|
Some of these posts are very old and might contain outdated information. You may wish to search for newer posts instead.
|
Smushroom
Avid Learner
Registered: 02/02/05
Posts: 2,806
|
AC not in a window in a house with bad wiring?
#8648100 - 07/17/08 05:36 PM (15 years, 6 months ago) |
|
|
My house is extremely hot. I have a few fans going but they aren't doing much. The high temps have pretty much kept spawn bags from colonizing and are preventing some tubs from pinning. Temps are running 80+ with a fan going, 88 is the hottest I have seen but I may have gotten higher.
I need to drop the temp. I have no real clue on a feasible solution. I do have an AC unit that I am pretty sure still works. However I don't trust the windows in the room since they are really old. They are also on the opposite side of the room as the only electrical outlet.
The wiring in the place is terrible. I would have to run an extension cord to the AC if I put it in a window. I can reach an outlet with a ground on it if I set the AC on a table with something below to catch any drips.
Am I just pushing the limit of things that could fuck up and burn my house down or rip the windowsill out of the wall?
Any other cooling ideas?
|
FooMan



Registered: 02/02/05
Posts: 8,957
Loc: Earth
|
Re: AC not in a window in a house with bad wiring? [Re: Smushroom]
#8648144 - 07/17/08 05:48 PM (15 years, 6 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
Smushroom said: Any other cooling ideas?
If you have the cash, look online for windowless portable A/C's. It will set you back anywhere from $300-500. Otherwise, you may need to wait until the fall/winter to grow.
--------------------
Quick WBS Prep
|
Phraggle
Psilocybe Therapy Advocate


Registered: 04/19/06
Posts: 161
|
Re: AC not in a window in a house with bad wiring? [Re: FooMan]
#8649433 - 07/18/08 12:08 AM (15 years, 6 months ago) |
|
|
Window units need to be in a window to work right. Just put it in. If you are really worried then nail a couple of boards to the sides and one across the top of the AC to hold it in place.
If you are worried about the electrical, look in the fuse box. Every house I have ever lived in had switches in the fuse box (not the old kind you have to screw in). These fuses will disconnect before there is a chance of fire from drawing too much power. The worst that happens is that you blow the fuse in the middle of microwaving a burrito (seriously watch out for that). You can try to offset the extra electricity by using fluorescent bulbs, turning things off when not in use (like computer) and only using one high power item at a time (turn off the ac temporarily while microwaving or toasting).
-------------------- You'll see me.
|
Aircooled
Litre-A-Cola



Registered: 07/17/08
Posts: 1,279
Loc: Chee...
Last seen: 1 year, 9 months
|
Re: AC not in a window in a house with bad wiring? [Re: Phraggle]
#8649587 - 07/18/08 01:13 AM (15 years, 6 months ago) |
|
|
I know a thing or two about electricity and running an extension cord to an ac is kinda a bad idea. Unless the extension cord is of superior quality. Long, cheap cords will get hot and short, especially when they supply 12-20 amps to your window unit.
--------------------
"Jack thought it twice and thought that that had made it true. Some brains just work that way, that's what chemicals can do." BTS
|
No_Life_G33k
Now with 10%less noobness


Registered: 03/08/05
Posts: 356
Last seen: 13 years, 10 months
|
Re: AC not in a window in a house with bad wiring? [Re: Aircooled]
#8649635 - 07/18/08 01:39 AM (15 years, 6 months ago) |
|
|
I second the thing about NOT using an extension cord on a windwow Ac, in fact, it will probably warn against it in the instructions.
The 'portable' AC units are fairly slick...$325ish + $50 for s&h.
you can put the AC unit near your outlet, and run the ducting to the window.
look for the SPT brand.
|
Smushroom
Avid Learner
Registered: 02/02/05
Posts: 2,806
|
Re: AC not in a window in a house with bad wiring? [Re: No_Life_G33k]
#8649845 - 07/18/08 04:33 AM (15 years, 6 months ago) |
|
|
I'll have to check out the windowless AC units, didn't know they made them (although I should have figured there would be a need).
There are breakers but my entire house is only on 4 breakers and the entire upstairs is on a single one. I can't plug in 2 space heaters in at the same time and I know the AC draws more power. I am also 90% sure that even the plugs with ground inputs aren't grounded at all. There is 1 outlet per room and most are in the floor which is covered with shag carpet. Not to mention exposed wires in the basement. I REALLY don't trust my electrical.
|
Sef
Warrior of Purgatory



