Hey, addi2d,
I have same issue and am debating my options. My first impression was to do what you suggest, but then I would be venting cool expensive conditioned air to the outdoors. Not smart, imo. So my next thought was to install a thru-wall vent high-up in the bedroom to vent the hot air into a room that does have a return to the main HVAC system. That will work best; but, I got to thinking, why would I fire-up my entire whole house A/C system just to cool one little bedroom all night? So now I am thinking of either a small thru-wall a/c unit or a small split-ductless just for the one bedroom to be cooled.
Anyway, thats where I am at with my similar problem, hope that helps!

eric

I would Install a small 5,000-BTUH window unit with remote control. Problem solved, & will save money by reducing central AC use. - udarrell

Here is a link that might be useful: udarrell.com

I will look into just getting a 5000BTU air unit for the window but I have those silly windows that measure 17.5"W x 44"H with a crank to open. They are kinda hard to find units for unless you can install them on there side. You do have a good point about losing the cold air. I will keep this in mind. Thx

LOL!!! same deal here, addi2d, except I have a wife who wants nothing in the windows and would prefer nothing showing in the walls.
(I have the same windows, they are called "slider/casement windows) but mine are 20.5" wide per side so I can get this:

http://www.ventingdirect.com/index.cfm?page=product:products&productid=A6V05S2B&manufacturer=Fedders&CS_010=58027&CS_003=743885%20&source=nextag&srccode=cii_9324560&cpncode=11-31062731-2

The unit that fits less than 20" width is this one, but it is 8000BTU, a bit much but will prolly be OK:

http://oneclickappliances.com/catalog/-p-21329.html?zmam=2315793&zmas=1&zmac=4&zmap=ACS082PP

But if you go "thru-wall" you can get this and make it flush mount and its the right size and everything:

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_techspecs_full.php/masterid=40976712

haha!!! you wife and mine must be related.. I did end up talking to a friend who says he can get me a 5000BTU portable A/C unit for under $300. So thats probably the way I'm gonna go. Thanks for all your input and good luck with your installment.

hey, addi2d, do not, I repeat, DO NOT go with a portable unit. Thats what I tried last year. I bought a 10000BTU Sovereign portable A/C from Costco for $450. It has two 5-inch vent tubes that stick out through a window bracket. The vents are for cooling the compressor, not fresh air by the way. The thing is big and noisy and with the corrugated plastic vent arms, my wife refers to it as the "Danger, Will Robinson!" device from "Lost In Space". To add insult to injury, its not very efficient. A 5000BTU window or thru wall unit cools the room fast and quiet. The DangerWillRobinson loudly tries all night and barely brings down the temp 10 degrees. But it doesnt matter 'cause you cant sleep with that thing near the bed all night.

I'd sell ya mine, cheap! but the shipping to Ontario and import fees wouldnt make it worth it. I keep it around in case I ever want to use it for de-humidification now.
My mom's side of family is from Hamilton and Toronto, so say hi to everybody, eh?

e

Thanks for the heads-up. If I see your relatives I'll make sure I say hi. :-)
Thx again.

A 'window unit' doesn't necessarily have to be installed in a window

You CAN cut a hole in the wall and permanently mount it that way. 5,000 BTU window units with a 9.7 SEER are selling in the big box stores for about $80 right now

Don

"A 'window unit' doesn't necessarily have to be installed in a window"

Unless it comes with instructions for sleeve mounting (many do, but not all) it DOES need to be in a window to drain correctly.

I have one in a boat and one in a teardrop trailer . . . . neither one in a window and they both drain fine

How does a window unit 'know' it's not in a window???

Don

I have since bought a 5200BTU window A/C unit. I thank all for your help and advice.

If you have just a sliding glass door and no windows or cold air return... any suggestions?

My house has no permanent AC, so I go through the seasonal chore of putting in several window units in the summer. I've noticed that the newer ones are much quieter, much lighter, and much more efficient.

Air conditoner options:

https://www.minisplitairconditioningsystem.org/

1. Portable alternative

Portable air conditioners are an alternative to a window unit. They're easy to operate and to move from room to room.

Portable air conditioners are similar to window units in operation. They sit on the floor (on casters) and use an adapter kit to vent the hot air through a hose running through a window, a wall or a sliding glass door.

Main advantages

- They are easy to install and use.

- You can move them from room to room.

2. Insulated attic fan door

Newer attic fans have insulated doors that close in 30 seconds when the fan's not operating.

Whole-house fans may seem old fashioned, but they're enjoying renewed popularity. The idea behind them is simple. A powerful fan draws cooler early morning and evening air through open doors and windows and forces it up through the attic and out the roof vents. This sends hot air up and out, cooling your house and your attic. These fans are commonly mounted in an upstairs stairwell or hallway ceiling where there's at least 3 ft. of clearance above the fan.

Main advantages

- Energy savings. They use 90 percent less energy than an air conditioner, and in dry climates with cool mornings and evenings, they can actually replace your AC system.

- Easy installation. With a helper and basic tools, you can install a whole-house fan in a weekend.

3. Ductless AC

Mini-split AC systems don't require ductwork and can be run to one or more rooms. Their small size, quiet operation and individual zoning let you cool only the room you're using, which can save energy and money.

Long popular in Europe and Japan, a mini-split system air conditioner (sometimes called ductless AC), is a hybrid of central air and a window unit. A small condenser sits outside and connects through a conduit to an inside evaporator mounted high on the wall or ceiling.

Main advantages

- Silent operation. The condenser sits outside, it doesn't let in street noise and the indoor fan is whisper quiet.

The system can be mounted anywhere thanks to the small size of the indoor and outdoor components. The conduit, which houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain, runs through a 3-in. hole hidden behind the indoor evaporator

Good list, Marc. One problem with whole-house fans is that the cool air they draw in may be very humid, so it's not a good solution except in dry climates.