Air Conditioners For Condos

Many modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning integrated into them. The ones that do have windows that extend from floor to ceiling, which provide amazing views, but let in too much sun and heat.

If your house is equipped with ductwork then central AC could be the best option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke to told us that if your home does not have ductwork, a central air conditioning system could be ideal.

1. Window Units

Window air conditioners are a straightforward and cost-effective option to cool a condominium without the need to install ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from a room and replacing it with cooler air, which makes them a great option for those with a limited budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. However, they have some drawbacks that need to be considered prior to making the purchase.

Window ACs are limited to cooling one room, which makes them not the best option for homes with a large number of rooms. They also consume plenty of energy, which is why it’s crucial to choose models with high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. They can also be an security risk, since they are easily removed giving you easy access to your home.

You may have to put in accordions, or wood, to block out the extra space around the window. The majority of window units come with an installation kit for windows which you can use to easily install them by sliding the chassis into the window and then attaching the sleeve on the outside of the window frame. For larger models that have larger BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, and the sleeve connected to the frame using brackets.

To determine what size unit you require to purchase, simply multiply the square footage of your room by the amount of BTUs it needs to cool it comfortably. To maximize efficiency, take into consideration whether your room gets plenty of sunlight or is on the upper floors. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it can save you money on energy over time. Our HVAC experts suggest investing in a central AC to provide an investment that will last for a long time. The initial cost may be higher but it will pay for itself in the long run with lower utility bills each month and a longer service life than multiple window units.

2. Portable Units

A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling system that functions as the space heater. The units are designed to connect to an outlet and a tube, or mini-duct, will run out the window to vent heat and CO2 (not to be confused with the poisonous gas CO2). They are portable and can be determined by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit should be sized according to the room it is intended to be utilized in. Oversized units won’t keep cool and wear out faster than necessary.

These units are utilized most often in apartment buildings or converted homes that don’t have ducting systems or in which the central AC unit is the main cooling system. The use of portable AC units in a single or multiple rooms could reduce the burden on the central system, which can save electricity and money.

The best portable units also come with a dehumidifier option to cut down on humidity. This is a typical reason for hot spots and it can make the space feel uncomfortable. The units should also have washable filters to maintain performance and remote controls for simple operation. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified models that meet efficiency standards and save electricity and money as compared to non-certified models.

If you opt to go portable, it is important to select a dual-hose model instead of a single-hose model. Dual-hose models allow 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 of the unit and also helps to reduce the noise produced by the process. This option may cost more however the savings and comfort can be worth the extra money.

4. Ductless Systems

Mini-splits can be ductless replacements 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 option for condos since they can be put in places in areas where traditional HVAC ducts simply are not possible. This makes them the ideal cooling option for a lot of Southwest Florida homes and condominiums because homeowners typically don’t wish to cut through the walls and floors to install ductwork.

In a ductless system air is cooled by the indoor unit as it passes through refrigerant-filled tubing coming from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter in comparison to other alternatives, so it is possible to cool your space without disturbing other people. Some ductless systems offer heating capabilities as well which means you can enjoy year-round luxury.

The ductless system is suitable for a variety of spaces like garages, sunrooms and bedrooms. They can also enhance the quality of life in older houses or apartments as well as condos that are not equipped with ductwork. This type of system can also be utilized in multifamily housing as it is easily adaptable to various kinds of occupancy patterns.

Additionally, a ductless system can be much more energy efficient than traditional systems, as it does not have to push air over long distances. It can also reduce your electricity costs. They are also smaller than forced air systems, which saves on installation costs and space.

Ductless systems are a great choice to replace obtrusive window air conditioners in condo buildings because they provide superior cooling performance and personal temperature control. With an air filtering system that filters out harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality of your condominium. This helps you stay away from asthma and allergies while also keeping your space cool throughout the year. If you’re looking to learn more about installing an ductless system in your home, call us today! Our technicians are on hand to assist you. We will assess your needs and help you select the most suitable air conditioning solution for your specific situation.

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