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priya_arun93

How to air-condition my study nook?

3 years ago

I have a tiny nook off the dining area that I use as my home office. It has a large west-facing window that makes the nook really hot in summers. The nook opens out to the dining room, kitchen and the rest of the house (to my right). I am in a dilemma about air-conditioning it. The AC specialist has asked me to fit a door to the nook so that the AC is effective. As of now, I have a pedestal fan to my right but it is not sufficient. I switch to dark curtains in summer. This is a rental home and I might not be able to make structural changes. What should I do? Air-coolers might not be very effective in the coastal town that I live in.


Comments (10)

  • 3 years ago

    Can you get an AC guy to run an air supply duct to the nook - it probably doesn't have that great a heat load but may need some additional cold air to condition it.

    Priya Arun thanked sktn77a
  • 3 years ago

    One option you may consider is using a portable air conditioner instead of a traditional one that requires a door. Portable air conditioners typically come with an exhaust hose that you can vent out of a window, which should work well with your situation. They are also easy to move around and do not require any permanent installation, which makes them a great option for renters.


    If a portable air conditioner is not an option, you could try using a window film to reduce the heat coming in through the window. There are various types of window films available that can block heat while still allowing light to pass through.


    Another option is to use a combination of a ceiling fan and a pedestal fan to create a cross-breeze. This can be a cost-effective and energy-efficient way to cool down your space without the need for air conditioning.


    Finally, you may want to consider talking to your landlord about the issue and see if they have any suggestions or are willing to make any changes to the space to help with the heat. They may be able to install a shade or awning on the outside of the window, which could help to block the sun's rays and keep the space cooler.


    I hope these suggestions help you find a solution that works for your situation.

    Priya Arun thanked Krista Deng
  • 3 years ago

    I'd put a small but mighty window unit right next to your desk. We did this for a large room where my husband's desk is near the window. He is nice and cool. It helps cool other areas of the larger room too but is great for him next to the window. It is an LG unit, super quiet and a work horse.

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    I would start with some solar shades I use 10% usually they control the heat and the damaging UV rays and still allow you to have the view . Does the rest of the plave have AC? There are evapoative small AC units that can work quite well in small spaces.

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    West facing windows are the worst when it comes to overheating a room as the sun blasts through them from noon to sundown. Ideally your landlord would be willing to have professionally installed, low SHGC window film (e.g., 3M) but if he won't, you can try installing something like this Gila HRT361 film yourself. You want to keep the heat outside before trying to cool the air inside.

    Articles:


    "I switch to dark curtains in summer."

    Dark colors absorb heat instead of reflecting it.

  • 3 years ago

    See if your landlord will spring for this from Costco. DIY smart heating and cooling heat pump and only a one inch hole through the wall necessary. I have mitsubishi heat pumps and they are absolutely silent. I love them.


  • 3 years ago

    Thank you all for the useful suggestions. What I love the most is that every idea is practical and doable. Will try some post the results.

    wdccruise love your point about the curtains. So what kind of curtains do you suggest?

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    I have cellular shades. Mine are "blackout" because they're in a bedroom but you probably wouldn't want that. Another person suggested solar shades. Those don't have the insulating properties of cellular but they don't completely block the view like cellulars do.

    In your photo the windows appear to open at the bottom. Cellulars (rather than curtains) would be a good solution because you could partially close them, leaving the open window uncovered for ventilation when it's not hot. I used Bali brand shades because when they're fully open, the amount of window covered by the fabric at the top is minimal.

  • 3 years ago

    Great idea! Thank you!