Room Cooling Options

[NCDreamer]

I am running an AMD Athlon 1800+ built from recommendations on these forums. The system is not overclocked (yet) and runs plenty cool enough, but the room it is in is now over 80º F and uncomfortable to work in. A window unit AC is not an option, so I was wondering if anyone knows of a source for an affordable standalone cooling unit? I can't have the rest of the house at 60º to keep this one room below 80º. Thanks in advance!

--Carl

 

[WarCon]

Is it really humid where you live? If not then a window mounted "swamp" cooler might be a way to go. They use the phase change of water to cool. Check with your local hardware store. They could probably also let you know if your area is too humid or not to run one.

 

[NCDreamer]

As originally stated, window units are not an option. This is a bonus room that only has two skylights. I assume there must be small versions of the standalone coolers they use in some computer rooms. I just can't find any sources searching the Net.

 

[whitelight]

you can buy window shades for the skylights and it'll cut down on the temp of the room. or just block the skylights with something (like cardboard) so the sun doesn't get in and warm up the room.

 

[fast_eddie]

if your abode has forced air heat / central air conditioning, you could locate and adjust the dampers in the ducts to either force more air to that one room or decrease the air flow to the other rooms. I have to make adjustments to mine twice a year to 'bump' the temperature up to 65F in both the winter and summer; basement office & workshop.

 

[NCDreamer]

Thanks for the replies. I already have shades on the windows and have tweaked the HVAC ducts, etc. What I really need is some direction on free standing AC units. Anyone familiar with these type of units?

 

[RagManX]

For just a slight help in reducing heat in the room, change from standard light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. I did it in my office, and it made a noticable difference. I didn't do before and after temps, but I know sitting in the office is more bearable now.

RagManX

 

[mindslash]

<< Is it really humid where you live? If not then a window mounted "swamp" cooler might be a way to go. They use the phase change of water to cool. Check with your local hardware store. They could probably also let you know if your area is too humid or not to run one. >>



I KNOW I've seen the stand-alone version of this. I just haven't seen it inside the US

If you don't find the swamp cooler in your local home improvement stores, you might actually want to try a room fan (not the celing mount variety, just the free-standing). I would think that if you open the skylights to let air out (I get the feeling you're in an attic environment), then a decent fan (>$40 at your hardare/home improvement store) should help control temperatures. Caveat: You still won't get the 20 degree drop that you want but....

 

[powerMarkymark]

Sears has stand alone A/C units but they are more expensive than window mount units.

 

[dakata24]

i remember when i was a kid. our family had this air conditioner thing (about the size of one of those mini-refrigerators).. all we did was put water into it and it was pretty cool.. wonder if any place sells those anymore..

we threw it out years later cuz i think me and my siblings over the years put stuff in where the water was supposed to go and messed it up..

 

[DukeChestnut]

<< we threw it out years later cuz i think me and my siblings over the years put stuff in where the water was supposed to go and messed it up.. >>




F*CKING KIDS.........

 

[NCDreamer]

Well, the folks at Sears had no idea what I was describing, but thanks for the possible lead. It sounds like folks have owned or seen these things, but don't recall any names. Does anyone work in a computer room environment and have any leads from that angle?

 

[dakata24]

<< Well, the folks at Sears had no idea what I was describing, but thanks for the possible lead. It sounds like folks have owned or seen these things, but don't recall any names. Does anyone work in a computer room environment and have any leads from that angle? >>



i asked this question in OT, and the name of this device is called an evaporative cooler (also called a swamp cooler).. here's the link to the thread

someone said they sell them at home depot... i was checking the net (linked in the other thread) and one was selling for ~$100..

im thinking about getting one of these for the summer months when only 1 room needs to be cooled so i dont have to use the central air we have in the house.

 

[powerMarkymark]

<< Well, the folks at Sears had no idea what I was describing, but thanks for the possible lead. >>



Hey NCDreamer,

I knew that I hadn't imagined it. I am looking at an advertisement for a stand alone. portable Kenmore 7,500 BTU A/C from Sears! Order number 428 435 338.

Now I live in Canada so, maybe this model isn't available where you live.

The regular price is $1,299.00 CDN and it is advertised at $999.00 CDN. (about $600.00 US)

Hope this helps.