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Heating & Air Conditioning Design Dilemma Kitchens

Portable AC to vent thru Building Exhaust?

3 years ago

Hi, I live in a NYC condo built in 1920s without central air or heat. There looks to be an exhaust vent in my kitchen (vent pic attached). Wondering if I can attach a vent hose to this and have the hot air from the air condition vent out. Thanks in advance.

Featured Answer

zneret

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Some newer portables have intake and output hoses instead of just one, which is reportedly a lot more efficient.

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Comments (6)

live_wire_oak
3 years ago
Likely no. You need to talk with your building super. Out the window is likely the only approved method.
Justin NYC thanked live_wire_oak
PRN
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
The portable AC units are very inefficient. We bought one a few years back and it barely made any difference in comfort level and it was a large unit in a small room. A window AC is much more efficient assuming you have a suitable window.

On a side note, how to you manage to get through the winter without central heat?

If you own the condo you should look into the feasibility of installing a mini split ductless unit which would heat and cool your unit.
Justin NYC thanked PRN
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Portable air conditioners are strange beasts. I have been looking into getting one to use as a backup just in case my aging heat pump goes when I need it most. Read reviews on any portable a/c and you will find an overwhelming dissatisfaction. The problem is that since the condenser coil - the part of an A/C system that releases the room's heat to the outside - is actually inside your house, you need to blow the heat outside. In a "one hose" system (the most popular now), the fan that blows air across the condenser coil and pushes the warm air out through the hose creates a vacuum that pulls air in from other parts of the house and eventually warm from outside air comes in. In your scheme, you have the same net effect. The warm air from the bedroom will be moved to the bathroom. The exhaust fan will expel (some of?) that air plus create a vacuum that expels cooled air from other parts of the house. IMO, you will be happiest with a window a/c in your bedroom.
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Justin NYC
Original Author
3 years ago
Hi @PRN,

For heating, I have one of the slim wall mounted electric fire place that can heat the whole apartment. I also have heated flooring in the bathroom.

For cooling, I'm hoping to find an option to cool the kitchen and living during the summer. My kitchen opens into my living room space which has windows. But unfortunately, those window are located on the front side of the building and the building is landmarked. Thus, I am not allowed to have window units out the windows or cut into the wall. I have a thru wall ac unit in my bedroom that I use for cooling during the summer with the aid of a fan to help push the air from the bedroom into the living space.

Does a mini split ductless have a unit that hangs on the outside of the building?
PRN
3 years ago
Yes, the mini splits have an outside and an inside component. I realize that might be a problem in a condo that's not on the ground floor, but it's worth investigating. I wish I had a easy, perfect solution for you. Life without AC on those hazy, hot, humid days is rough.
Justin NYC thanked PRN
chiflipper
3 years ago
Ask the Super how other tenants have solved their cooling issue. Supers can provide a wealth of info.
Justin NYC thanked chiflipper

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