Home air con / air cooler(?)
Discussion
Been hammered by the hay fever, taken tablets, nasal spray etc etc still sufferng bad symptons.
Having to keep windows closed makes bedroom very hot by the time to sleep, think I got 3 hrs sleep last night tops, the combination of heat, itchyness, runny nose etc makes it so uncomfortable. Even took prescription sleeping tablet (zopiclone) and that did nothing.
Looking for something between £100 to £300 that can cool room, and keep it cold through the night.
Been searching usual places amazon, Currys, Argos etc, but have no idea where to start. Not to worried about purification or circulation, just want some cold air. There's air con units, fans, purifiers, it's all a bit bewildering, never bought anything like this before.
Recommendations - any brands, types to avoid? If possible, highstreet retailor so I can go to today(?)
Thanks in advance
One of these is due here today: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08PDDSDHY?th=1
I don't see how it can actually cool the air but we'll see what it's like. If it's no good it can go back, that's the nice thing about Amazon.
But if your problem is hayfever, that's caused by pollen, and that will still be in the air even if you cool it. You probably want something that can filter pollen.
I don't see how it can actually cool the air but we'll see what it's like. If it's no good it can go back, that's the nice thing about Amazon.
But if your problem is hayfever, that's caused by pollen, and that will still be in the air even if you cool it. You probably want something that can filter pollen.
You need an Air Conditioning unit. £100-300 won't get you much, but £300 should get you a small / portable AC unit that will keep a room cool. Portable units are no where near as efficient, quite or powerful as a proper 'split' type wall mounted unit, but will do the job in keeping a single room cool. I use an AEG unit in one of our bedrooms, hard piped and plumbed to outside and it works really well.
However, something to consider:
This type of unit have a 4" or 6" duct, which people will commonly vent via an open window, for ease. However, this further reduces system efficiency and capability, as an open window allows warm air (and in your case, airborne pollen) to re-enter the room. (Noting that these units extract a lot of air to work, hence pulling air into the room).
Ideally you want a 4" or 6" hole made in an external wall (much like a tumble drier would use), to allow you to vent the hot/humid air to outside, without allowing heat (or pollen) to re-enter.
Even with all this done, these units are quite noisy as they are trying to achieve a lot in a small package. Intermittent compressor noise (this noisy fridge starting up) might be enough to wake you up during the night.
With UK summers getting hotter and with it, pollen and pollution levels likely to only ever increase, it might be worth looking at a longer term plan to install a proper 'split' or 'multi split' unit in your house. A well designed system will also allow you to efficiently heat rooms during winter. Budget at £1250-1500 for a single room. Operate almost silently and ensures the room remains sealed.
However, something to consider:
This type of unit have a 4" or 6" duct, which people will commonly vent via an open window, for ease. However, this further reduces system efficiency and capability, as an open window allows warm air (and in your case, airborne pollen) to re-enter the room. (Noting that these units extract a lot of air to work, hence pulling air into the room).
Ideally you want a 4" or 6" hole made in an external wall (much like a tumble drier would use), to allow you to vent the hot/humid air to outside, without allowing heat (or pollen) to re-enter.
Even with all this done, these units are quite noisy as they are trying to achieve a lot in a small package. Intermittent compressor noise (this noisy fridge starting up) might be enough to wake you up during the night.
With UK summers getting hotter and with it, pollen and pollution levels likely to only ever increase, it might be worth looking at a longer term plan to install a proper 'split' or 'multi split' unit in your house. A well designed system will also allow you to efficiently heat rooms during winter. Budget at £1250-1500 for a single room. Operate almost silently and ensures the room remains sealed.
Edited by MattyD803 on Thursday 19th June 09:53
Simpo Two said:
One of these is due here today: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08PDDSDHY?th=1
I don't see how it can actually cool the air but we'll see what it's like. If it's no good it can go back, that's the nice thing about Amazon.
But if your problem is hayfever, that's caused by pollen, and that will still be in the air even if you cool it. You probably want something that can filter pollen.
That's just an oscillating tower fan, drawing in warm room air and blowing it out the front. We have several. They do the job absolutely fine (as a fan), but other than helping you to sweat/evaporate more efficiently and hence making you 'feel' cooler, it won't actual provide any cooling per se.I don't see how it can actually cool the air but we'll see what it's like. If it's no good it can go back, that's the nice thing about Amazon.
