# Anyone use a free standing air conditioner?

**URL:** <https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357>\
**Category:** NYSpeed Off Topic\
**Created:** [May 29, 2012, 9:29am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357 "2012-05-29T09:29:26Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![BOBBYGRV](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BOBBYGRV](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BOBBYGRV)\
**Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 6:03pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/21 "2012-05-30T18:03:15Z")

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But you are missing the point. He is just trying to cool a small space. I am not saying you are wrong, but your solution doesn’t pertain to this particular situation.

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**Author:** ![honda4life](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/honda4life/32/5300_2.png) [@honda4life](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/honda4life)\
**Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 6:19pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/22 "2012-05-30T18:19:06Z")

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> [@Freek](#):
>
> I made a plexiglass window with a nice wood trim to snap in place where the screen does. In the lower right hand corner of the new window I made a hole for the attachment piece and sealed it in with caulk. It turned out really nice.

my landlord and i were thinking about this also, can you post a pic? please? lol i want ideals so he buys one for my apartment!

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**Author:** ![ezfd](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ezfd/32/7334_2.png) [@ezfd](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ezfd)\
**Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 7:58pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/23 "2012-05-30T19:58:20Z")

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I have 2 LG free standing units that work just fine. I think they are 7K BTU each. I use 1 upstairs and 1 downstairs and they have worked very well so far. They do vent out the window but hooking up the vent tube took maybe 10 min. The newer models also evacuate moisture out of the vent tube so unless it’s super humid for a long period of time, you don’t have to empty or drain them.

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**Author:** ![vq30de](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/9dc877/32.png) [@vq30de](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/vq30de)\
**Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 8:35pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/24 "2012-05-30T20:35:42Z")

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> [@LowlyOilBurner](#):
>
> Not really considering central air cools your whole home.

You need to consider that most of the posters in this thread live in older houses without forced air, so retrofitting would be prohibitively expensive. Serious $$$

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**Author:** ![Carnut](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/carnut/32/7590_2.png) [@Carnut](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Carnut)\
**Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 8:39pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/25 "2012-05-30T20:39:17Z")

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> [@LowlyOilBurner](#):
>
> Is it really that expensive to do central air? If you have forced air heat, you just need that heat exchanger thing that goes in the furnace and the compressor jam that sits outside? I’d imagine you could prolly pick the stuff up used and pay an hvac company to hook the shit up?
> 
> Edit: just did some research, it’s not that expensive. Under 2k for a 3.5ton/13SEER setup.

I don’t have forced air. I have radiant heat so I’m kinda screwed there. There are some units available that are self contained that hang from the ceiling and have the condenser outside. That’s a little more than 3 k unfortunately. I would have went that route and just did it right once but was short on the cash at the time.

I’d get this but it would probably break the first time I boost it.

[http://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/en/consumer/how-it-works/advanced-technology](http://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/en/consumer/how-it-works/advanced-technology)

> [@Freek](#):
>
> I made a plexiglass window with a nice wood trim to snap in place where the screen does. In the lower right hand corner of the new window I made a hole for the attachment piece and sealed it in with caulk. It turned out really nice.

This is pretty much what I did and it worked great.

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**Author:** ![SPDboy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@SPDboy](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/SPDboy)\
**Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 4:10pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/26 "2012-05-31T16:10:15Z")

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[http://www.ebay.com/itm/310403389254?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&\_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649](http://www.ebay.com/itm/310403389254?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649) daily deal $229 same one I have free shipping but you do have to pay sales tax

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**Author:** ![rugsr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/rugsr/32/7474_2.png) [@rugsr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/rugsr)\
**Post date:** [June 3, 2012, 9:48pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/27 "2012-06-03T21:48:09Z")

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I plan on getting this. More permanent but more $$$  
I would do a window unit but stupid casement windows are boning me

[http://www.acwholesalers.com/Ductless\_Heat\_Pump\_air\_conditioner\_LG\_mini\_split\_p/11300.htm](http://www.acwholesalers.com/Ductless_Heat_Pump_air_conditioner_LG_mini_split_p/11300.htm)

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**Author:** ![jgrotkier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e79b87/32.png) [@jgrotkier](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/jgrotkier)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2012, 6:48am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/28 "2012-06-04T06:48:01Z")

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I bought a free standing one hose air conditioner to cool our attic since we have very small windows and I didn’t think an ac that fit in the windows would be effective. After dealing with only modest cooling and constantly draining the water even though the manufacturer claimed it shouldn’t need much draining, I went and bought a small window unit and am much cooler now! I hear the free standing units with two hoses are more effective though.

