With summer right around the corner and the temperatures on the rise, everyone is looking for a way to stay cool without breaking the bank. Did you know that you can make your very own air conditioning unit using materials that you might already have at home? In this article, we will guide you through the steps of creating a DIY AC unit, perfect for beating the summer heat!
Materials needed:
– A medium-sized styrofoam cooler or insulated box
– Ice packs or frozen water bottles
– An electric fan (desk fan or similar)
– A PVC pipe or metal elbow (3 inches in diameter, long enough to extend from the fan to outside of the cooler)
– A small knife or a hole saw
– Duct tape
Step 1: Prepare your cooler/insulated box
To start building your homemade AC unit, first, grab your styrofoam cooler or insulated box. Make sure it’s big enough to fit your ice packs and still have room for air circulation. Clean it thoroughly and ensure that it’s dry before proceeding.
Step 2: Cut holes for airflow
Now it’s time to cut holes into your cooler. Using a small knife or hole saw, carefully cut one hole in the center of the cooler lid. This hole should be just big enough for your PVC pipe or elbow to fit snugly.
Next, trace a circle on one of the short sides of the cooler (the side facing away from you), this circle should be slightly larger than your fan’s diameter. Cut this circle out carefully to create an
opening for the fan.
Step 3: Attach the PVC pipe/elbow and fan
Insert your PVC pipe or metal elbow into the hole on top of the cooler lid, making sure it fits snugly. If there are any gaps around the hole, use duct tape to seal them off.
Place the fan against the hole on the side of the cooler, with the blowing side facing into the cooler. The fan should sit flush against the cooler wall. If necessary, use duct tape to secure it in place.
Step 4: Load up your DIY AC unit with ice
Fill your cooler with ice packs or frozen water bottles. It’s a good idea to have a sufficient amount of them, so they last longer and keep the air inside cool.
Step 5: Turn on your fan and enjoy!
Plug in and turn on your fan. The warmer air from your surroundings will be drawn into the cooler, pass over the ice packs or water bottles, and be chilled before being pushed out through the PVC pipe or elbow.
There you have it – a simple yet effective homemade air conditioning unit that can help keep you cool during those hot summer days. This environmentally-friendly and wallet-friendly solution is perfect for small spaces, like bedrooms or home offices. Remember to replace the ice packs or water bottles as needed, and always unplug your fan before making any adjustments to your DIY AC unit. Stay cool and enjoy the summer!