Registered: 05/30/08
Posts: 137
Loc: In your computer
Last seen: 13 years, 10 months
|
Re: AC not in a window in a house with bad wiring? [Re: Smushroom]
#8649903 - 07/18/08 05:08 AM (15 years, 6 months ago) |
|
|
Get a REAL extension cord and it's not a problem. I have a 12g extension cord hooked up to my home air conditioner right now, specifically made for air conditioners (whatever teh hell that's supposed to mean) and it cost about $10 at home depot.
Just don't use the standard 24g or whatever a regular extension cord is. But I'm sure noone is STUPID enough to try that.....
-------------------- ~~~ Your question was probably answered below ~~~ Rye Spawning 50/50+ Casing and Casing Monotub OR Monotub When I say *I* in a post, it is simply for ease of posting. I am always, of course, referring to a friend of mine from highschool whom I haven't seen in 15 years.
|
VV Cephei
Stranger

Registered: 06/29/08
Posts: 19
|
Re: AC not in a window in a house with bad wiring? [Re: Sef]
#8650034 - 07/18/08 07:01 AM (15 years, 6 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
I do have an AC unit that I am pretty sure still works. However I don't trust the windows in the room since they are really old.
Unless the window frame and sill is rotting, then there shouldn't be a problem putting a window a/c in. And, if the condition is that poor that you think the a/c would fall out, then maybe some house repairs are in order first! But seriously, if it's that bad, then you could always add in a board or two to put your mind at ease.
Like Sef mentioned, as long as you get a heavy gauge extension cord, then using the outlet across the room should be fine. If the entire upstairs is all on one circuit, then depending on the amps that your a/c draws, just be careful about using anything else upstairs on the same circuit.
But, safety comes first, and if you think the electrical wiring in general is that bad in the house, then maybe you should fix that up to satisfactory levels before you get started.
|
Phraggle
Psilocybe Therapy Advocate


Registered: 04/19/06
Posts: 161
|
Re: AC not in a window in a house with bad wiring? [Re: Sef]
#8650647 - 07/18/08 11:25 AM (15 years, 6 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
Sef said: Get a REAL extension cord and it's not a problem. I have a 12g extension cord hooked up to my home air conditioner right now,
Ditto. I was assuming that you would use an extension cord that was made to be used for high amp appliances. Anything else would be dangerous.
-------------------- You'll see me.
|
Aircooled
Litre-A-Cola



Registered: 07/17/08
Posts: 1,279
Loc: Chee...
Last seen: 1 year, 9 months
|
Re: AC not in a window in a house with bad wiring? [Re: Phraggle]
#8650873 - 07/18/08 12:16 PM (15 years, 6 months ago) |
|
|
Why would you assume that a complete stranger knows about amp draw and its relationship to extension cords. Thats just irresponsible. I work with elec all day, every day. I NEVER assume someone knows whats acceptable with their homes power. I always instruct proper procedure, no matter who they are. Don't mean to flame here, but someone could get hurt, bad.
--------------------
"Jack thought it twice and thought that that had made it true. Some brains just work that way, that's what chemicals can do." BTS
|
WhiteBunny
How deep doesthe rabbit hole go?



Registered: 07/29/05
Posts: 1,351
Loc: Earth
Last seen: 15 years, 4 months
|
Re: AC not in a window in a house with bad wiring? [Re: Aircooled]
#8650993 - 07/18/08 12:52 PM (15 years, 6 months ago) |
|
|
unless you own it, call your landlord and tell them the A/C situation needs to be taken care of. There is zero chance of anything being down if you don't ask. I would also try to go the central HVAC route too, windows units will kill your power bill
WB
--------------------
|
|