Last Updated on August 7, 2024 by teamobn
Has the weather become unbearably hot in your place? As if the climate-change debate weren’t heated enough, it now also seems that as global temperatures rise, so do tempers!
In fact, a University of California in Berkeley researcher has gathered data from social media that links warmer weather and crankiness in people!
You can turn on the air conditioner, sure, but having it run the entire day is not a good option for most of us. If you spend most of your days at home, here’s a clever DIY solution to stay cool.
Now, this kind of air conditioner is simply intended for small personal applications – it cannot work for an entire room like the air conditioners we have mounted on our walls. That’s just impossible! This is most especially recommended if you are usually left alone at home all day. Why cool down the whole room when all you need is a cool breeze for yourself?
This DIY bucket air conditioner is a great idea to survive the summer heat while keeping electricity bills low. You can even use solar panels, if you know how to install them, for an even more efficient energy use outdoors.
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Contents
Crafting a 5-Gallon Bucket Air Conditioner
Materials
- 5-Gallon Bucket
- 5-Gallon Bucket Styrofoam Liner
- 2 1/2″ long 2″ PVC Pipe
- Small Fan (5v USB powered fan*)
- Large Plastic Popsicle Sleeves
- 1-Gallon Jug
Tools
- Cordless Drill
- 2 3/8″ Hole Saw
- Knife
- Hacksaw / PVC Cutter
*Mini desktop fans with plastic blades are a bit strong. Fans with metal blades push air the fastest.
Instructions
Hole placement on your bucket is one of the crucial factors in getting it to blow cold air out of your 5-gallon bucket air conditioner. You want to get the hole as close to the bottom as you can but leave some room for perspiration build-up that will occur on your popsicles.
The bottom of your hole should be between 2″ – 2 1/2″ from the bottom of the bucket. Shave off the hairy plastic with your knife.
After that, insert your foam bucket liner and centre it inside your 5-gallon bucket air conditioner. With your off hand, stabilize the inside of the bucket by pressing down in the centre. Then, stick your hole saw through the hole you just drilled and drill another hole through your foam bucket liner.
Lastly, insert your PVC pipe into the holes of your 5-gallon bucket air conditioner you just drilled. It should be airtight and you may need to rotate your pipe back and forth to get it in. Don’t put it in too deep though. If you want the PVC pipe to be flush with the inside of your foam bucket liner, otherwise you will create an airflow problem.
Now we are going to be mounting our fan to the top of our foam 5-gallon bucket air conditioner lid. This depends on the design of your fan so this step might be a little different from person to person. If you are using a desktop fan, you’re going to want to first take it out of its mount. Typically this process usually just involves a screwdriver and two screws on either side.
Next, place your fan on top of your foam bucket liner lid. If you are using a desktop fan for your DIY 5-gallon bucket air conditioner you’re going to be resting your fan on top of the foam bucket lid so draw an outline of your fan and then compensate inwards about a quarter of an inch so that the blades will be able to sink into the bucket and the lip of the fan will rest on top. If you are using a square CPU fan simply draw an outline and then cut.
Lastly, make the cut. It’s best to play it safe and cut a little short at first since foam is very easy to cut. Use a sawing motion with your knife and whatever you do, don’t break the lid (no pressure). Replacement lids aren’t readily available so be careful.
Set your fan on or inside your lid and you’re done with the construction of your 5-gallon bucket air conditioner.
Now it’s time to get over to the sink and start filling up the popsicle bags full of water.
Something to note: popsicle bags have the problem of losing their upright integrity as they melt when using your 5-gallon bucket air conditioner. A hypothesis I have that I haven’t been able to test yet is putting thick plastic straws inside the popsicle bags to keep them upright and stable.
After you’ve frozen your popsicles it’s time to place them inside the bucket. Because of the nature of thermodynamics, you’re going to want to try and maximize the amount of surface area you get from your popsicles.
The best way I’ve found so far is to place the base of each popsicle stick towards the centre of the bucket and have them lean on their edge against the outer interior wall of the foam bucket liner. That way only 2 small points of the popsicles are covered and the rest is open and available for air to pass through.
After that, plug your 5v DC-powered fan into anywhere you’ve got a USB socket and let her rip!
