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Window Unit or Portable A/C - Includes a high quality, expert-drawn MS Paint composition!
Posted on 5/26/19 at 8:02 am
Posted on 5/26/19 at 8:02 am
tl'dr - Install window unit in kitchen window or purchase portable unit that could be moved around the house? Or other idea that doesn't involve reworking ductwork?
My landlord built some additions to this house about 8 years ago and didn't account for the amount of air flow he would need. Further, according to an HVAC specialist that looked at the system a few weeks ago, the ductwork isn't built correctly and pushes a ton of air into the master bedroom and adjacent guest bedroom. The blower is just underneath the master bedroom. The air flow is a trickle as you move to the other end of the house, and the kitchen is almost always warm once the sun comes up.
With the current heat wave we're having, it's getting miserable in our house by the time 4pm hits. I understand that 95+ degree weather will be hard to keep cool in an older home that has insulation problems, but I'd like to try to regulate the temperature better.
Here's what we're doing so far:
We have a dehumidifier that runs in the playroom. We keep the unit fan blowing constantly and all ceiling fans on (every room has one). We try to keep the a/c running, but I fear it freezing up on me from too much use. I will occasionally throughout the day turn it off for a few minutes and then set it back on.
Even with that, my daughter's (10 months old) room will read 77-78 degrees from 8pm until around midnight and might get to 73 by early morning. We keep her door open to the hallway that goes to my son's bedroom. We keep his door open with a small fan blowing from his doorway towards her room. I think it helps, but it's still too warm. We keep the door from her room to the kitchen closed to block out the warm air from the kitchen to her room. We keep the vents closed to our room and my son's room, but the registers can't really block it too much because of the wind speed.
I think it's because the kitchen is so warm with so little airflow that my daughter's room (which has no windows and a trickle of air from the registers) can't cool down. If I install a window unit into the window of the kitchen to keep the kitchen cool, will that help bring my daughter's room temperature down?
MS Paint for references:
My landlord built some additions to this house about 8 years ago and didn't account for the amount of air flow he would need. Further, according to an HVAC specialist that looked at the system a few weeks ago, the ductwork isn't built correctly and pushes a ton of air into the master bedroom and adjacent guest bedroom. The blower is just underneath the master bedroom. The air flow is a trickle as you move to the other end of the house, and the kitchen is almost always warm once the sun comes up.
With the current heat wave we're having, it's getting miserable in our house by the time 4pm hits. I understand that 95+ degree weather will be hard to keep cool in an older home that has insulation problems, but I'd like to try to regulate the temperature better.
Here's what we're doing so far:
We have a dehumidifier that runs in the playroom. We keep the unit fan blowing constantly and all ceiling fans on (every room has one). We try to keep the a/c running, but I fear it freezing up on me from too much use. I will occasionally throughout the day turn it off for a few minutes and then set it back on.
Even with that, my daughter's (10 months old) room will read 77-78 degrees from 8pm until around midnight and might get to 73 by early morning. We keep her door open to the hallway that goes to my son's bedroom. We keep his door open with a small fan blowing from his doorway towards her room. I think it helps, but it's still too warm. We keep the door from her room to the kitchen closed to block out the warm air from the kitchen to her room. We keep the vents closed to our room and my son's room, but the registers can't really block it too much because of the wind speed.
I think it's because the kitchen is so warm with so little airflow that my daughter's room (which has no windows and a trickle of air from the registers) can't cool down. If I install a window unit into the window of the kitchen to keep the kitchen cool, will that help bring my daughter's room temperature down?
MS Paint for references:
This post was edited on 5/26/19 at 8:03 am
2
Posted on 5/26/19 at 8:23 am to StringedInstruments
Add dickbutt to your drawing and I'll read your post.
Posted on 5/26/19 at 9:32 am to StringedInstruments
It's all about air flow.
Each vent in each room should have the same air flow rate.
Check the temperature of the air coming into each room. All should be about the same.
If you have dampers in the attic they may need to be adjusted. If you don't have dampers it may be part of your problem.
Had a similar issue on one side of my house. I wasn't getting the proper air flow. Had A/C technician install some dampers and check the air flow into each room.
Each vent in each room should have the same air flow rate.
Check the temperature of the air coming into each room. All should be about the same.
If you have dampers in the attic they may need to be adjusted. If you don't have dampers it may be part of your problem.
Had a similar issue on one side of my house. I wasn't getting the proper air flow. Had A/C technician install some dampers and check the air flow into each room.
This post was edited on 5/26/19 at 9:37 am
Posted on 5/26/19 at 10:31 am to LSU Delts
Technician told me dampers won’t work for the ductwork because the measurements were off. He suspected they were installed by the homeowner and not a certified specialist. I’m just wondering if a window unit can keep the kitchen area cool enough to allow for my daughter’s room to also stay cooler in the evening.
Does that sound accurate?
I should mention this is a rental and the landlord doesn’t really fix anything unless it’s something his father is willing to work on for him.
