Window AC unit question.

[Zephod]

Looking at window AC units, I see a vent at the back and possibly an inlet at the top on the front and an outlet on the front.

How does the rear vent work? Does that simply blow outside air over the coils? Is there a mixing of inside and outside air?


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[j.m.jackson]

No mixing of air. The outside coils heat the outside air, inside coils cool the inside air. It's a heat mover, moving heat from the inside coils to the outside coils.

[TomC]

There was one guy on the board (can't remember who) that bought two small window A/C's (like 6,000btu) to create one mini split A/C. He cut both in half by the fan motor, using one for the outside condenser and one for the inside evaporator. Then just connected them with additional freon lines and an electrical for the outside fan motor. Was pretty cleaver. Good Luck, TomC

[Zephod]

No mixing of air. The outside coils heat the outside air, inside coils cool the inside air. It's a heat mover, moving heat from the inside coils to the outside coils.

I saw a 13 inch tall window unit. Arctic King, in Walmart for $97. It struck me that with suitable ducting, it could work for bus ac. Put it under the ribs (I have 14-15 inches from the ribs to the bottom of the skirt). Easy to replace too... just slide out and slide a new one in. Lightweight too.

Just mulling it over.


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[windtrader]

I'm still very new here but it seems with some creative engineering one could engineer a central cooling system based on those window AC units. The larger ones are in the 15k btu range, same as the rooftop units. Getting proper air circulation to the external components would be critical but sure does not seem overly complex.

[Zephod]

I'm still very new here but it seems with some creative engineering one could engineer a central cooling system based on those window AC units. The larger ones are in the 15k btu range, same as the rooftop units. Getting proper air circulation to the external components would be critical but sure does not seem overly complex.

I'm thinking with careful fitting, a window unit could just slide into a purpose built bay with rubber gaskets connecting to ducting.


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[oldmansax]

Remember, window units are not built to stand the shock and vibrations that transport units are. I'm not saying they won't work, just that reliability and longevity may suffer, depending on how well built the particular unit is.

TOM

[TomC]

I've seen many a trucker using standard window units in their sleepers. You can make them work-open them up and make sure all freon lines are properly supported.
BTU's is very important. I have 3-13,500btu units on my bus and wouldn't do it differently. On my truck I have 2-15,000btu and one 7,000btu unit just for the cab. Good Luck, TomC

[Zephod]

I'm just playing with ideas at the moment. Right now, there is no AC and I'm using solely ventilation and fans.

I haven't yet spent a single night in my bus though I've been in it during the day, sitting at the desk etc.


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[TomC]

If you can get away without A/C, all the better. A/C is the single biggest power hog on the bus.

[Zephod]

If you can get away without A/C, all the better. A/C is the single biggest power hog on the bus.

I have painted the roof white. I have not removed the interior steel roof. That's still there. The temp isn't that bad. It's 104 max. I'm about 7 degrees above outside temperatures.

I have no roof hatches and given the lackadaisical attitude of South Carolina toward lopping low hanging branches, won't be installing any. It's only a matter of time before my work bus has to go to the bus doctor with a head injury!

I've got an extraction fan that supposedly expels 130cfm. 9 minutes should see my 28 foot long living space with a total air change. It doesn't seem to help much with heat but it does keep the air fresh.

I have two circulation fans of which one is fully operational and the other has to run off a battery..


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[muldoonman]

104 is a nice balmy temperature.