So I occupy a space that has an HVAC system that hasn't functioned in years. It needs to be completely replaced and every specialist that has come in to see it has basically quoted the landlord about $50k + to fix it. The landlord has no intention of making that repair so we have vents running through the entire 13k sq ft space that are not in use and probably never will be. My room in this space does not have a window but I would like to install a portable AC. My question is - since the vents are not in use - can I exhaust the portable AC into the unused vents?


Bigger question - are there any other options to cool the larger subdivided spaces of the building - one space is 2400 sq ft and another is 1000 sq ft. I've looked at large portable AC units but not sure if it would work. Any thoughts would help. Thanks

 

No, you really can't exhaust into a duct with a portable AC. You could vent into the much larger building but not into the confined space of a duct. You could look into mini split systems or even a traditional AC system just treating certain areas of your building. It's done in condominiums all the time if you've ever seen a big building and the roof is covered in many smaller, sized ac units.

 

Is this a commercial space or an apartment building? That is the existing ductwork attached to? A rooftop unit (RTU), a traditional furnace/air handler and A/C unit? How big is the existing ductwork?

 

Welcome to the forums.

I recognize the name. You aren't far from me.
How do you currently control the heat from the studio lighting ?
Portable A/C's won't be effective there.

 

A room air conditioner mounted on a duct with a continuous active air flow within will work perfectly okay.

You will need to tilt the AC unit so you can collect any condensate rather than have tat drip into and run tghrough the duct.