So here’s a new dilemma. One that any of you with electrical experience might be able to provide some information. We opted for a window air conditioner for summer time cooling. Cost, less than $100. A decent swamp cooler was $289, a lot bigger, and we would have to draw a water supply to it.
So the question becomes how do we get an air conditioning unit, and a great venting fan to work together in harmony, without cancelling out each other. The answer lies in setting up each, with timers and thermostats, in a very small greenhouse, and in a manner that an older person can manage on their own.
The venting fan, already has two boxes (picture 1). One controls on/off/speed, the other is a crude dial thermostat. We purchased one of those thermostat plugs for window air conditioner (picture 3). What I’d like to do, is install a hardwired timer on the supply line to the venting fan’s thermostat, and set it to come on around 9:00 PM, and off around 11:00 AM. The air conditioner plugs into the plug of a thermostat, which is plugged into an outlet box. I’d like to install another hardwired timer to the supply line of the air conditioner’s outlet box.
I’ve used those digital timers that Lowe’s and Home Depot sells for outdoor lighting. While neat, and sleek, they are a real pain to program, much less see the tiny LED readouts, making them impossible to use by the greenhouse owner. Both those stores sell the industrial style timers, which are so simple to understand, but are very large (picture 2).
If anyone knows of a simpler, and smaller solution, please respond.
Success, beyond all my expectations. Found a 'two-circuit' timer (turns on one circuit and turns of another, and vice versa). The AC is set on hi, but it is plugged into a thermostatically controlled plug set at 90 degrees. The Venting fan is also thermostatically controlled set at 85 degrees.
Around noon each day, the timer turns on the AC's circuit, and turns off the vent's circuit. When the temp rises above 90, the AC cuts on and cools. Around 6:00 PM, the timer turns off the AC's circuit and turns on the vent's circuit. If/when the temp rises above 85 degrees, the vent fan starts up again.
This timer was purchased from Home Depot, under $75.00. I believe Loews carries it too (Intelligent brand). Not all stores carry this model (T105). We special ordered it and it took 2 days to arrive.
What also makes this greenhouse even more unique, is that its exterior is 30 gauge, uv resistant, clear vinyl, attached using a product called Screen Tight (also available at HD, and Loews). This product is really meant for screens, but it works just a well with vinyl.
Birmingham has been in the upper 90s this week. The greenhouse temp range since the timer was installed has been 78 – 91. Perfect in my book.
I just love it when appliances play nice together.
I am so glad you found something that would work for you. Where did you find it? I love the idea it will control both the air conditioner as well as the vent.
Linear Mode
