Cottage Air Conditioning?

[Chris Exley]

My family and I have had the unfortunate ability to pick the hottest 2 weeks of the year for the last three years. July 4th two years ago we ended up getting in the car and driving around the lake, just so we could enjoy the air conditioning in the car.

Have any cottage owners had any success with the portable air conditioners that you can move from room to room. I really don't want to mount something permanently in the wall, and the windows are not capable of using window conditioners. Or, do I just have to suck it up, and deal with it.

Thanks.

[DigitalJohn]

I insatlled a whole house fan. It's always cooler at the lake, so I just vent the house, don't need to close the windows.

digitaljohn

[madrasahs]

...and the windows are not capable of using window conditioners.

Thanks.

I bought a $100 Chinese-made "Haida" 6000BTU air conditioner ("window-shaker") at Home Depot and stuck it in a window. Left running all day, it dehumidified -- and cooled -- the entire cottage for the two days of the hottest weather, these last two years. (Of course, the cottage is heavily shaded by woods). Our first A/C in fifty years here! Are summers getting hotter?

The windows won't take it? Stick it in a shaded doorway leading to the outdoors. Tack up a tarp to cover the rest of the doorway. If you need an extension cord, make sure it's heavy-duty and as short as possible (as what is required).

You weren't near the lake? The lake's always the coolest spot around.

I'd advise the landlord of your use -- perhaps he will let you store it on site -- maybe he will install it in a shaded wall for you -- if it's a seasonal cottage that you're renting.