How to Build Your Own Air Conditioner

Air conditioning, in middle of a hot and blistering summer day, can seem like a gift from the gods. Not everyone is lucky enough to enjoy its cooling benefits, however--air conditioners are still a luxury. But the basic mechanic, exuding cool air, is actually quite simple. And luckily, it can be reproduced for relatively little cost and effort.

Things You'll Need

• Fan (rotating)
• 25 feet of copper tubing (1/4 inch outer diameter)
• 20 feet of vinyl tubing (1/4 inch inner diameter)
• Zip ties
• Aquarium pump
• Styrofoam cooler
• Ice water

Instructions

1. Working from the center and working your way out, coil the copper tubing into a spiral, around the back and/or front of the fan: don`t coil it too severely, however, as this can crimp the tubing. Every 6-12 inches, lash the tubing into place with a zip tie.

2. At the ends of the copper tubing, affix the vinyl tubing. Attach the ends of the vinyl tubings to a standard aquarium pump.

3. Place the aquarium pump into a water-tight, insulated container. In a pinch, a Styrofoam cooler will do just fine.

4. Fill the container with ice water.

5. Activate both the pump and the fan. The ice water will travel through the tubing, and the fan will fill the area with a constant, cooling breeze. Replace the ice water as necessary, as it warms.

Tips & Warnings

• This same set-up can be performed easily with a clean, spare radiator. Just direct the water into the radiator, and place some fans behind it.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish