How Air Conditioning Works in Apartments and Condominium Units

Property owners and managers of condominium units are in charge of choosing the air conditioning system for their building or multi-family complex. This decision is somewhat easier to make when the property is a new build, and the decision on the air conditioning system to utilize can be incorporated into the structure and design of the building.

Air Conditioning options for apartments and condominium buildings.

Not all property owners and managers are as fortunate though to manage new apartments or newly-built condominium units. Most may need to get to a new cooling solution to replace an existing ineffective one and would have to find a workaround to utilize a new air conditioning system.

Air Conditioning options for apartments and condominium units

  1. Central Air Conditioners are the default choice for multi-family buildings that have built-in ductwork for air conditioning and heating. Central AC offers a more consistent cooling and heating for an all year round thermal comfort inside the renters’ units. And while this type of system may require a higher expense to install, central air conditioners do not affect the overall design of each residential unit, especially when the vents and ducts have been in place long. The downside to this system, though is the possibility of discomfort in all air conditioning units when the AC is ill-maintained, or should it malfunction. Moreover, a renter may not have better control of the climate inside his residential unit as the air conditioning is centralized.
  2. Mini Split Air Conditioners are another popular choice for cooling apartment and condominium units. An indoor unit has to be installed in every room that needs to be cooled, and each room has its remote control that allows the renter to adjust the temperature according to his preference. The mini-split air conditioner also does not require ductwork or vents, because it only needs small drilling for the piping that connects the indoor unit to the outdoor air conditioning unit.

And while it may not be as unobtrusive as central air conditioning, its design is usually subtle and works silently as well. Ductless mini-split systems are the best choice for apartments and condominium complexes that do not have built-in ductwork.

  1. Window type air conditioners. Window type air conditioners could be the easiest and most affordable option in cooling apartment and condominium units. The units are easy to install, cheaper to buy and operate, and does not need waiting time to be operational. All it needs is a window to fit through or a hole in the wall that could fit the air conditioning unit.

The downside of using window air conditioners, though is that it can affect the aesthetics of a residential unit. It has an impact on the external look of the building, and the design of the interiors. It can be noisier to operate, and may not be as efficient in cooling the whole room compared to other types of air conditioners.

Whatever the choice, each of the air conditioning systems has its benefits and drawbacks.

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