Question:
For several years we have used a 23,000 BTU window air conditioning unit
which cools the entire apartment adequately for our needs.
The only problem is, it makes a lot more noise than we like.
Would it be possible to place the entire unit on the outside, probably on a
platform just below the window, and rig up some customized ducts to handle
the intake and outflow to carry the air into the apartment? This would
involve some sheet-metal fabrication, of course, and I'm sure we would still
hear some noise, but diminished. But the cost would be a great deal less
than central air.
Answer:
The only real issues at hand are getting the output cold air into the house,
getting the intake *house* air into the unit, AND keeping them separate.
In principle, you could do this with duct tape and 3 mil garbage bags! Just
make sure the output/input are separated a few inches past the window, so
they don't mix too much--which is a kind of HVAC "air short circuit".
You could also do this with duct tape and 1/8 beaver board. The more
accurate your cuts/angles, the easier your life will be. You will also need
a piece of wood in the window about the same width by height as the unit,
with cutouts for the intake/ouput.
IOW, you are just making two separate ducts, with a common wall.
Having said that, indeed mini-splits are Da Bomb. Most are at least as
efficient as any window unit, some much much more efficient, and much
quieter.
And, I've seen on-line stuff pretty cheap. 9,000 btu units for about $500,
which means you could put in two in your place for much better and more
economical cooling.
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