Question:
My wife will be going through the third trimester of pregnancy during
the summer months. I would like to ask if anyone has any ideas on how to
cool down our bedroom given that the windows do not open vertically. Rather,
the windows, which are 4 feet high, swing out from one corner using a twist
handle. I have heard of a portable air conditioner from DeLonghi that
sits on the floor, uses water for cooling, and has an exhaust hose that can
be set out through the window. The problem with it is that it is very
expensive: up near $1,000 I've been told. Other than using fans, ceiling or
otherwise, or moving a bed out into the living room, does anyone have any
other suggestions for cooling a room that does not have conventional windows?
Answer:
If you're making mortgage payments, then you could knock a hole
in the wall (it'll work better at about shoulder level), frame it,
and install a small window unit in that. Make the hole about 6"
wider and higher than the A/C, so you have room to manuver it and
won't be locked into that specific size if you need to replace it.
You'd only need to make a new set of trim to fit around it. Add a
nice set of supports outside, so it won't fall out when you hoist
it up there. (I'm referring to one of the 4000BTU or so size units;
you obviously don't want to cool any other units with it.
If you're renting, you have a serious problem. You'll have to either
find a way to adapt a standard window unit to one of your windows
(might not be too bad if the windows will swing out to 90 degrees from
the house), or go with the fans. A floor fan pointing down the hall
from the living room can move a pretty good bit of cool air for you,
particularly if you tip it so it's blowing up at an angle. Some of
the $20 fans are pretty quiet.
The final alternative, of course, is to move before the heat is an
unbearable problem.
