cooling question

[karel]

So I've been looking around Google for this, and it seems like I'm just phrasing things wrong (and that there's too many other things "fan" describes), so I figure that this could be a question that might help others a little too.

My air conditioning recently went out, and while insurance is covering the cost of replacing the unit, it's going to be a few days, and it's Las Vegas in the summer. I have a few fans on my hands, and I was wondering if anyone can recommend placement of them for maximum cooling efficency. I have a big box fan, a mini desk fan, and one on a stand. I've already got the rooms I don't use and don't need to cool all closed up. I also have west-facing windows covered, and since it's a condo in a building, the rest of the windows are pretty well-protected.

Any other general tips for keeping cool in the summer with or without ac?

Comments

[ex_pippin880]

Ah! Well, an easy thing then is using water and ice. Don't just wet your face, but wipe down your arms and legs and stomach and back and ears too! If you have a floppy hat, soak it in water and leave it on your head. Likewise, soaking sweat bands for your neck can be good.

Try to keep lights off, don't use the oven, etc. I've heard that you can kinda make an AC with a fan and a bucket of ice water, but I've never done that myself.

(And I think the best placement would be "all pointing directly at you" but I can happily deal with higher temperatures as long as I have airflow so ymmv.)

[karel]

I've heard that you can kinda make an AC with a fan and a bucket of ice water, but I've never done that myself.

My mom had mentioned that, but I didn't ask her to elaborate - I'll have to try it!

(Well, yes XD But I do need to make sure that things are livable for my kitties as well. I have one that is very "fluffy," so all of this heat wouldn't be comfortable or healthy for her at all)

[jenna_thorn]

the keyword is swamp cooler, but basically, you put cool moist air into the stream of air coming at you. Hanging a wet towel (carefully, so it doesn't get caught in moving parts) is the low tech option. there are higher tech plans on the 'net, but I don't know how much energy and time you want to put into it.

[karel]

Well, I'm on my day off, so while the ice "makes," I'll definitely try the towel option! Thanks! The box is pretty well-protected, so I'm not concerned about anything getting into it, at least.

[zillah975]

You might want to stop by the gas station or grocery store and pick up a bag or two of their ice. It'll definitely help. :)

[karel]

Probably will do, just as soon as I make sure I have a suitable container for this to work! I might stop and get an all-purpose tub of some sort as well.

[rhi]

Even a bowl of ice water between the fan and you would help a lot. Make sure it's a good solid one the cats can't knock over, however. Good luck to you and the cats!!!

[karel]

Ahh, yeah. The one will probably try to bat it around... Something with a wide base it is, then! Thanks!

[zillah975]

I've heard that you can kinda make an AC with a fan and a bucket of ice water, but I've never done that myself.

This kept me alive in college. I was in a dorm with no A/C in southwestern Arkansas, and the best way to keep cool overnight was to position the fan pointing right at the bed, and put a bucket of ice in a bowl directly in front of the fan, so the air blows sort of into and over it. By morning the ice is water, but it really helped a lot. With the kitties in play, you could try one in front of each fan, let the fans oscillate, and the kitties will probably flop out in front of the breeze.

Unless they're like my cat, who, on the hottest days, always found the hottest place in the house for napping. :)

[karel]

My little doofs seem to do the same. The one crashes on the super-plush couch that I won't touch right now due to how much heat it soaks in, and the other wants to sleep on my laptop. I'm just like what

[ex_pippin880]

We give our cats refridgerated water in summer, and a friend puts ice blocks in her cat's water (doubles as a play toy).

I guess just make sure you've brushed them well, and help them find tiles to sleep on.

Ours will quite happily sleep in the sunlight when it's above 40°C though, so.

[jenna_thorn]

Also, if it's of help, we did a go 'round of this last year or so (sorry, it was in my journal, but it took me a while to find it).

Bunches of tips there.

[karel]

Reading! Thanks much! (: