# $30 from 100 Dopers? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 14, 2012, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893 "2012-05-14T15:48:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/41 "2012-05-15T21:39:52Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > BTW there are portable air conditioning units that do not go in the window. Not as cheap as a window unit. Not as effective as central air. But it will keep the bunny happy. They start around $300 depending on what size room you want to cool. [Found one](http://www.walmart.com/ip/KuulAire-Portable-Evaporative-Cooling-Unit-with-175-sq-ft-Cooling-Capacity-Black-PACKA44/20469117?findingMethod=rr) from WalMart for $150. It says it will cool a 175 square foot room. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/42 "2012-05-15T21:42:06Z")
> [@A Monkey With a Gun](#): > > Have you thought about talking to the condo board about your situation? Either for a loan or an exemption on the window unit thing. The board has their own problems, which are exacerbated by several deadbeats. > [@Loach](#): > > BTW there are portable air conditioning units that do not go in the window. The exhaust port would. All it takes is a small group of yentas going to the board with cries of “Tacky!” Which is why the board started cracking down on balcony clutter. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/43 "2012-05-15T21:46:22Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > The board has their own problems, which are exacerbated by several deadbeats.The exhaust port would. All it takes is a small group of yentas going to the board with cries of “Tacky!” Which is why the board started cracking down on balcony clutter. Sorry, do you realize how small they are? Is there anything prohibiting the use? [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/N9j2gbjBUq4/hqdefault.jpg "Soleus Air - How to Install a Single Hose Portable AC") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9j2gbjBUq4) ---
**Author:** ![that\_darn\_cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/59ef9b/32.png) [@that\_darn\_cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/that_darn_cat)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/44 "2012-05-15T22:04:56Z")
I am utterly flabbergasted would that anyone would beg on the internet because their AC didn’t work. Grew up without AC, had animals (including birds) without AC. Hell, lived through one of the hottest summers on record in Baltimore without AC. Save up your money to get he heat on for the winter and save your dignity as well. ---
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/45 "2012-05-15T22:17:48Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > Sorry, do you realize how small they are? Is there anything prohibiting the use? > > [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9j2gbjBUq4](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9j2gbjBUq4) Shoot, there are free standing [evaporative units](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djaFiaV4I94&feature=related) that don’t even use an exhaust port. I don’t think **Lute** wants to solve the problem. I think he just wants money. He has some kind of asset of which he said “we _really_ prefer not to touch”. He resists creative ideas, won’t talk to the condo board, and won’t touch an asset that he has access to. He doesn’t want to fix the problem himself. He wants strangers to throw money at it to make it go away. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/46 "2012-05-15T22:29:20Z")
> [@A Monkey With a Gun](#): > > Shoot, there are free standing [evaporative units](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djaFiaV4I94&feature=related) that don’t even use an exhaust port. I thought so but wasn’t sure. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/47 "2012-05-15T22:29:20Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > Keeping everyone and everything in here comforatable is important enough to us that we turned to the Dope for any possible assistance. Help if you want, it’s appreciated. Don’t want to help? No sweat off my back. But please stop trying to tell us what is and is not an emergency. Sorry, but you gave up that right when you asked strangers for money. Since you’re asking, you’ve opened the door for us to respond about what we think of the situation. I agree with others - I’ve donated to Dopers in the past, and I probably will again in the future, but not to keep someone’s pets cool. That’s not an emergency that other people should pay for (I’m hard pressed to see it as an emergency at all). ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/48 "2012-05-15T22:59:33Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > Sorry, but you gave up that right when you asked strangers for money. Since you’re asking, you’ve opened the door for us to respond about what we think of the situation. > > I agree with others - I’ve donated to Dopers in the past, and I probably will again in the future, but not to keep someone’s pets cool. That’s not an emergency that other people should pay for (I’m hard pressed to see it as an emergency at all). I think it could easily be an emergency. But if it’s enough of an emergency to beg funds from strangers, it’s more than enough of an emergency to tap into personal funds or whatever the asset is that could be tapped as a last resort. Asking for money is the last resort, not using one’s own assets. Lute, be sure to look at replacing the unit entirely. 3000 for parts sounds expensive, and some furnace places probably offer financing, which, since you appear to be employed and able to repay loans, should be accessible to you. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/49 "2012-05-15T23:06:34Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > Lute, be sure to look at replacing the unit entirely. 3000 for parts sounds expensive, and some furnace places probably offer financing, which, since you appear to be employed and able to repay loans, should be accessible to you. $3000 is to replace absolutely everything in the utility closet, including disposal of the old equipment. Have already spoke to Leo regarding financing if necessary. Anyway, I just heard from Sis and have a good idea of her plan. Any monies from Dopers that do not get used will be returned. ---
**Author:** ![Sierra\_Indigo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f0a364/32.png) [@Sierra\_Indigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sierra_Indigo)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/50 "2012-05-15T23:07:45Z")
90 degrees is about the level where small mammals can (not will but can) start showing signs of heat distress\* if they’re left in the direct sun with no air currents\*. Rabbits in the wild would go to burrow, preferably somewhere dark and a little damp. But they will survive. I don’t have central air, and my animals (seven rats and a malamute) have all survived in temps over 100F. You make sure they’ve got plenty of water and a cool, dark place to stay - say an unlit bathroom on the tiles. You set up a fan, maybe some bricks of ice and feed them things like frozen vegetables and ice cubes. They will get through it. They do not need air conditioning, and especially not three grand of airconditioning begged from other people when you’ve got other options at your disposal. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/51 "2012-05-15T23:12:03Z")