Does that sound accurate?
I should mention this is a rental and the landlord doesn’t really fix anything unless it’s something his father is willing to work on for him.
This post was edited on 5/26/19 at 10:32 am
Posted on 5/26/19 at 10:50 am to StringedInstruments
Quickest fix is to nearly close off the dampers in the very cold rooms to force the air to the warmer rooms.
I have a small, windowless bathroom in the middle of the house that always stays cold in the summer/ hot in the winter. Or it would. I essentially have completely closed off the damper. Maybe 95% closed.
I have a small, windowless bathroom in the middle of the house that always stays cold in the summer/ hot in the winter. Or it would. I essentially have completely closed off the damper. Maybe 95% closed.
Posted on 5/26/19 at 11:05 am to East Coast Band
I mentioned that. Hasn’t helped or if it has, not enough. Closing the registers still lets a lot of air out in the cold rooms because of the speed of the air coming through the duct.
Posted on 5/26/19 at 11:23 am to StringedInstruments
If the landlord isn't willing to fix the issue, move. It's that simple.
If your deadest on staying, before I purchased a window unit I would try to diagnose why there is no air flow in the rear rooms. If your closing the registers in the master bedroom. And your sons room and there still isn't sufficient airflow in your daughters room, then I would look into the possibility there is something in the duct obstructing airflow. Which could be a reason the air is still pushing back through those registers. Try cutting a piece of cardboard and putting it behind the register to completely block the airflow. Then see what is pushing out the next registers down the duct. Did the airflow improve or stay the same. Keep repeating that procedure down the line. If airflow didn't improve on the next registter, investigate if there is something obstructing.
Will take some timid and possible attic work, which always sucks in the summer, but that's would I would do before I bought a window unit that I wouldn't need at my next house.
If your deadest on staying, before I purchased a window unit I would try to diagnose why there is no air flow in the rear rooms. If your closing the registers in the master bedroom. And your sons room and there still isn't sufficient airflow in your daughters room, then I would look into the possibility there is something in the duct obstructing airflow. Which could be a reason the air is still pushing back through those registers. Try cutting a piece of cardboard and putting it behind the register to completely block the airflow. Then see what is pushing out the next registers down the duct. Did the airflow improve or stay the same. Keep repeating that procedure down the line. If airflow didn't improve on the next registter, investigate if there is something obstructing.
Will take some timid and possible attic work, which always sucks in the summer, but that's would I would do before I bought a window unit that I wouldn't need at my next house.
Posted on 5/26/19 at 1:26 pm to LakeviewYakker
I’m going to try the cardboard idea. But the HVAC guy said it was more of an issue with the size of the ducts.
Posted on 5/26/19 at 1:33 pm to StringedInstruments
Do a mini split
Posted on 5/26/19 at 2:26 pm to LakeviewYakker
quote:
If the landlord isn't willing to fix the issue, move. It's that simple.
this is the only correct answer.
1 - the unit must meet size requirement for the space being cooled and heated
2 - the duct work as well as the return air to the system must be designed for the space being cooled and heated
3 - no matter how many fans you try to add you will always have warm and cold spots no matter what you do.
now with all that said, here are some options
option 1 is you get the a/c guy to do a proper evaluation and sizing of the needs for this home. then go to landlord and make a deal with him that in exchange for the equivalent amount of you paying rent you will pay to have the system fixed properly.
im sure landlord should be willing to agree to that since it cost him nothing "out of pocket", and he just loses a few months rent income. in exchange he has a much better rental home that he can charge more for when you are gone.
option 2 is to work out a deal to pay more in rent in exchange for him calling the a/c guy to do a proper evaluation and sizing of the needs for this home.
myself i would prefer the first option since you know you arent trying to do a half assed job as cheap as possible
This post was edited on 5/26/19 at 2:27 pm
Posted on 5/26/19 at 3:21 pm to StringedInstruments
Dampers are before or in the ductwork, not at the registers.
Dampers allow the pressure to build in the plenum which should improve the airflow to other rooms. It’s like partially kinking a water hose next to the supply vs trying to put your finger over the end. Nice even flow vs an uneven and erratic spray.
It still might not be enough if the ductwork is undersized, but it’s something to look for. The guy that came out may and done all of this already.
Dampers allow the pressure to build in the plenum which should improve the airflow to other rooms. It’s like partially kinking a water hose next to the supply vs trying to put your finger over the end. Nice even flow vs an uneven and erratic spray.
It still might not be enough if the ductwork is undersized, but it’s something to look for. The guy that came out may and done all of this already.
Posted on 5/26/19 at 3:28 pm to Citica8
quote:
Dampers are before or in the ductwork, not at the registers.
what he was referring to is those louvers that most grills have behind the grille with a lever that will let you shut off air flow. they arent dampers but can serve the same purpose.
Posted on 5/26/19 at 3:54 pm to keakar
I understand. Throttling airflow at the register pressurizes the ductwork vs just the plenum
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