I was about to purchase a window A/C unit and noticed some floor- standing models that look like large de- humidifiers with a duct that runs to a window. Has anyone used these? I need this for the attic of my Cape Cod which I’m slowly working on (it was poorly drywalled when I moved in, with no electric and a roughed- in bath). Now that I’m finding some time to work it’s super hot (of course no duct work in the attic) and I need something to cool it down. Leaving the downstairs door open and using fans hardly makes a difference, of course. I need at least a window unit for at least as long as I’m working on the space (which will be a while), and it may possibly be the permanent solution. But with only three windows on that floor I’d rather go another route.
In the long run I’m not sure what to do. Two neighbors have identical floorplans but treat the third floor differently. One house has baseboard heat and a window A/C unit. The other has duct work. We knew the old neighbors at the house with window A/C and they said the heating and cooling was fine. We don’t know the neighbor at the other house and on the rare occasion we try to strike up a conversation she isn’t interested. My guess would be it’s fine, too but she’s hardly home and for all we know she never uses the attic. The only reasons we think we’re sure of what’s there is the obvious lack of a window unit, and when the house was on the market my wife walked through and the realtor said the central air did include the third floor.
I live in Severna Park, MD and we run the A/C (well, heatpump) for a few months out of the year and it’s great for the first two floors.
Thanks,
Thom
Edited 7/7/2006 11:14 pm ET by TVtwo
Edited 7/7/2006 11:14 pm ET by TVtwo
Edited 7/7/2006 11:15 pm ET by TVtwo
Replies
Thom,
I bought one of those portable AC units. It's 12,000 BTU and was replacing an older 12,000 BTU window unit. It works well, but if I had to do it again, I'd buy a window unit. They are cheaper, a little quieter, cool better. Don't forget that the portable unit takes up a good chunk of floor space.
If you have AC downstairs, would it be possible to extend the duct work to the attic? That would be my choice.
Brian
I'm hoping to have the ductwork extended to the attic eventually, so this is most likely a temporary solution. At 2- 3 times the cost for the floor standing model vs. the window models, I think I'll just do the window model. I just hated the thought of one of the few windows having a big box sticking out. Oh well. Thanks for the input.
I also wasn't sure that the water had to be emptied- I don't see a possibility of a drain, and I can't remember to empty the dehumidifier in the basement as it is.
Thanks guys.
We used a floor model for a dedicated LAN at our old office. One problem with them is you have to empty the water since it can't just drain to the outside, unless you have a floor drain.