How do I get good cooling in a cottage--a sectioned-up space?
#1
07-21-11, 09:44 AM
How do I get good cooling in a cottage--a sectioned-up space?
I have a small cottage (about 500 sq. ft.). About 2/3 of the floor space is the original cabin, with the other 1/3 being a newer addition on the side that's now the living room. There's a 32" open doorway between. This divider makes it hard to get good air circulation and I'm concerned a single large window AC unit might not reach far from where it's mounted. The cottage is heated by thru-wall space heaters so there's no central system to add on to.
Other options I'm considering are:
2 window units, 1 in each space. Cheap for sure but hate to give up 2 windows.
Split system with 2 zones. Pricey for a summer cottage but may be worth it for the control and the quiet operation. Also the heat option is attractive.
Attic-mounted ductless. I haven't found much info on these & don't know if there's a DIY version available, or the price.
Are there any other systems I maybe don't know about? A co-worker suggested a ceiling-mounted unit like in a camper but I don't know...
What y'all think? Should I just stick in window units? This does seem price and frequency-of-use appropriate for a summer get-away.
There is ONE spot on the outside wall where I could install a window unit in a hole and it would directly face the inside doorway. If I could find a big-BTU unit (220V is OK) that would fit between the studs this might be the best solution. I'd hate to cut a big hole in the wall only to be disappointed in performance.
Other options I'm considering are:
2 window units, 1 in each space. Cheap for sure but hate to give up 2 windows.
Split system with 2 zones. Pricey for a summer cottage but may be worth it for the control and the quiet operation. Also the heat option is attractive.
Attic-mounted ductless. I haven't found much info on these & don't know if there's a DIY version available, or the price.
Are there any other systems I maybe don't know about? A co-worker suggested a ceiling-mounted unit like in a camper but I don't know...
What y'all think? Should I just stick in window units? This does seem price and frequency-of-use appropriate for a summer get-away.
There is ONE spot on the outside wall where I could install a window unit in a hole and it would directly face the inside doorway. If I could find a big-BTU unit (220V is OK) that would fit between the studs this might be the best solution. I'd hate to cut a big hole in the wall only to be disappointed in performance.
#2
07-22-11, 10:31 AM
Where do I find info on attic-mounted hose-ducted AC units? I've heard these discussed on radio home improvement shows but what I'm finding on the 'net isn't quite what I thought (big, expensive, huge capacity).
As far as encouraging an expert to contribute to this discussion I've created a little sketch:
As far as encouraging an expert to contribute to this discussion I've created a little sketch:
#3
07-22-11, 10:46 AM
Super Moderator
I'm no expert in this area and can't answer your question about an attic A/C, but this is what I would do if I were in your situation.
I'd put in a window unit in the larger area (the 2/3 space), large enough to cool both areas, and set a floor fan in the living room area to draw in the cool from the larger area.
This is pretty much what I do in my house and I only have a 30" doorway between rooms. Works well IMO.
I'd put in a window unit in the larger area (the 2/3 space), large enough to cool both areas, and set a floor fan in the living room area to draw in the cool from the larger area.
This is pretty much what I do in my house and I only have a 30" doorway between rooms. Works well IMO.
#4
07-22-11, 12:14 PM
Group Moderator
I thought of the fan as well.
We have some units which are split level and about 750 sq ft on each floor and all they have is a 240 v wall unit upstairs which cools the whole unit just fine.
We have some units which are split level and about 750 sq ft on each floor and all they have is a 240 v wall unit upstairs which cools the whole unit just fine.
#5
07-23-11, 09:02 AM
I'd like to do more research on an attic unit before I make a decision. What is this type called? I thought they were "ductless" but googling those turns up only split systems with on-wall evaporators.
#6
07-23-11, 10:10 AM
Here almost all air handlers for regular central ACs are in the attics. It's not a special type. You mentioned hose instead of ducts so maybe you mean the high air flow rate ones that use small easily fished ducts. From what I have read they are louder because of the higher pressure air flow. I don't know the proper name for those though.
#7
07-25-11, 10:03 AM
That is the kind I want to look into. I thought they were popular choices for homes with radiant heat instead of forced air? Can't believe how little I've been able to find on the 'net so I figure I'm just asking the wrong question (using wrong keywords in searching).
I did find a couple examples of some fine redneck engineering where a window unit was put up in the rafters with a home-made plenum & dryer flex hose attached to the front. I don't think that's the right way to get it done
I did find a couple examples of some fine redneck engineering where a window unit was put up in the rafters with a home-made plenum & dryer flex hose attached to the front. I don't think that's the right way to get it done
#8
07-26-11, 07:10 AM
Originally Posted by guy48065
I'd like to do more research on an attic unit before I make a decision. What is this type called?
Since this thread has dried up I've started another on that topic:
Why are mini-duct systems so expensive
