A/C crapped out so I tried this

[Hugh R]

Can't get a contractor in for two days, about 100 outside and 80 inside in the downstairs bedroom. Wifeys nylon with ice, in front of a fan, it seems to have dropped the inside temp at least a few degrees.

[masraum]

[Eric at Pelican Parts]

Another way!

[Baz]

I've mentioned this a few times here, Hugh.....I have a small window unit installed that I have for emergencies. It's in one of my living room windows. I have about 12 windows so plenty of options. I leave it there year round. I think it was just over $100 at Home Depot.

I also have another larger version I keep in it's original box that I can install in about 10 minutes if need be.

Not sure if you have the type of window you could use one of these in but it's the best way to survive situations that you're in. Takes all the humidity out and keeps the temps under 80 anyway.

My house is not large - 2 bdrm 2 bath and I can shut the doors of the back bedrooms and sleep in the living room if needed.

Be happy to help with more details if desired.

Good luck!

[speeder]

A/C working in the RV? That’s where I’d be.

[Jims5543]

Originally Posted by Baz

I've mentioned this a few times here, Hugh.....I have a small window unit installed that I have for emergencies. It's in one of my living room windows. I have about 12 windows so plenty of options. I leave it there year round. I think it was just over $100 at Home Depot.

I also have another larger version I keep in it's original box that I can install in about 10 minutes if need be.

Not sure if you have the type of window you could use one of these in but it's the best way to survive situations that you're in. Takes all the humidity out and keeps the temps under 80 anyway.

My house is not large - 2 bdrm 2 bath and I can shut the doors of the back bedrooms and sleep in the living room if needed.

Be happy to help with more details if desired.

Good luck!

Same here. I have a 12k btu window and 12k btu portable.

My ac went out and it was high 90s out. Both units will keep the house at 80 if I close off the spare room.

I am in the camp of have it and not need it over need it and not have it.



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[red-beard]

In Houston, many A/C contractors will loan portable units until they get there for the work, or if it will take a few days for parts.

[red-beard]

And Yeah, go spend $100 at Walmart for a window unit.

[javadog]

A quick calculation tells me that the ice solution is a nonstarter.

At the minimum, get yourself a big ass fan and point it at the bed. You can rent some temporary AC equipment, but it's probably even more hassle than digging the RV out of storage. I would suggest a motel. Given that you're retired, said motel should be an interesting place, away from home and proximate to fine dining establishments.

[john70t]

Nice hack Hugh.

I got a $20 stand up fan at Meijer.
Best investment in a while.

[red-beard]

For people to understand, air conditioners are rated in Tons (of ice) or 12,000 BTUs/hr. A 5000 BTU window unit would be equal to melting 34 pounds of ice per hour. I bet you have about 1 or 2 lbs of ice in the stocking.

a TON of ice = 288,000 btu/day or 12,000 BTUs/hr.

My house in Houston has 2 Air conditioning units with a combined capacity of 6.5 Tons.

[Scott Douglas]

I would have put the ice on the other side of the fan so it was dragging the air over the ice rather than blowing it into the ice.

[wildthing]

Any comments/experience on the portable A/C units at Costco (not the ones online, but in store)?

[herr_oberst]

I agree with Denis. The RV is where I'd be.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by red-beard

And Yeah, go spend $100 at Walmart for a window unit.

$129 at Home Depot (they're showing 3 in stock at my location) for a 5K BTU GE.....

407 out of 635 reviews give it 5 star rating.....

[Hugh R]

Went with Plan B 6K BTU from Loews for $129. Plus $20 in thermal insulation and duct tape, not pretty, but for a few days, I don't care. Works for the bedroom. My fear is the HVAC guy comes on Wednesday and says he has to order parts and it will be a few more days. Emergency unit for me, and friends if they need it.

[LeeH]

Did you do any troubleshooting? Capacitor? Contactor?

I got a call last week from a single female friend that her upstairs AC had gone out. I swapped the caps from one unit to another. Bingo! $12 and she was back in business.

[Hugh R]

Originally Posted by red-beard

For people to understand, air conditioners are rated in Tons (of ice) or 12,000 BTUs/hr. A 5000 BTU window unit would be equal to melting 34 pounds of ice per hour. I bet you have about 1 or 2 lbs of ice in the stocking.

a TON of ice = 288,000 btu/day or 12,000 BTUs/hr.

My house in Houston has 2 Air conditioning units with a combined capacity of 6.5 Tons.

Yeah the ice melted in twenty minutes, see my post above.

[Hugh R]

Originally Posted by LeeH

Did you do any troubleshooting? Capacitor? Contactor?

I got a call last week from a single female friend that her upstairs AC had gone out. I swapped the caps from one unit to another. Bingo! $12 and she was back in business.

It made a buzzing noise inside and a squeel just before it crapped out, not an outside issue, iMhO. New home warranty issue $75 deductible.

[Evans, Marv]

Originally Posted by masraum

Any totally inside evaporative cooler won't do anything but fill the place with sopping wet humidity.