If you did everything right, you should be outputting anywhere from 5-10°C (My thermometer is in Celsius, 41-50°F) depending on how much salt you used in your popsicle sticks and your freezer settings. For longer-lasting results, I recommend using the gallon jug with salt water along with 6 popsicles near the output of the bucket and rotating out the popsicles as they melt.
Thanks to
Here’s another DIY air conditioner you might like…
Alternative Cooling Fillers
Investigating different cooling additives will improve the efficiency and convenience of your 5-gallon bucket air conditioner. For individuals seeking less frequent maintenance or refill, these substitutes not only offer possibly longer chilling times but also may present a more sensible answer. Some creative ideas below could be used in place of the conventional water-filled popsicles.
Gel Ice Packs
An amazing substitute for water-filled popsicles in your five-gallon bucket air conditioner are gel ice packs. They freeze at a lower temperature and keep their coolness longer, so offering continuous air cooling without regular replenishment. Often reusable, these packs are an affordable and environmentally friendly choice.
Hydrogel Beads
Frozen and used as a cooling medium, hydrogel beads—which absorb and retain vast amounts of water—can be These beads gradually release chilly air as they thaw in the bucket, therefore providing a constant temperature drop. Their modest scale lets one arrange inside the bucket in a more compact and orderly manner.
Non-toxic Freeze Gel
Similar to the compounds used in commercial freezing packs, non-toxic freeze gel can be used to fill plastic sleeves or molds. This gel can freeze to a solid state and lasts longer than plain ice, making it ideal for prolonged cooling periods in your 5-gallon bucket air conditioner.
Saltwater Solution
Adding salt to water lowers its freezing point, allowing it to stay colder for a longer duration than regular ice. Use saltwater in your cooling mechanism to enhance the chill effect of your DIY air conditioner. This method is particularly effective for extending the operational time between refills.
Phase Change Materials (PCMs)
PCMs are substances with a high heat of fusion which, when melting and solidifying at certain temperatures, can store and release large amounts of energy. Incorporating PCMs that freeze at just below room temperatures can significantly increase the cooling efficiency of your 5-gallon bucket air conditioner. These materials can be reused many times, aligning with sustainable usage practices.
Each of these alternatives provides a unique benefit, whether it’s longer-lasting cool air or a more sustainable approach to DIY air conditioning. Experimenting with different fillers can lead to discovering the most efficient setup for your specific environment and cooling needs.
Safety Precautions
Safety should always come first when creating and running your 5-gallon bucket air conditioner so that your do-it-yourself project not only cools but also keeps you safe. Throughout the operation and building stages of your 5-gallon bucket air conditioner, keep these basic safety tips under review.
Electrical Safety
It is imperative to ensure that all electrical components—such as the USB-powered fan found in the 5-gallon bucket air conditioner—are correctly insulated from water. Steer clear of any frayed or damaged wires; always ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet connects your DIY air conditioner to a power source to prevent electrical shocks.
Water and Leak Prevention
Make sure your 5-gallon bucket air conditioner is watertight to prevent leaks that can cause water damage or slippery surfaces involving both ice and melting water. Keep the unit on a water-resistant surface and often look for any fractures or damage to the bucket and liner that can cause leaks.
Tool Safety
Handle all tools—including sharp ones like knives and hole saws—especially carefully when building your five-gallon bucket air conditioner. Cut always away from your body, and make sure your workspace is sturdy and safe. Store tools securely following use and keep them out of children’s reach.
Ventilation
Make sure the area is well-ventilated even using the 5-gallon bucket air conditioner. Although it cools a small area quickly, it’s crucial to let enough air flow to avoid any condensation or humidity build-up that can cause mould and mildew.
Component Replacement and Maintenance
The lifetime and safety of your 5-gallon bucket air conditioner depend on regular maintenance. Inspect every component—including the fan and PVC pipes—for wear and tear. Replace any components that show damage or wear right away to maintain the machine running effectively and safely.
Following these safety guidelines will help you to enjoy the cooling power of your 5-gallon bucket air conditioner without any unneeded accidents. Maintaining safety throughout the building and use stages will give comfort of mind and a safer cooling solution during the hot days.
Conclusion
A 5-gallon bucket air conditioner offers an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cooling systems, utilizing simple materials and a DIY approach to reduce energy consumption. Its portable design allows for easy relocation, ensuring targeted cooling wherever needed, perfect for personal use during hot weather. Moreover, this air conditioner promotes creative recycling and customization, turning basic components into an effective cooling device.