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**Author:** ![honda4life](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/honda4life/32/5300_2.png) [@honda4life](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/honda4life)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2012, 7:03pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/29 "2012-06-04T19:03:13Z")

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My landlord just dropped $500 on a casement air conditioner for us I’m fucking pumped

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**Author:** ![paulysplitx](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/paulysplitx/32/7320_2.png) [@paulysplitx](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/paulysplitx)\
**Post date:** [June 16, 2012, 6:54am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/30 "2012-06-16T06:54:16Z")

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Just thought I would share what I did and hopefully it can help other people. I searched for a long time for a portable AC unit since I have casement windows. It seemed everything had such mixed reviews. I ended up pick up this unit [http://www.air-n-water.com/product/ac-14100e.htm](http://www.air-n-water.com/product/ac-14100e.htm) took about 2 weeks to come in.

I then picked up some pine to make up a frame and grabbed some lexan from work. I used a 3/8" straight bit and cut a pocket in the pine and then made up a frame for the lexan the same size as the screen that goes into the window. Next was drilling a 6" hole for the vent tube and connecting it.

 ![http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m126/Paulysplitx/DSC00200.jpg](http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m126/Paulysplitx/DSC00200.jpg)  
 ![http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m126/Paulysplitx/DSC00199.jpg](http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m126/Paulysplitx/DSC00199.jpg)

Ive had this AC unit for a few days and Im very happy with it, cools the house quickly which I was surprised.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![rugsr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/rugsr/32/7474_2.png) [@rugsr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/rugsr)\
**Post date:** [June 16, 2012, 7:33pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/31 "2012-06-16T19:33:51Z")

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good idea with the plexi glass.  
ill have to remove my plywood and try this  
thx

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**Author:** ![Freek](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/freek/32/7357_2.png) [@Freek](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Freek)\
**Post date:** [June 17, 2012, 1:45am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/32 "2012-06-17T01:45:05Z")

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Yeah, that’s almost exactly what I did with mine except I added a cross piece in the middle to make it look more … windowey.

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**Author:** ![BuickGN](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/buickgn/32/7200_2.png) [@BuickGN](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BuickGN)\
**Post date:** [June 17, 2012, 5:13am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/33 "2012-06-17T05:13:43Z")

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> [@Freek](#):
>
> I bought this Haier unit  
> [http://www.target.com/p/Haier-14-000-BTU-Portable-Air-Conditioner/-/A-12376409?ref=tgt\_adv\_XSG10001&AFID=Google\_PLA\_df&LNM=|12376409&CPNG=appliances&ci\_sku=12376409&ci\_gpa=pla&ci\_kw=](http://www.target.com/p/Haier-14-000-BTU-Portable-Air-Conditioner/-/A-12376409?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM=%7C12376409&CPNG=appliances&ci_sku=12376409&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw=)
> 
> However I got it for 400 after taxes, several rebates, and coupons. It’s baller as fuck. No draining no mess no fuss. It dehumidifys as well as cools. Howver 14K BTU portable does not compare to my old school 12K BTU window mounted one. After lots of research I found the one I bought to be one of the best for the money out there. They might still carry them at BJs with a coupon for the same/similar price.

i also have this one, works fine, nothing to drain.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![somedude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecd19e/32.png) [@somedude](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/somedude)\
**Post date:** [June 17, 2012, 7:08am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/34 "2012-06-17T07:08:52Z")

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> [@Carnut](#):
>
> I don’t have forced air. I have radiant heat so I’m kinda screwed there. There are some units available that are self contained that hang from the ceiling and have the condenser outside. That’s a little more than 3 k unfortunately. I would have went that route and just did it right once but was short on the cash at the time.
> 
> I’d get this but it would probably break the first time I boost it.
> 
> [http://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/en/consumer/how-it-works/advanced-technology](http://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/en/consumer/how-it-works/advanced-technology)
> 
> This is pretty much what I did and it worked great.

