Lightproof a window AC unit?

[_Dude]

Ran a search but didn't find anything specific to AC. I know I can fabricate a box inside a box and put it over the exhaust but I want to know if anyone has come up with any diabolically clever way to lightproof a window AC without hindering air flow.

The exhaust is about 19" wide, 4" tall, and 2" deep.

 

[hazeywonder]

Have you installed it yet. most ac window units do not leak light... But you could open the case and use some foam and such to tighten it up...

 

[MTF-Sandman]

I use mine right in the window and no light leaks out of it...just seal up the rest of the window and you'll be fine.

 

[_Dude]

Wait never mind. My mistake, it was interior light reflecting oddly inside the unit. Lights just went off and when I went in there to check there was no light.

Thanks. That's got the be the easiest, cheapest solution to a grow room design problem yet.

 

[_Dude]

False alarm on the false alarm. The unit IS one big light leak. I just couldn't see it at night because the outside lights weren't strong enough. Just checked a few hours ago and light floods through it during the day. Some kind of translucent styrofoam is used as an interior wall.

I was thinking of a cardboard box with a few louver ducts taped into the front but I should prolly open the case and see if I can lightproof it inside before I go spending money.

 

[hazeywonder]

You might want to stay away from cardboard it will dry out and could be a fire hazard.. Try the expandable foam, remove the case and seal it up. The "great stuff" foam works well.

 

[MTF-Sandman]

Do you have an AC with a "fresh air" mode on it? If so, flip the lever and shut the louvers that allow air/light to come in.

The insulation in it should be at least 1/2" styrofoam...I've never seen any that was translucent and I've gutted my fair share of ACs.

 

[_Dude]

I wish I knew where the manual is because I've wondered the same thing over odor. I'll have to see if I can download one, or fiddle with the controls.

 

[MTF-Sandman]

Get me a link to the model of AC you have and I'll see what I can find out for ya...

 

[_Dude]

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=205394-48789-FAA087P7A

I'm pretty sure that's it. That model # isn't on the Frigidaire site but I bought it from Lowe's and that's the exact same appearance.

 

[MTF-Sandman]

If it's that one, it shouldn't be leaking light...

Worst case, get some Krylon H2o Latex Spray Paint and just paint the stuff that the light is getting through. It's important to use a water based paint as standard spray paints will melt the styrofoam insulation.

 

[_Dude]

So ya know I'm not exaggerating, I took a pic with the lights off around noon. This is a light flood, not a few leaks.

 

[hazeywonder]

humm well that is not good at all. Is that coming from the back and into the room, Or from the room outside? I guess it really doesn't matter maybe you should look into something like this. Im telling you it really easy. I have a how to a page back or so but this would solve your problems and bring your ac inside.

 

[_Dude]

Lol yeah that shit is way outta control.

That pic is in the grow with the lights off.

Link to the how to pages, I'm interested.

 

[hazeywonder]

Its just a box I happen to mount mine to the ceiling.

Yeah that at night with a flash.
http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=57828

 

[_Dude]

Yeah that at night with a flash.

No I was answering your question, about the pic I posted.

Trouble with that technique of yours is I don't want a conspicuous-looking 4" vent hole in my window. Plus I bet that's a fairly big hit on efficiency. Thanks for the idea though.

 

[Guest]

Dude I had the same problem with my new window AC,just stick some silvertape also called foil tape over the lighted area.

 

[_Dude]

Not a bad idea soilman, I've got a whole roll of that.

 

[sirharrynuggz]

Well.... BUMP!! I am having this problem as well, and found this thread using the search feature. How did you resolve this problem? I can't put tape (or anything else) over the lighted area because that's where the cold air is coming in. I run my lights at night, so now I have this horrible light leak coming in thru my AC all day long. I close my HydroHut in the room where the AC is mounted, but there are still a couple leaks in the tent where light can get in. Please help.

 

[DIGITALHIPPY]

i dont think that box idea is safe...
the ac has a fan on the back to pull air through the louvers and over the hot side and back out the back.
i dont think that fan is strong enough to push hot air through that tube... do you have an extractor fan or another fan pushing? how hot does that back of the box get? do you know that its not running as efficiant if its running very hot on the outside, the freon wont condense as much. its doable, i just think u need 'air flow' in the back of that thing.

like thoes stand-up a/c's with the tube...the hot air comes pouring out of the tube..
i understand i dont know the whole set-up you have, but id be worried about that cardboard or wood catching fire or scortching.

i am very familiar with the guid they have for the a/c box idea. its very good. but he does mention hes splitting his 8" vortx between the a/c and the room.
its important people dont forget this step.