to choose a dual-hose model instead of one-hose options. The dual-hose models allow outside air to be drawn into the hot condenser coils, then blown out through the other hose. This greatly increases the efficiency of the unit and also helps to reduce the sound generated by the process. It may cost more to purchase a portable unit with this feature, but it could be well worth the investment in terms of savings and ease of use.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, often referred to as mini-splits, are duct-free alternatives to central air conditioning. They consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, and thin piping running through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent option for condos because they can be put in places where traditional HVAC ducts can’t. They are the perfect cooling solution for many Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments because homeowners don’t want to cut into the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless cooling system the indoor unit cools air as it travels through a tube filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter compared to other systems, meaning it is possible to cool your home without disturbing other people. Certain ductless systems also provide heating and cooling, allowing you to enjoy all-year-round comfort.
A ductless system can be ideal for a variety of spaces, including sunrooms garages, bedrooms, and bedrooms. They can also enhance the quality of life for older homes or condos that don’t have ductwork. This type of system is also ideal for multifamily housing because it can easily adapt to various occupancy patterns and requirements.
A ductless system is more energy efficient than traditional systems because it doesn’t need to force air over long distances. As a result, it can cut down on your power consumption significantly. They are also smaller than forced air systems, which saves on the installation cost and space.
Ductless systems are a fantastic option to replace the obtrusive window air conditioners in condo buildings because they provide superior cooling performance and personalized temperature control. With an air filtering system that removes harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality in your condo. This can help you avoid allergy and asthma symptoms and maintain the comfort of your home throughout the year. If you’re ready to learn more about installing a ductless system in your apartment, contact us now! Our technicians are available to assist you. We will assess your needs and help you determine the best air conditioning solution for your particular situation.
