How to Make an A/C Unit for $15

Last Updated: September 20, 2019 Approved

Whether you have only a sporadic need for air conditioning or are looking for an alternative to beat the heat during storm season (and power is often lost), you don’t have to suffer or pay thousands of dollars to stay cool.

Steps

1
Fill the plastic gallon jug with water and place in freezer. A good idea would be to store this jug during storm season or summertime to keep on hand during emergencies.
2
Get your bucket make sure you clean it first.

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3
Grab your power drill. Attach a 2-Inch Standard Bi-Metal Hole Saw to it.
4
Drill three large holes approximately 2” apart along the top 2/3 portion of the gallon bucket. You want a snug fit for your PVC pipe.^{[1]
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5
Obtain a bucket liner or an ice box that would fit inside the bucket.
6
Drop bucket liner into the bucket
- Drill through liner following the pre-drilled holes you already created.
7
Get a PVC pipe and cut into three 1.5” pieces.
8
Push one piece of PVC pipe through each hole so at least half of the pipe is inside the bucket.^{[2]
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9
Obtain a desk fan. Find something that can run using batteries and being plug in.
- Remove parts you won't need from the fan like the stand or base.
10
Trace around the mouth of the fan with your pencil onto the lid. You want a close measurement, as you will be placing the fan on top of the lid.^{[3]
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- Center your measurement so they fan distributes air inside the bucket evenly.
- Cut out tracing using your box cutter or craft knife.
11
Assemble A/C unit. You will want to either have a power source nearby or use a battery-operated fan.
- If your fan has a usb plug in a power bank or batteries.
- Place the frozen gallon of water inside the bucket. Or as an option you could fill it with cubed ice and add salt for it last longer.^{[4]
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- Replace the gallon lid so you have a tight fit.
- Place the fan mouth on top of the hole you cut and make sure the fan covers the entire hole (it should be a perfect fit).
12
Turn on fan and feel the air begin to cool immediately. This should provide up to 6 hours of A/C.^{[5]
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- Use batteries in case of power failure.
- Perfect for outdoors.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I make this without ice?

Community Answer

If you have no way of making ice but have a fan, simply follow all the steps and skip the ice. Don't substitute water for the ice. The unit won't be able to cool the air but the bucket may help with air circulation.
Question

How long will this homemade A/C unit work?

Community Answer

It will work effectively until the ice melts, which is dependent upon the temperature in the area you are cooling.
Question

Can I use this to cool a room?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.