monkeybusiness
98% chimp
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2008
- Messages
- 481
- Reaction score
- 201
Well since i had to convert a window AC unit to use inside an enclosed area, i figured I'd try to document the process since there seems to be quite a few misunderstandings about the concept.
Now I'm going to explain the theory/concept and then show how i decided to convert mine but it's going to be one of those, 'do as i say, not as i do' demonstrations. Frankly, i don't recommend you do it exactly as i did because i was battling space and supply factors. Basically i wanted to use supplies i already had and I had to install it into a very confined space so I made a pretty tight conversion. I'm comfortable with that because i have a dedicated exhaust fan with plenty of CFM's to make sure heat is sucked out of condenser. You'll have to decide whats best for you.
Anyways...
on to the show:
As you can see in the pictures, an ordinary window AC unit with vents on the back, sides, and top. The air is suppose to flow in through the sides and top and out the back. This is the most important thing. (I've seen where people just put the ac in a room and blow a fan across the back and that won't work. It might seem to work for a while but even if it does bring the temps down it will shorten life of your AC)
So, you will have to figure out a way to funnel air in, then out the back. I've seen where people build a box to enclose the top and sides and funnel it into an intake hose, as well as building a box on the back to funnel out to an exhaust hose. I'm going to close off the sides completely and funnel fresh air thru the top and out the back.
Now I'm going to explain the theory/concept and then show how i decided to convert mine but it's going to be one of those, 'do as i say, not as i do' demonstrations. Frankly, i don't recommend you do it exactly as i did because i was battling space and supply factors. Basically i wanted to use supplies i already had and I had to install it into a very confined space so I made a pretty tight conversion. I'm comfortable with that because i have a dedicated exhaust fan with plenty of CFM's to make sure heat is sucked out of condenser. You'll have to decide whats best for you.
Anyways...
on to the show:
As you can see in the pictures, an ordinary window AC unit with vents on the back, sides, and top. The air is suppose to flow in through the sides and top and out the back. This is the most important thing. (I've seen where people just put the ac in a room and blow a fan across the back and that won't work. It might seem to work for a while but even if it does bring the temps down it will shorten life of your AC)
So, you will have to figure out a way to funnel air in, then out the back. I've seen where people build a box to enclose the top and sides and funnel it into an intake hose, as well as building a box on the back to funnel out to an exhaust hose. I'm going to close off the sides completely and funnel fresh air thru the top and out the back.