20% of the electricity used in the United States is used in air conditioning systems. If you want to save the expense of an air conditioner or protect the environment, you can build one using a fan and a cooler or a fan and a radiator.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using a Fan and Portable Fridge
Step 1. Unscrew the front grille of your fan
Step 2. Bend a 6mm diameter copper tube to form a series of concentric circles starting from the central part of the outer side of the grid
- Secure one end of the copper tube to the center of the grate using zip ties.
- Fold the tube into a small circle. Continue bending the tube around the first circle until you have a series of concentric circles. Secure the pipe to the grid using zip ties.
- Make sure there is enough space between each circle to allow air to pass through.
Step 3. Screw the grille back onto the fan while keeping the tube on the outside
Step 4. Attach the end of a 10mm diameter bendable tube to a fountain pump and the other end to the top of the copper tube
The tubes used for aquariums are ideal for this purpose.
Step 5. Connect another 10mm diameter plastic tube to the bottom end of the copper tube and seal with putty
Step 6. Fill the fridge with ice water
Dip the free end of the second plastic tube.
Step 7. Insert the fountain pump inside the fridge
Step 8. Place a towel under the fan
It will serve to absorb the condensation that will form on the outside of the copper pipe.
Step 9. Plug the pump in and turn on the fan
Method 2 of 2: Using a Recycled Radiator
Step 1. Clean the radiator before using it
You can soak it in soap and water and then let it air dry.
Step 2. Place a high-speed fan behind the radiator
You may need to arrange something under the radiator so that they are both aligned.
Step 3. Attach a water hose to a home garden faucet
Step 4. Attach a vinyl hose to your radiator's water inlet hose
It may be necessary to try different vinyl pipes to find the one with the right size for your radiator. The hose must be long enough to connect to the water hose in the garden.
Step 5. Pull the hose through the window and attach it to the end of the water barrel using tape
You may need to drill a small hole in the window glass.
Step 6. Rewind the water barrel and cover it with a cloth to insulate it
Cover the exposed area with pipe insulation to keep the water cold.
Step 7. Attach another piece of plastic hose to your radiator's exhaust pipe
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Thread the pipe through the window while holding it upwards, so that the water is expelled onto the roof or gutter.
Build Your Own Air Conditioner Step 18Bullet1 - If you decide to drain the water on the roof, make sure that, when it reaches the floor, it does not flood your basement. Place a plastic garbage can at the water flow from the roof and recycle the water in your garden.
Step 8. Connect a small hand valve to the plastic water inlet hose
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Cut the plastic water inlet hose leaving a 6-inch piece attached to the copper radiator hose.
Build Your Own Air Conditioner Step 19Bullet1 -
Connect the side of the valve where the water comes out to the piece of pipe attached to the radiator.
Build Your Own Air Conditioner Step 19Bullet2 - Attach the other side to the piece of pipe connected to the barrel.
Step 9. Open the valve fully
Open the tap on the water pipe to regulate its flow.
Step 10. Plug the fan in and turn it on
When you want to turn off your handcrafted air conditioner, close the valve and unplug the fan.
