I find my window ac unit is dying, and I need a replacement [10000 BTU] I do want it controllable with my android phone like this one on amazon.
Anybody able to chime in? I could consider one of those drill a 3 inch hole in a wall and do an inside/outside dealio but that isn’t optimal because of the need to a power plug.
For clarification…what does that mean?
I think it refers to a mini-split unit:
I don’t think so, as a mini split requires a lot more installation than a hole and a plug.
Splits usually are powered via the outdoor unit. So it needs power and typically an outdoor rated outlet. The indoor half is only connected to the outdoor unit with an umbilical containing control and power, plus the source and return refrigerant lines. Additionally, a drain line to allow condensation in the indoor unit to drain outside is run. The huge advantage is that you can do this though a single small hole in the wall. The other advantage is the noise isolation, which compared to a window unit is an unbeatable win.
Where the installation complexity comes in is that the two halves need to be connected by an installer that is capable in both electrical work and refrigeration. Many newer units come pre-charged with refrigerant - but the actual connection and pressurisation needs the usual refrigeration mechanics gear.
In general, at least where I am, assume the installation costs about the same as the unit and you won’t go far wrong.
The indoor portable type ACs exhaust heat through a 3-4" hose. Mini-splits are described above, it’s not a real simple thing, you can do it yourself, but there are a limited number of vendors that will warranty DIY installations. You’ll always be better off with a professional installation if you aren’t an HVAC pro. Another alternative is a U-shaped AC where the major indoor and outdoor components hang in a window only open a few inches.
I spotted this type on Amazon [stuck at home no wheels so I can go roll myself around a Home Despot for ideas] but it seems that the minisplit idea is a no go, talked with our electrician buddy who is going to be buying the barn from us as a workspace [hey, can’t help it if his wife doesn’t want 4 work trucks and building type supplies stacked around the yard =) ] says that it would be very difficult to mess with the electricity to put one where I thought one could easily drill and install. He did say the split window ones would work with the power point we have for the current AC window unit [an old large loud clunky one, like 15 years old]
If you are looking for frugal, you could buy a 15 amp WiFi enabled smart plug for less than $10.
There might be some difficulty linking your home WiFi to android. I’m sure I could make it work with a free piece from https://ifttt.com, but, well, I’m a retired programmer.
Now that is an idea =) Though I was hoping for a bit more efficiency, they have to have improved something in 15 years =)
I did get a LG inverter 9500 BTU a/c a few years back and it was great. It has internet connectivity and was ultra quiet. It was also pretty pricy, I think $450, but with it’s efficiency, low sound level and feature set it was worth it, except that I no longer use it as I drilled that 3 in hole and installed a minisplit which due to it also providing heat was really what I should have done to begin with as that alone has saved me oodles already. As I understand it it is possible to plug in a minisplit to a standard outdoor (GFI) outlet instead of hard wiring it, so if you have a preexisting outlet that might work.
I had a stand-up unit like that years ago. I got a sheet of acrylic and cut it to fit my crank-open window, then cut a hole that fit the hose attached to that. A link in the product description also shows a fabric(?) thing that attaches to a cranked open window and frame to hold the vent tube.
Technology Connections telling you why this style is bad:
Of course, he’s demonstrating with his own AC that he uses because even though it’s terrible it’s the best option for some situations.
I wouldn’t do that for an air conditioner. For one thing these smart plugs may not be rated for the amount of current an a/c draws, but also they only give you on/off control. So you can’t change the temperature or fan speed remotely, or do any of the other things you’d really want to do from an app. Also, since window a/c units are generally pretty inefficient, manufacturers do some pretty bone-headed things to get that coveted Energy Star label, like 4º temperature swings between on and off, or defaulting to eco mode after a power down. Those can cause problems if you’re essentially yanking the plug as a means of controlling it.