But if your problem is hayfever, that's caused by pollen, and that will still be in the air even if you cool it. You probably want something that can filter pollen.
Simpo Two said:
One of these is due here today: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08PDDSDHY?th=1
I don't see how it can actually cool the air but we'll see what it's like. If it's no good it can go back, that's the nice thing about Amazon.
But if your problem is hayfever, that's caused by pollen, and that will still be in the air even if you cool it. You probably want something that can filter pollen.
Thanks you for reply.I don't see how it can actually cool the air but we'll see what it's like. If it's no good it can go back, that's the nice thing about Amazon.
But if your problem is hayfever, that's caused by pollen, and that will still be in the air even if you cool it. You probably want something that can filter pollen.
Sorry, don't mean to sound awkward, but am in my 50s, had hay fever all my life and am exposed to it regularly with doing 1-2 walks a week through feilds, aswell as daily gardening spring, summer & autumn. What's happening now is crazy, it's quite exceptional, I've can't remember having symptons this bad for decades.
Been thinking of getting something for the hot nights, bedroom is set back from rest of house so don't get much wind, for a long time. It's rare for the hay fever to be this much of a problem, but quite normal for temperature to be an issue during hottest days / nights of summer. This is why I was loking/thinking more along the lines of air con (if that's the right thing to call it) rather than a purifiier?
The problem with the portable units is that even with a good window seal as you are venting the hot air outside it causes a pressure drop in the room and so hot air will be drawn in from outside anyway.
You can get dual hose portable units but these are hard to find in UK, not sure why.
The dual hose unit draws air in from outside and blows it over the condenser before sending it back out the hot exhaust hose.
You can get dual hose portable units but these are hard to find in UK, not sure why.
The dual hose unit draws air in from outside and blows it over the condenser before sending it back out the hot exhaust hose.
MattyD803 said:
You need an Air Conditioning unit. £100-300 won't get you much, but £300 should get you a small / portable AC unit that will keep a room cool. Portable units are no where near as efficient, quite or powerful as a proper 'split' type wall mounted unit, but will do the job in keeping a single room cool. I use an AEG unit in one of our bedrooms, hard piped and plumbed to outside and it works really well.
However, something to consider:
This type of unit have a 4" or 6" duct, which people will commonly vent via an open window, for ease. However, this further reduces system efficiency and capability, as an open window allows warm air (and in your case, airborne pollen) to re-enter the room. (Noting that these units extract a lot of air to work, hence pulling air into the room).
Ideally you want a 4" or 6" hole made in an external wall (much like a tumble drier would use), to allow you to vent the hot/humid air to outside, without allowing heat (or pollen) to re-enter.
With UK summers getting hotter and with it, pollen and pollution levels likely to only ever increase, it might be worth looking at a longer term plan to install a proper 'split' or 'multi split' unit in your house. A well designed system will also allow you to efficiently heat rooms during winter. Budget at £1250-1500 for a single room.
Cool, thank you for your reply. it's not my house don't think the latter option (although it does sound the best) would be allowed.However, something to consider:
This type of unit have a 4" or 6" duct, which people will commonly vent via an open window, for ease. However, this further reduces system efficiency and capability, as an open window allows warm air (and in your case, airborne pollen) to re-enter the room. (Noting that these units extract a lot of air to work, hence pulling air into the room).
Ideally you want a 4" or 6" hole made in an external wall (much like a tumble drier would use), to allow you to vent the hot/humid air to outside, without allowing heat (or pollen) to re-enter.
With UK summers getting hotter and with it, pollen and pollution levels likely to only ever increase, it might be worth looking at a longer term plan to install a proper 'split' or 'multi split' unit in your house. A well designed system will also allow you to efficiently heat rooms during winter. Budget at £1250-1500 for a single room.
Have you got any recommendations i.e. model / brand for a small / portable AC unit that will keep a room cool?
No problem.