What would stop you from putting a chiller unit onto the boiler equipment to pump cold water through the house instead of hot water? to cool the house. Is that just not done in the industry?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![NYstanger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/6a8cbe/32.png) [@NYstanger](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/NYstanger)\
**Post date:** [June 18, 2012, 3:21pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/35 "2012-06-18T15:21:08Z")

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> [@LowlyOilBurner](#):
>
> Is it really that expensive to do central air? If you have forced air heat, you just need that heat exchanger thing that goes in the furnace and the compressor jam that sits outside? I’d imagine you could prolly pick the stuff up used and pay an hvac company to hook the shit up?
> 
> Edit: just did some research, it’s not that expensive. Under 2k for a 3.5ton/13SEER setup.

Not all forced air houses can be directly converted to run A/C. I know of one house that got two different quotes for $5k+ because apparently the ducting was not big enough and would have had to all be replaced.

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**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\
**Post date:** [June 18, 2012, 3:37pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/36 "2012-06-18T15:37:35Z")

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just another thought…my dad uses a portable one with the duct to the window just as pictured above…and he noticed that the duct itself was very warm from the exhaust…so he bought some duct insulation sleeve and insulated the hose…it’s less pretty, but lets be honest…that corrugated hose isn’t necessarily pretty to begin with…and he said it made a HUGE difference in how well the unit cooled his bedroom…

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**Author:** ![honda4life](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/honda4life/32/5300_2.png) [@honda4life](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/honda4life)\
**Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 12:21pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/37 "2012-06-19T12:21:43Z")

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[ATTACH]21234[/ATTACH]

This is our casement 12,000btu air conditioner. works awesome and is cooling the apartment Down quickly.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BadnewsMike](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/badnewsmike/32/7419_2.png) [@BadnewsMike](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BadnewsMike)\
**Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 1:00pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/38 "2012-06-19T13:00:31Z")

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> [@Freek](#):
>
> I bought this Haier unit  
> [http://www.target.com/p/Haier-14-000-BTU-Portable-Air-Conditioner/-/A-12376409?ref=tgt\_adv\_XSG10001&AFID=Google\_PLA\_df&LNM=|12376409&CPNG=appliances&ci\_sku=12376409&ci\_gpa=pla&ci\_kw=](http://www.target.com/p/Haier-14-000-BTU-Portable-Air-Conditioner/-/A-12376409?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM=%7C12376409&CPNG=appliances&ci_sku=12376409&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw=)
> 
> However I got it for 400 after taxes, several rebates, and coupons. It’s baller as fuck. No draining no mess no fuss. It dehumidifys as well as cools. Howver 14K BTU portable does not compare to my old school 12K BTU window mounted one. After lots of research I found the one I bought to be one of the best for the money out there. They might still carry them at BJs with a coupon for the same/similar price.

I just picked this one up. I have to install it. but as my bedroom is in the basement I needed something i could vent up threw the wall and dehumidify’s.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Freek](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/freek/32/7357_2.png) [@Freek](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Freek)\
**Post date:** [June 20, 2012, 3:02pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/39 "2012-06-20T15:02:53Z")

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> [@BadnewsMike](#):
>
> I just picked this one up. I have to install it. but as my bedroom is in the basement I needed something i could vent up threw the wall and dehumidify’s.

Dryer vent type installation?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BadnewsMike](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/badnewsmike/32/7419_2.png) [@BadnewsMike](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BadnewsMike)\
**Post date:** [June 20, 2012, 3:23pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anyone-use-a-free-standing-air-conditioner/223357/40 "2012-06-20T15:23:07Z")

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yes but the hole i had to make was 6" and cant have the flaps 😛

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