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Mini Air Conditioners?

DerHoggz

DerHoggz

I like cats :|
Inactive
Feb 13, 2009
1,704
1,037
33
Western Pennsylvania
#1
My room/dungeon is in the basement, and it can get quite humid in there. If I run a dehumidifier it also acts as a convenient heater, which is inconvenient in the summer with the heat. My room has just a small window, so a regular window unit probably won't work. I've seen split systems, but nothing smaller. Any ideas?
 
#5
Not sure how your window opens, but it might be possible to build and attach a plywood box against the window to mount a window unit.

The other oppition is that basements are usually cool in the suumer. How about a window fan.

My room used to be in a basement, and it can suck.
 
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#11
Be a mad professor like me and try this.

With two fans like this one,
460px-Ventilador_Electrico_Piso.jpg
you can easily create a cooler micro-climate by controlling airflow in the space. Ideally your window will be high for an exhaust fan that will exhaust the hot air. It's not hard to rig one in front of a window - make the best fit you can - you can use foam etc. to make a better seal. Make sure it's not unstable or a danger, electrical or otherwise.

Simply turn it around to draw in the outside air if its more desirable to do so. You also need an inlet of cooler air so you will need to open a door or something like that - this will create a much greater potential for your cool micro-climate. You can also use ice to further enhance this system. Place a bucket(s) of ice for example on the floor where the coolest airflow into the space is greatest.

With the other fan, for cooling the space, strategically place that fan on the floor so it directs the coolest air into the areas you wish to cool - if you do it right, the hot air will rapidly leave the space. You can increase this effect by using a filler in the doorway creating a gap at floor level and one above. Place the fan in the lower gap directing cool air into the heart of the space. Direct the hotter air if you can towards the exhaust fan at the window. Simple! To heat the space just reverse the flow.
 
#12
buldog5151bass said:
Not sure how your window opens, but it might be possible to build a d attach a plywood box against the window to mount a window unit.
Click to expand...
The most sensible suggestion. Immigrants free-stand was good but they ain't cheap.

Swamp cooler is only a spot treatment and expensive to keep refilling with ice which is presumably being made in your refrigerator which just blows more heat into the entire house. Moving the heat to the outdoors ala an air conditioner is a much better use of electricity. A dehumifier strapped up so the hot side facing outside IS basically a low-grade air-conditioner. OP is right, with it in a room it is adding to the heat because of the power to run it's small compressor and fan. Get those outside the room and the dry side is throwing off cooler air.
 
#13
buldog5151bass said:
Not sure how your window opens, but it might be possible to build and attach a plywood box against the window to mount a window unit.

The other oppition is that basements are usually cool in the suumer. How about a window fan.

My room used to be in a basement, and it can suck.
Click to expand...
This is a ~1920 house and it's a small little flip up hinged window right into the planter at ground level. So you mean the box outside of the window?
 
#14
Oh wow, there are so many things to consider. If you really, truly want to condition the area it won't be super cheap. Cheap is cheap. You get what you pay for.

First of all, the main thing to address is humidity. Temperature is one thing, but humidity surpasses temperature when it comes to comfort. Then there is the whole thing about stagnant air and the health concerns. Basements are about the worse place there is to live due to humidity and the lack of fresh air. They're not great environments.

Humidity control is important. A basic dehumidifier is really just a machine that collects moisture and condenses it, removing it from the air. Cool. Great. But it does nothing to address contained air that is held in the basement and cannot address other air quality issues. Depending where you are, Radon Gas may be an issue, as well. No way to tell without a Radon test.

For most people who want to use their basement as a living area, I usually recommend some sort of fresh air exchanger for starters. These units will exhaust stale basement air an introduce fresh, outside air to the area. It's a great place to start. Often times this alone will condition the environment to a point where it's acceptable. But there may be more work that is needed. Dehumidification and temperature control may also be needed.

A lot depends on your specific needs and wants. But definitely look at fresh air exchangers and HRV's for starters.
 
#17
You could build a plywood box - basically an air vent extension to the window outside. Screw the window a/c unit over the end, and attach the other end against the window. This way the water drains outside. The more insulated aid air tight the better. Caulk and rigid foam insulation to seal if possible. Does that make sense?
 
#18
buldog5151bass said:
You could build a plywood box - basically an air vent extension to the window outside. Screw the window a/c unit over the end, and attach the other end against the window. This way the water drains outside. The more insulated aid air tight the better. Caulk and rigid foam insulation to seal if possible. Does that make sense?
Click to expand...
Yeah, essentially an adapter?
 

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