I've got personal experience of an AEG unit, which we've been running for a couple of years in a hot bedroom and its been very good...although, it is hard piped in. Cools the room rapidly and then keeps it there without issue. I believe I paid £400 ish for it, but it does both heating and cooling. You may not need that and hence might find a cheaper option - However, it's not a patch on the Daikin split unit in my home office.
AEG (and I assume other manufacturers) sell a 'window kit' which allows you to vent via a small cowl via an open window, so that may be a good option for you if your unable to create a wall opening or fit a split unit. Maybe some research required to look at options to suit your window size etc.
I've got personal experience of an AEG unit, which we've been running for a couple of years in a hot bedroom and its been very good...although, it is hard piped in. Cools the room rapidly and then keeps it there without issue. I believe I paid £400 ish for it, but it does both heating and cooling. You may not need that and hence might find a cheaper option - However, it's not a patch on the Daikin split unit in my home office.
AEG (and I assume other manufacturers) sell a 'window kit' which allows you to vent via a small cowl via an open window, so that may be a good option for you if your unable to create a wall opening or fit a split unit. Maybe some research required to look at options to suit your window size etc.
Edited by MattyD803 on Thursday 19th June 10:16
This may be obvious, but white backed curtains that you keep closed when the suns out, and then opening the windows once the sun has gone off the window makes a huge difference to the room temperature before you start. External blinds work even better,
A portable air conditioner will need to vent the heat, this generally means leaving a window open for it to pump warm our out, which doesn't work if your goal is to keep the windows shut
A portable air conditioner will need to vent the heat, this generally means leaving a window open for it to pump warm our out, which doesn't work if your goal is to keep the windows shut
I've had a Blyss 12,000 btu portable unit for a couple of years.
As above poster says, it's pretty noisy on start up, and will wake you, unless you're a heavy sleeper.
It does the job, but noisily.
We now have a fitted system in another room, £1500, and worth every penny. Quiet, and very effective.
Worth asking your landlord if they wouldn't mind you fitting one.
As above poster says, it's pretty noisy on start up, and will wake you, unless you're a heavy sleeper.
It does the job, but noisily.
We now have a fitted system in another room, £1500, and worth every penny. Quiet, and very effective.
Worth asking your landlord if they wouldn't mind you fitting one.
Yeh, I understand my request/post might seem contradictory. i.e. keeping windows closed.
This is the first year for decades where the hay fever has been so bad I have to close the windows because all the 'regular' remedies (antihistamine, nasal sprays, eye drops etc) are just not working. My hayfever is caused by field grass, which is supposedly at crazy levels right now.
Normally a couple of over the counter antihistamines work very well and I can leave the windows open all day and night without adding to the symptoms.
Each year theres around 10-15 nights which are hot enough to really hinder sleep, which is why I was looking for something which was more temperature related.
But I've never really looked into this before, not very tech or engineeringly minded so don't really have an idea of what I'm looking at and needing.
As a preference, something that makes the room cold(er) over cleaner (purification) is what I was thinking of, but if there's something that does both in budget, happy to go for that.
To conclude, for the budget (and constraints of not being able to do anything drastic to fabric of building), you need a portable air conditioner plus a window vent attachment. Most have built in filters and as such, will offer some basic filtration of the air too. I think for the budget, that's the best you will do.
Downsides: Running costs, as it will increase your electricity bill, but I can't see any viable way around that.
Downsides: Running costs, as it will increase your electricity bill, but I can't see any viable way around that.
Having been through this myself I've ended up with properly installed A/C. It's not outrageously expensive if you shop around although obviously prices tend to be higher at this time of year.
Consider a big ceiling fan. Placed over a bed they are very quiet and can have a remarkable cooling effect.
I bought my previous portable A/C unit for about £300 and sold it for £50. If you go that route,
Flopping the outlet hose out of an open window is hopeless. You need some sort of seal.
The outlet air hose itself gets incredibly hot in your room. I used to wrap a duvet round it to suppress this heating effect.
The portable unit will output a massive amount of condensation. Don't be surprised if you end up in a flood.
Noise, particularly as the compressor cuts in and out - even with the fans set to constant running.
Consider a big ceiling fan. Placed over a bed they are very quiet and can have a remarkable cooling effect.
I bought my previous portable A/C unit for about £300 and sold it for £50. If you go that route,
Flopping the outlet hose out of an open window is hopeless. You need some sort of seal.
