Question:
Is there any way to modify a window air conditioner so it doesn't have to
sit in the window? Any other ideas for how to cool a room? Has anyone ever
used a small fridge with the door open? What about turning off the pilot
light and running the fan on the furnace to blow cool air upstairs-I assume
this is NOT a safe idea! Any idea of what kind of costs to modify the
furnace to blow the air from the basement safely?
Answer:
You can't really modify a window air conditioner without a lot more trouble
than most people want to get into. You can often modify your wall with much
less trouble. I've seen any number of apartments with a window air unit that
sits in its own hole that has been punched through the wall instead of in
a window. You will want to be careful when doing this so that you do not
weaken the structure and, needless to say, renters will probably need to get
the approval of their landlord.
Window style air conditioners can also be used between two rooms. This will
cool one room while heating the other. I've seen this used often to cool
small computer rooms. If you do this you may need to provide a drain or
pump to dispose of the condensate (water).