Huh - We keep the living/dining rooms cool with a freestanding portable A/C unit. The exhaust port in the window is non-obtrusive and not at all noticeable; it is white and blends in with the window. We keep low-e film (invisible) on all the windows, which helps considerably with the indoor temps. And use blinds judiciously when the sun is beating on the windows. It all helps enough to keep the place reasonably comfortable. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/52 "2012-05-15T23:18:33Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > $3000 is to replace absolutely everything in the utility closet, including disposal of the old equipment. Have already spoke to Leo regarding financing if necessary. It’s necessary. You aren’t trying to find a way through an emergency. You are trying to save some money and get other people to pay for things so you don’t have to. That’s pretty inappropriate. ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/53 "2012-05-15T23:28:29Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > I think it could easily be an emergency. But if it’s enough of an emergency to beg funds from strangers, it’s more than enough of an emergency to tap into personal funds or whatever the asset is that could be tapped as a last resort. Asking for money is the last resort, not using one’s own assets. OK, I felt uncomfortable having discomfort about the OP, but since my triplet here has weighed in, I feel better. Next time, **Lute** , can you please provide more details about your financial situation? Like, why is it so dire? And why do you sound put-out that your brother can’t help you? If he was keeping it alive for two years, then it was on its way out anyway. It sounds like he was already helping you out, in other words. I love animals as much as the next gal, but there would be no way I’d beg for money from strangers just to keep them air conditioned. Not unless there’s a child or disabled person in the picture tending them. ---
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/54 "2012-05-15T23:32:06Z")
**Lute** , theres a current [pit thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=651896) over this. Quite a few unkind words about your request here. For now though, one question: Since you talked to Leo about financing, why _won’t_ you get financing?! ---
**Author:** ![zombywoof](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/9e8a1a/32.png) [@zombywoof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zombywoof)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/55 "2012-05-15T23:35:59Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > In the long run, I believe it’s actually cheaper to have cable and internet as a package It’s cheaper to have internet+cable TV than internet alone? ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/56 "2012-05-15T23:43:08Z")
> [@A Monkey With a Gun](#): > > For now though, one question: > > Since you talked to Leo about financing, why _won’t_ you get financing?! It’s just him and his son; they only agreed to spread out the labor costs. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/57 "2012-05-15T23:44:09Z")
> [@zombywoof](#): > > It’s cheaper to have internet+cable TV than internet alone? It happens. ---
**Author:** ![Fenris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fenris/32/498_2.png) [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/58 "2012-05-15T23:44:36Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > BTW there are portable air conditioning units that do not go in the window. Not as cheap as a window unit. Not as effective as central air. But it will keep the bunny happy. They start around $300 depending on what size room you want to cool. [Right here. $200.00](http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Haier+-+Refurbished+8%2C000+BTU+Portable+Air+Conditioner+-+Silver/2678296.p?id=1218343868306&skuId=2678296&st=portable%20air%20conditioner&cp=1&lp=15) ---
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2012, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/59 "2012-05-16T00:02:20Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > It’s just him and his son; they only agreed to spread out the labor costs. Then buy the unit form somebody else who does offer financing! Hell, buddy, Sears is offering [18 months No Interest](http://www.searshomeservices.com/central-heating-air/improve) on heating and cooling systems. You are just not even trying to pay for it, are you? You won’t borrow against your retirement, you won’t borrow against the mortgage on the condo (if you even can), you won’t dip into that un-named asset that you haven’t touched in 18 years, and you resist seeking financing. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2012, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893/60 "2012-05-16T00:21:09Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > $3000 is to replace absolutely everything in the utility closet, including disposal of the old equipment. Have already spoke to Leo regarding financing if necessary. > > Anyway, I just heard from Sis and have a good idea of her plan. Any monies from Dopers that do not get used will be returned. Don’t pay extra for disposal. Just tell them “take it out to the curb and the scrappers will pick it up”. I promise, the scrappers will pick it up. All the copper and the motors and the wiring and the aluminum…it’ll be gone in 24 hours. Hell, take it to a recycling center yourself. A furnace and AC, you can probably get 50-100 bucks for it. Funnily enough, I’ve heard stories of home owners telling the contractors that and them suddenly deciding to waive the disposal fee since that would mean they would lose the money they’d make scrapping it too (which is what I’m banking on). Now, I would only drag an old AC and furnace out to the curb if your pulling permits. If your not pulling permits, I wouldn’t leave it in front of your house for a nosy city worker to see. ETA: on the off chance that it doesn’t disappear in a a day or so just put it on craigslist as a old AC/furnace that needs to be scrapped (or take it yourself). Like I said, once the scrappers see it, they’ll be tripping over themselves to get it. ETA2: and when someone says “Can you hold this for me, I’ll be back with my truck in 2 hours” say “Nope, it’s first come first serve. I’m leaving in a few minutes so whoever can pick it up first gets it”. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-from-100-dopers/621893.md?page=4)