The outlet air hose itself gets incredibly hot in your room. I used to wrap a duvet round it to suppress this heating effect.
The portable unit will output a massive amount of condensation. Don't be surprised if you end up in a flood.
Noise, particularly as the compressor cuts in and out - even with the fans set to constant running.
MattyD803 said:
To conclude, for the budget (and constraints of not being able to do anything drastic to fabric of building), you need a portable air conditioner plus a window vent attachment. Most have built in filters and as such, will offer some basic filtration of the air too. I think for the budget, that's the best you will do.
Downsides: Running costs, as it will increase your electricity bill, but I can't see any viable way around that.
Ok, thank you. Downsides: Running costs, as it will increase your electricity bill, but I can't see any viable way around that.
Apologies if dumb question, the window vent attachment - I'm presuming there's different vent for different windows(?), and attachments for them to fit so it ensures you'll always be able to find a 'fit' for your air con unit and windows?
We've had an evaporative air cooler for a number of years and it works a treat. You fill the tank with water and add frozen cooler blocks if you need more and it adds the evaporated water to the fan air. Can be had for not much more than £100 in quite a decent size (don't go for a small one). Fan not too noisy and we often end up switching it off before the end of the night as its too cold although we tend to use it in sweep mode to spread the joy. I could do with another for the home office downstairs but ours is discontinued so I'll need to look for another make.
Edited by Speed 3 on Thursday 19th June 13:15
We bought a portable AEG unit about 4 years ago and it was a struggle to start with. As others have said, just flopping the hose out of the window (or through a door into another room) doesn't really work.
But then I found this:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/132726549898?itmmeta=01...
and it works a treat. Cools the bedroom down really well (the only place we use the AC) and makes that few weeks in the summer bearable.
I have no association with the ebay seller, by the way, I'm just a happy customer!
But then I found this:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/132726549898?itmmeta=01...
and it works a treat. Cools the bedroom down really well (the only place we use the AC) and makes that few weeks in the summer bearable.
I have no association with the ebay seller, by the way, I'm just a happy customer!
Portable units are noisy. It isn't just the noise of the unit itself, it's the turbulence created within the exhaust hose, which also gets pretty hot.
I can't sleep with mine on, but it does cool the bedroom enough that I can actually go to sleep.
Cheap one, from Amazon. Get the extended warranty for a few extra quid.
I can't sleep with mine on, but it does cool the bedroom enough that I can actually go to sleep.
Cheap one, from Amazon. Get the extended warranty for a few extra quid.
Edited by Mobile Chicane on Thursday 19th June 13:53
wotsit88 said:
Apologies if dumb question, the window vent attachment - I'm presuming there's different vent for different windows(?), and attachments for them to fit so it ensures you'll always be able to find a 'fit' for your air con unit and windows?
What I did was buy a 4mm sheet of transparent polycarbonate that clamped into the window frame (with the window open, of course). I also cut a round hole in the ploycarbonate and bolted on a flange to which the exhaust hose then fitted. A bit of work but job done.For illustration only, the sort of thing on this link,
https://www.amazon.co.uk/PATIKIL-Connector-Straigh...
Aah, cool - that was going to be my next question (just hanging the pipe out the window).
Many thanks for replies and links from everyone, definately helped to get a better understanding of portable air con units, and whats needed to get one 'working'.
Is what you got/had/looking for something like this?
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/2011781?clickCSR=s...
Many thanks for replies and links from everyone, definately helped to get a better understanding of portable air con units, and whats needed to get one 'working'.
Speed 3 said:
We've had an evaporative air cooler for a number of years and it works a treat. You fill the tank with water and add frozen cooler blocks if you need more and it adds the evaporated water to the fan air. Can be had for not much more than £100 in quite a decent size (don't go for a small one). Fan not too noisy and we often end up switching it off before the end of the night as its too cold although we tend to use it in sweep mode to spread the joy. I could do with another for the home office downstairs but ours is discontinued so I'll need to look for another make.
Thanks for your reply.Edited by Speed 3 on Thursday 19th June 13:15
Is what you got/had/looking for something like this?
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/2011781?clickCSR=s...
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