Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern condos and apartments do not come with air cooling units. Those that do tend to have floor-to-ceiling windows which offer amazing views, but let in too much sun and heat.
If your home is duct-worked then central AC system could be ideal. If not however, the HVAC contractors Brick interviewed said that the majority of board are now accepting ductless mini-splits.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a simple and affordable method of cooling a home without installing ductwork. They remove warm air from the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them a good option for people on a budget or older homes without ductwork. However, they come with a few drawbacks that should be considered prior to making the purchase.
Window ACs can only cool a single space and are therefore not suitable for homes with a larger area. They also consume lots of energy, making it crucial to choose 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 home.
Depending on the size of the unit and the type of window it’s set in, you may have to install accordions or wood to block out excess space around both sides of the window. Most window units come with a window installation kit that you can use to install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and attaching the sleeve to the exterior of the frame. For larger models with a higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, and the sleeve connected to the frame using brackets.
To determine the right size of unit you require you simply need to multiply the square footage of your room by the number of BTUs that it needs to be comfortably cooled. To maximize efficiency, take into consideration whether your room gets lots of sunlight or is on the upper floor. A larger unit is more expensive, but it can help you save money on energy over time. If you want to have a long-term solution for your home, our HVAC experts suggest investing in central AC system. Although the initial cost is much higher, it will pay for itself over time with lower monthly utilities and a longer service life than multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling device that functions like a space heater. They are designed to plug into an outlet and a tube or mini-duct can be run through a window to vent carbon dioxide and heat (not to be confused with the toxic gas carbon monoxide). They 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 as larger units will not provide adequate cooling and can be more prone to wear down than.
These units are used typically in apartment buildings or converted homes that do not have ducting systems, and where the central AC unit is the main cooling system. Utilizing a portable AC in one or more rooms could reduce the burden on your central system, saving electricity and also money.
The best portable units also have a dehumidifier setting to decrease the amount of moisture. This is a typical reason for hot spots and can make the room feel uncomfortable. The units should have washable filters to ensure optimal performance, as well as a remote controller to make the operation simpler. Select the ENERGY STAR certified models to save money and energy in comparison to non-certified models.
If you decide to go the portable route it’s crucial to choose a dual-hose model rather than a single-hose option. Dual-hose models draw outside air through condenser coils, and then blow it out via the other hose. This improves the efficiency and lowers the sound of the unit. It might cost more to purchase a portable unit that has this feature, but it can be well worth the investment in terms of savings and comfort.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives 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 put in spaces that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. They are the perfect cooling solution for many Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments because homeowners don’t want to cut through floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless cooling system the indoor unit cools air as it moves through the tubing that is filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter in comparison to other alternatives, so it’s possible to cool your home without disturbing other people. Certain ductless systems have heating capabilities as well which means you can enjoy year-round luxury.
The ductless system is suitable for many spaces, such as garages, sunrooms, and bedrooms. They can also increase the quality of life in older houses, apartments, and condos that are not equipped with ductwork. This type of system can also be utilized in multifamily housing as it can easily be adapted to different kinds of occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is also more energy-efficient than traditional systems since it doesn’t require the force of air over long distances. In turn, it can cut down on your energy bills by a significant amount. These systems are smaller than forced air systems, saving on the installation cost and space.
Ductless systems offer superior cooling performance, and they can be customized to your personal preferences in temperature. With an air filtration system that removes harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality in your condominium. This will aid in avoiding allergies and asthma while ensuring the comfort of your home throughout the year. If you’re ready to learn more about installing a ductless system into your home, call us now! Our technicians are available to assist you. We will assess your requirements and help you select the most suitable air conditioning solution for your unique situation.
