AC Units

LoveIsUnity

It's stupid hot in LA right now. I am starting to dread being at home, which is sad because that's where my bed and tv are. Further complicating matters is that I have these French windows that open inwards like two doors, and I don't have the type of window that slides down and would let me install a basic AC unit. I have heard stories and rumors about AC units that can be made to accommodate this sort of window, but I can't find anything from anyone who has used them. I am currently running multiple box fans, and it's super loud and doesn't do more than make me not want to pass out from heat. Any help, advice, or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Donovan Puppyfucker

http://www.amazon.com/Whynter-Portable-Conditioner-Heater-ARC-14SH/dp/B002W87P9C/ref=zg_bs_1193678_9

Creagan

I second the recommendation for a floor AC unit. I smuggled one of those into my college dorm and it made a world of difference. (I have an incredibly low heat tolerance.) Just move the tubes so they're inserted into the window vertically, and use insulation to block off the extra open spaces.

You can also buy bags of ice, stick them in containers in front of your fans and cool the place down a couple of degrees. I recommend taping white paper over all your windows, and leaving your lights off as much as possible. Check the weather before you open your windows. If it's hotter outside than inside your apartment, don't open your windows.

Replace all your room temperature and warm snacks with refrigerated fruit. Frozen juice also makes for a great snack. Freeze it in a plastic cup, and consume it with a metal spoon.

LoveIsUnity

Oh, sweet. I didn't realize there were AC units that would keep the condensation in a little tray that you could manually evacuate. That will actually be super helpful.

Thanks for your help y'all. Some of the recommendations aren't really feasible (I'm definitely not taping paper over my windows), but I will definitely keep the ice+fan combo in mind in case I end up not getting an AC unit.

Daenris

Just keep in mind that if it's humid at all you'll be emptying the tray constantly.

LoveIsUnity

Daenris wrote: »

Just keep in mind that if it's humid at all you'll be emptying the tray constantly.

I'm in LA, so I'm rather lucky on that front.

Donovan Puppyfucker

The portable unit we had had a collector for the condensation that you would empty if it got too full, but it also used it to increase performance, by pumping it back up after it collected in the tray and running it over the evaporator to help cool it down.

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Creagan

If you do find the humidity is a problem, buy some bricks to raise the unit. Then stick a large container under the spout to collect the water.

LoveIsUnity

mcdermott wrote: »

chrishallett83 wrote: »

The portable unit we had had a collector for the condensation that you would empty if it got too full, but it also used it to increase performance, by pumping it back up after it collected in the tray and running it over the evaporator to help cool it down.

Yup, never had to empty the tray on mine. It was all quite automatic and wonderful.

If you've got odd windows, and are willing to block one entirely, you can just get a board of some kind, cut to shape, insulate, and cut the hole for the unit. That's what I had to do. I mounted the bit that's supposed to fit on the window (that the hose clips to) with appropriate sealing around it, it works great. The board I cut into the shape of my screen, which is on the interior (the window obviously opens outward).

Make sure you get one with sufficient cooling capacity.

EDIT: I have this one,, if you're curious. Have only used it for a season so far, but it's been great.

Did you use plywood cut to size or did you use another material? I have a unit on the way, and I am going to get a jumpstart on cutting the board to ventilate. I was wondering if there was something you used that looks a little more aesthetically pleasing than plywood, though. Also, did you use any type of insulation strips or something on the outside to fill in the space around the board?

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LoveIsUnity

mcdermott wrote: »

LoveIsUnity wrote: »

mcdermott wrote: »

chrishallett83 wrote: »

The portable unit we had had a collector for the condensation that you would empty if it got too full, but it also used it to increase performance, by pumping it back up after it collected in the tray and running it over the evaporator to help cool it down.

Yup, never had to empty the tray on mine. It was all quite automatic and wonderful.

If you've got odd windows, and are willing to block one entirely, you can just get a board of some kind, cut to shape, insulate, and cut the hole for the unit. That's what I had to do. I mounted the bit that's supposed to fit on the window (that the hose clips to) with appropriate sealing around it, it works great. The board I cut into the shape of my screen, which is on the interior (the window obviously opens outward).

Make sure you get one with sufficient cooling capacity.

EDIT: I have this one,, if you're curious. Have only used it for a season so far, but it's been great.

Did you use plywood cut to size or did you use another material? I have a unit on the way, and I am going to get a jumpstart on cutting the board to ventilate. I was wondering if there was something you used that looks a little more aesthetically pleasing than plywood, though. Also, did you use any type of insulation strips or something on the outside to fill in the space around the board?

Naw, I left mine ugly. I think this year I might forego the insulation and just paint the board on both sides to match the interior and exterior walls...might be marginally less tacky. As for sealing, I cut it into the shape of the screen, which sits on the interior, then put foam tape around the exterior face to seal to the window frame. And yeah, you definitely want to seal all the way around the board.

Thanks. I really appreciate the information.