HVAC question

[yzingerr]

Is it possible for a DIYer to create a box so that a window mounted AC unit (such as the one pictured) can be used completely indoors with only an exhaust vent going to the window?

I have a window unit that i'd like to use indoors, but cannot justify buying a indoor specific model for around $300+

I know the compressor must get fresh air flow, so I was thinking of building the box with openings on both sides w/ fans. A little cool air loss/recycling is ok.

[tobacmon]

I saw this and was wondering why you would want to have the unit in the house and not in the window where it was designed to work correctly? Not sure why you would do this???

Do you not have any windows!

[ca21455]

I have been working on a wine/cigar cellar and the answer is maybe. The room I am working on is internal to the house and does not have access to the outside.

If you made a box for the AC to sit in you would have to provide enough air movement to remove the heat. This would require a blower, suction venting and exhaust venting. You may find this all adds up to more then buying a portable unit unless you have a source for what is needed.

If your system does not remove enough of the heat the AC will not work and eventually be damaged.

[tobacmon]

What He ^^^ said!

[slyder]

You would also have a problem with condensate removal. Most newer window units use a "slinger ring" around the condenser fan to fling the condensate into the condenser coil and blow it through. Sometimes when the unit works really hard it will produce more condensate than it can get rid of. It usually spews over the sides when it gets full. So you would probably have a mess in your house.

[Aaron871]

You can build it as a "split system" by removing the components and setting the condenser outside with a separate fan. Then run copper lines inside to the evaporator.

[yzingerr]

interesting idea!

[ssutton219]

Originally Posted by slyder

You would also have a problem with condensate removal. Most newer window units use a "slinger ring" around the condenser fan to fling the condensate into the condenser coil and blow it through. Sometimes when the unit works really hard it will produce more condensate than it can get rid of. It usually spews over the sides when it gets full. So you would probably have a mess in your house.

We would have this issue at the Hotel I worked for..during the HOT summer months if we couldn't keep the coils clean we would be cleaning carpet when it would overflow the condensate tray..not fun!

Originally Posted by Aaron871

You can build it as a "split system" by removing the components and setting the condenser outside with a separate fan. Then run copper lines inside to the evaporator.

I had a full size split system in my 1st house..LOVE the idea.

Good Luck


Shawn

[slyder]

Originally Posted by Aaron871

You can build it as a "split system" by removing the components and setting the condenser outside with a separate fan. Then run copper lines inside to the evaporator.

problem with this is that most window units use the same fan motor for both condenser fan and evaporator fan. They have a long shaft protruding from both sides of the motor. Oh nevermind i just read your whole post..........youve already adressed it. sorry

[Aaron871]

Originally Posted by slyder

problem with this is that most window units use the same fan motor for both condenser fan and evaporator fan. They have a long shaft protruding from both sides of the motor. Oh nevermind i just read your whole post..........youve already adressed it. sorry

He would most likely be cheaper to spend the $300 and get one that's made for what he needs.... but..... it would be fun to try.

[yzingerr]

Originally Posted by Aaron871

He would most likely be cheaper to spend the $300 and get one that's made for what he needs.... but..... it would be fun to try.

The room I am trying to put it in has only a small window (underground basement).
I thought that if this were more easily done, I might do it in the upstairs room too.
Looks like it would end up being more hassle than it is worth. Thanks guys!