Does the use of air conditioning (AC) burden your electricity bill? If you want to save money while preserving the environment, build your own air conditioner using a box fan and cooler, or a box fan and radiator. Follow this guide to build your own air conditioner.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using a Box Fan and Cooler
Step 1. Remove the front grille panel on the box fan
Step 2. Wrap the 6 mm diameter copper pipe in concentric circles starting from the center of the exterior/outside side of the grid
- Attach the ends of the copper tubing to the center of the grid using a zip tie.
- Wrap the pipe into a small circle. Continue to pipe tubing around the initial circle until a series of concentric circles (having one center) are formed. Connect the pipes to the grid using a zip tie.
- It's a good idea to attach enough pipes to the fan grille. However, do not get too tight because it can block the fan air flow.
Step 3. Reattach the copper piped front grille to the box fan
Step 4. Attach one end of a 9.5 mm soft, clear hose to the fountain pump and the other end to the top end of the copper tubing
Aquarium tank hoses are ideal for this project.
Step 5. Connect another 9.5 mm plastic hose to the lower end of the copper pipe
Seal the joints with pipe putty.
Step 6. Fill the cooler with cold water
Submerge the other end of the plastic hose in the water.
Step 7. Place the fountain pump in the cooler
Step 8. Spread the towel under the fan
The towels will catch any condensation that has formed on the outside of the copper tubing.
Step 9. Connect the fountain pump to a power socket and turn on the fan
Method 2 of 2: Using a Recycled Radiator
Step 1. Clean the radiator before use
You can soak it in a mixture of water and mild soap and then let it air dry.
Step 2. Place the high speed fan behind the radiator
You may need to place an object under the radiator so that it is level with the fan.
Step 3. Attach the hose to the faucet outside the house
Step 4. Connect the vinyl hose to the radiator inlet
You may need to try different sizes before finding the right fit for the radiator copper pipe. The length of the hose should be sufficient to reach the garden hose outside the house.
Step 5. Slide the hose through the window and attach it to the end of the garden faucet hose using duct tape
You may need to make a small hole in the window screen to allow the hose to pass.
Step 6. Roll up the garden hose and wrap it in a towel as insulation
Wrap a towel around the hose around the open end to keep the water cool.
Step 7. Attach another plastic hose to the radiator outlet
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Tuck the hose up through the window so that water can be drained onto the roof or gutters.
Build Your Own Air Conditioner Step 18Bullet1 - If you dump water on the roof, it means that you need to make sure the excess water that hits the ground doesn't flood the basement, and recycle the water in the garden.
Step 8. Install the small hand valve on the plastic hose leading to the radiator inlet
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Cut the plastic hose on the radiator inlet pipe until it is 15 cm long from the radiator.
Build Your Own Air Conditioner Step 19Bullet1 -
Attach the end of the hose connected to the radiator inlet to one side of the hand valve.
Build Your Own Air Conditioner Step 19Bullet2 - Connect the water-drawing side of the hand valve to the garden hose.
Step 9. Open the hand valve completely
Outdoors, open the garden hose faucet to find the right volume of water flow.
Step 10. Connect the fan to a power socket and turn it on
When ready to turn off the air conditioner, close the hand valve and unplug your fan.
Tips
Change the water in the cooler every 8 hours. Use the used water to water your yard plants
Warning
- If you don't own your own home, make sure you discuss draining the roof or gutters with the home/building owner. Be prepared to repair or replace window screens when moving house/residence.
- Do not let the water touch the electricity.
