Help me find an Air Conditioning unit for our loft conversion :)

Soldato
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Hi Guys

We had the work done at the end of last year but this heat has reminded me we need to purchase it sharpish as the kids bedrooms are upstairs.....(We have some large fans up there currently to move the air around)

As we have Velux up there I can't seem to find anything suitable to vent to so looking to see if there are self condensing units about?

Space wise its about 7m long and 3m in width containing a small dorma, my office and a larger room for my sons...

We could go all out and have a static fitted with a unit outside but for a few days of the year I can't warrant the cost..

Anyone purchased a good unit or can recommend which to look for or avoid would be helpful

Thanks All!!
 
Soldato
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i would just nip to any diy store and pick up one, we have a loft conversion full dorma, around 5x4 meters and in this heat it is hard going.

Just stuck a air con unit it, vented out the window (yes its open) and left it a that, it has a tray for condensing which i have emptied very little compared to how often its on.

keeps the room nice and cool but not freezing, its just a diy store one.

although they are noisy
 
Associate
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A portable unit would be the cheapest option but then you need to vent it using the flexible hose out of a window and then they can be noisy. A split level air con would be the way to go for a loft as that's where all the heat is rising from the rest of the house and it would be a good investment for the future.
 
Soldato
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Got one of these for £236 last year ("used - good condition" - seemed brand new really, remote all packaged etc still)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004UAM64O/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Seems decent. It isn't exactly quiet though but I don't think any portable ones really are

Also 50db like the one posted above, just bear that in mind... it is rather loud lol

http://www.noisehelp.com/noise-level-chart.html

Much louder than a refrigerator so either that chart is rubbish or the amazon listing lies
 
Soldato
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Do you have large velux windows? These are a massive problem for heating loft conversion it is certainly worth looking a velux awning blinds these are external and reduce the solar gain massively. They are cheaper than air-con and have no running costs and will save you money even if you go air-con as it won't need to work so hard!
 
Soldato
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Do you have large velux windows? These are a massive problem for heating loft conversion it is certainly worth looking a velux awning blinds these are external and reduce the solar gain massively. They are cheaper than air-con and have no running costs and will save you money even if you go air-con as it won't need to work so hard!

We had the sliding Velux blinds install at the same time but might look further into this option..
Are you handy at DIY? I'd look to self install a pre charged split AC system; can be had for around £500.
I'm not but a few friend are
Thanks for that ;)

Will update this thread when I make a decision, however I'm not looking to spend anywhere upwards of £300 as we only get top heat for a few days a year.... but I might look to vent externally though
 
Soldato
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Int
We had the sliding Velux blinds install at the same time but might look further into this option..

I'm not but a few friend are

Thanks for that ;)

Will update this thread when I make a decision, however I'm not looking to spend anywhere upwards of £300 as we only get top heat for a few days a year.... but I might look to vent externally though
Internsl blinds don't do a lot the heat is already in! The exterior awning blinds stop the heat from ever getting in. Go into your loft when the sun is on the windows close the blinds and feel the difference in radiated heat if you stand close the the window or close to a section of roof!
 
Soldato
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Int

Internsl blinds don't do a lot the heat is already in! The exterior awning blinds stop the heat from ever getting in. Go into your loft when the sun is on the windows close the blinds and feel the difference in radiated heat if you stand close the the window or close to a section of roof!
No I understand that, it's toasty when the sun's out
 
Associate
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What would the cost comparison be comparing these portable AC machines, to one of the permanent, wall-mount types you see in villas/hotels when on holiday abroad? I know I'll need to get one sooner rather than later; I'm a right grumpy sod in this heat :p
 
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Soldato
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What would the cost comparison be comparing these portable AC machines, to one of the permanent, wall-mount types you see in villas/hotels when on holiday abroad? I know I'll need to get one sooner rather than later; I'm a right grumpy sod in this heat :p

They are significantly cheaper to buy and most notably install,a split system will require specialist installation which does not come cheap. If you must have aircon for the two days a year we need it then just get a portable unit and store it in the garage for the other 363 days when you don't need it!
 
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If you must have aircon for the two days a year we need it then just get a portable unit and store it in the garage for the other 363 days when you don't need it!
2 days; that's cute :p If I had an air con unit, it would probably be reversed for my usage. I love colder weather. I go on holiday for sun and warmth, not here at home.
 
Soldato
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I'm about to have a loft conversion, the heat in my loft is sweltering right now. You could spend about 10 minutes up there before passing out and being on a drip.

I said to the builder I was a bit worried about the heat and they said it would be fine due to the insulation used. How do you find it? Is it hotter than other rooms in the house? I'm planning on adding 2/3 rooms plus an ensuite so they would be used rather than being for storage.
 
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