How far can I extend a portable a/c exhaust??

[DrCaligari]

I am looking to pick up a LG 9,000 BTU portable a/c. I'm pretty sure the exhaust duct that comes with it is 6ft. In my grow area (8x6x8 - large closet) I have no windows, and was planning on exhausting through the roof -- above the ceiling into an attic.

Is it ok to extend the exhaust? It'll need to go another 10ft.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

as of right now, I'm running a vert grow with 2x1000w in separate cooltubes, I have them ducted together -- a can fan exhausts them out (roof), while the other end is pulling from the attic -- keeping the room sealed. I have central a/c routed in but is useless during winter months. Things are getting too toasty.

 

[dunkydunk]

If the run is straight and vertical, you shouldn't have too much of a problem, but if there are bends or horizontal runs, it will likely bog down the machine. Portables are great in theory, but in reality they don't work very well when they are set up correctly, let alone messing with them.

How much of a temperature drop are you looking for? Portable's are good at taking the edge off, but they gobble up electricity in the process and throw considerable heat. you may want to also consider expanding the duct size on your lamp cooling, or at least making sure that part of the set up is running at it's peak efficiency.

If you have to run extra ducting for the a/c, step up the duct size. 5" duct is typical on a portable a/c, stepping up to 8" for the excess part of the run will help a lot in getting the heat away from the machine.

 

[DrCaligari]

Thanks for your reply!

unfortunately I am looking to do a decent size temp drop. i'm pushing 90 degrees

My friend just gave me an 8000 btu portable a/c. I'm going to set it up tonight. From where it will be in the room the out in the roof is almost directly over it (of course through the ceiling and thru the attic).

Is it wise to put a canfan/exhaust fan to help it suck out the air? That is my plan. I need a resolution.

btw, i'm going to elevate the ac unit as much as I can in the room to cut the distance.

RESPONSES ARE VERY WELCOME!

 

[dunkydunk]

If you hook a fan up to it, you'll probably just start pulling the cooled air out of the room. A mild booster fan might help if the exhaust run is excessive... but I'm not sure on that one.

Elevating the unit will help in at least one regard - they put the damn water drain on the floor of these things and when they fill up with water they stop running. When I had a portable I raised it off the floor so at least it could drain into a bucket.

Does the unit have one hose or two? Two hoses are better.

If you're having heat issues in the winter, what are you going to do when the weather gets warmer? Do you think the ventilation on your lights can be improved?

 

[RedRain]

suncourt inline booster fan, or you can use a vortex style fan. your unit is exhausting the heat that it has pulled from your room out of these ducts. Air is like water, they both flow the same. Curves slow down the air, so will adding more length. You can even increase the diameter of the pipe to 8" from 6" this will increase velocity.

these units are notorious for leaking smell, 1 hose or 2 hose units, have fun be safe!

 

[DrCaligari]

Ok, things have stabilized for now.

I am using a 1 hose portable unit. Currently, I have it elevated three feet off the ground. The drain line is connected to a hose leading to a 5 gal bucket.

I am exhausting straight into the attic -- so no weird extra ventilation. Seems to be fine for now.. but this is day one. I fired up my second 1000w and the room is at a modest 84 and slowly dropping. I am a bit worried about the moisture that could be exhausted into the attic. humidity levels are low.. like 20-25% should I get a dehumidifier? will that help decrease any moisture the a/c will exhaust?

I have central a/c routed.. so with that and this a/c I hope i'll be okay in the warmer months to come.

I feel like my lights are ventilated pretty well. Although I'm sure it could be better.. I'm not the handiest person. The cooltubes are touchable with a 1000w bulb in each-- which leads me to believe they're being vented semi well.

As far as smell.. I am definitely worried. I figure I'm better off venting into the wide attic space -- huge attic. and I definitely have a big carbon scrubber with a powerful canfan sitting on top, scrubbin away.

I am using a proxy to post for anonymity.. so everything is a bit sloww.. would love to post pics.. but I'm skeptic.. whats the best way to do so? -- safest way?

 

[SCROG McDuck]

I've used portables for years and am getting tired of paying $400
a pop for them.. Next time... soon!... I'm going to try the window shaker in a box.. Hossierdaddy explains in detail:

http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=95491

If nothing else, DrC, this post will answer you questions about
fan sizeing for AC exhaust and more.

 

[DrCaligari]

Thank you McDuck!

I've got my ducks in a row, for now. I've definitely gone threw the thread you posted. Some funny controversy in that one! Great info as always tho.

Much love,

DrCaligari

 

[SCROG McDuck]

Thank you McDuck!

I've got my ducks in a row, for now. I've definitely gone threw the thread you posted. Some funny controversy in that one! Great info as always tho.

Much love,

DrCaligari

"Ducks in a row" ... funny!

The controversy.. sucks..
All good threds>>>someone has always gotta be an ass.