I’m reaching my wits end trying to figure this out on my own. I’m in Victoria, BC in a rental condo that faces SW with no airflow, no window screens (I have cats that I can’t let out) and huge windows with black and brick exterior. On a plus 15 sunny day it gets to be 25 inside. I am terrified for a plus 30 day. I don’t know how people have survived past summers in this place. The windows have been warped from heat. I’m pretty broke and don’t know any really handy folks, so I’m here hoping for some advice. We’re allowed portable AC’s, but when I was researching them, they’re either really expensive or only cover 150sq/ft. So I got a window unit from Costco after researching how to DIY temporarily with a window like mine (opens out, not up). The window opens up to my patio, so there’s zero risk of it falling out and killing someone. My patio is fairly sheltered from view, though I’m still really worried I’ll be asked to remove it. I had asked the building maintenance person, who’s my friendly neighbor and on the condo board and he implied that it doesn’t matter unless someone complains about what it looks like. I was worried about breaking any condo rules, but it seems like a bit of a free for all where every other patio is breaking at least one rule and folks get away with partying all night every night.
I love the unit. It was around $300 from Costco. I can monitor the temp from my phone and turn it on and off remotely which eases my nerves as I don’t like leaving things on unattended. It works like a charm and I was really impressed with myself for how my DIY temporary install looks and feels. I just have a few screws to put into the wood that I got to make it as secure as possible. There’s temporary pieces of wood on either side that I’m going to drill into each other. And I have to find slightly smaller rubber blocks to get the right 3-4 degree angle, they’re pushed back further than they will be once I get something that fits better.
BUT the manual has so many warnings about R32 refrigerant, it says that it needs to be installed by a certified technician. It also says it should be installed in a shady area… I wouldn’t need it if it was a shady area. Anyways, I’m about to give up and return it and spend money I don’t have on a portable unit that probably won’t work half as well.
Am I taking too many risks with this DIY temporary install?
Can you see any major issues?
I’m thinking of getting a planter with a lattice to try and shade the unit from the side, without blocking any of the unit, but I’m not sure if it will work. How necessary is shade?