Hacking my AC unit

[G33k Speak]

Here's the plan

Frigidaire window AC unit - 6500BTU
it needs to connect to an 8 inch exhaust duct.

I noticed that there is a fan that sits at the back of the AC unit that seems to pull the air over the coil at the rear of the unit.

I was thinking that I could remove the internal AC fan and use a Vortex fan connected to my ducting on it's place. I was also thinking that I could wire the Vortex to the AC thermostat, so the Vortex would only run when the compressor kicked in. I just need to match the Vortex CFM to the AC's internal unit.
Anyone forsee any problems with my scheme??

Also- is it possible to figure out the aprox CFM of the AC fan from the electrical lable on the fan??

If it works, I'll shoot some pix and do a write up.

 

[G33k Speak]

Just to clarify: i want to use the thermostat in the AC unit for the fan, but only as a switch for the Vortex fan- the Vortex would still use it's own, seperate power cord.

 

[PurplePotion]

See if you can find the model number of the fan, and start searching.

Might even be able to find the info just from the AC model number.

If you want a hand, try to get both model numbers for me and I'll see if I can find anything.

 

[wafflehouselove]

careful not to bend or break any copper pipes.

 

[TGT]

I think if you were to disconnect the internal fan and lengthen the wires, connect the thermostate wire and replace it with the vortec you should be able to make it work, as long as everything is hooked up the same. The fan specs should be available from the manufacturer. If not, remove the fan and set her up and run it to see how much air she moves. It will be an estimate, but I am sure from feel alone you can match it faily well. Just a suggestion. I don't know how feasible it will be, but it seems logical. Good luck and let us know how it goes. If you succeed, and you probably will if determined enough, write up your own thread on how it was done with pictures. I am sure many others would like to see a DIY thread - including myself. Good luck!

TGT

 

[G33k Speak]

I have an email in to the mfgr's, but there don't have that kind of info handy going by past requests I've made.
The problem with just swapping the wires between the fans, is that the Vortex has a higher power consumption, and I don't know if the wire gauge is compatable... I took some pix of the fan's lable so I'll see what I can dig up.
I've also been thinking I can probably just use a less expensive booter duct fan, since that is actually what I need for this application. I need to find a fan and thermostat that can also handle the 130F temps.
I'd bet the factory AC fan is in the 200CFM neighborhood. CFM is really difficult to measure. I found a handheld 'weather station' that could measure themp/humidity and wind speed- and maybe also a lightmeter- but you may also need to measure barometric pressure to get an accurate picture of the total air movement.

 

[Guest]

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