Saving on A/C Costs

[RH77]

Originally Posted by Lazarus

I'll see if I can't get a cheapo beta proto-type going next month.

That would be a great idea. If it works, I can put a rain barrel in the window well to keep it hidden. I'm not sure how "soft" sump water is, but the discharge is right at that corner too.

RH77

[Who]

You probably know this but it's 2.31' per psi, so 20 psi needs over a 46' vertical rise.

[COMP]

Originally Posted by Who

You probably know this but it's 2.31' per psi, so 20 psi needs over a 46' vertical rise.

,,that would be a tall rain-barrel.............where do you find #'s like that ?

[Lazarus]

Originally Posted by Who

You probably know this but it's 2.31' per psi, so 20 psi needs over a 46' vertical rise.

Nope sure did not. Makes it kind of impractical then

[dremd]

Well then, how about a pump? something like a sprayer pump would work well, in fact if you got a sprayer pump with a pressure switch you could add a diaphragm pressure tank and have it switch on every few hours, then shut down.

More crazy ideas from Andre . . .

[RH77]

I went out yesterday to check on my compressor unit, and I have the same thing. The build-up of scale has to decrease the efficiency of radiating heat.

As you know, I couldn't get the filter to seal, so it was omitted. I need to write the company for another filter to try, or go the "Rain Barrel" route with a pump.

This may be starting to cost more than it's worth...

RH77

[LostCause]

The biggest issue, apart from Phleas, is that the possible savings are pretty much unknown. If you can save $400 over the summer, than it still makes sense. If not, then the payback period will be stretched out over a couple of years (assuming it works).

It seems the cheapest option to get rid of the scale is the filter I posted earlier at ~$55.

The second cheapest option I could find was a 35psi, 1gpm pump at ~$50. Unfortunately, it's only 12VDC. The 115VAC version cost ~$100. If you have a spare battery and charger or power brick than it might work out.

Aquatec 2800 (40psi, 1.0gpm, 12VDC) ~$50
Flojet Fl-12V (35psi, 1.1gpm, 12VDC) ~$50
Flojet FL-33 (35psi, 3.3gpm, 115VAC) ~$100

- LostCause

[RH77]

Originally Posted by LostCause

The biggest issue, apart from Phleas, is that the possible savings are pretty much unknown. If you can save $400 over the summer, than it still makes sense. If not, then the payback period will be stretched out over a couple of years (assuming it works).

It seems the cheapest option to get rid of the scale is the filter I posted earlier at ~$55.

The second cheapest option I could find was a 35psi, 1gpm pump at ~$50. Unfortunately, it's only 12VDC. The 115VAC version cost ~$100. If you have a spare battery and charger or power brick than it might work out.

Aquatec 2800 (40psi, 1.0gpm, 12VDC) ~$50
Flojet Fl-12V (35psi, 1.1gpm, 12VDC) ~$50
Flojet FL-33 (35psi, 3.3gpm, 115VAC) ~$100

- LostCause

I have an unused "universal" laptop charger that has the 115VAC input and ~15 VDC at about 4 amps. This looks like it might power the DC pumps. These can be bought for about $50. More money if not on-hand. I think assume something like this would work...

RH77

[COMP]

what about a 12v batt. with a solar charger

[LostCause]

A battery plus charger (solar, mains) should work, but it will probaby be the most expensive option if it is not on hand.

Good idea RH77. I found a power brick (12vdc 5A) for around $30. I bet scouring Ebay could turn something up cheaper. I'll do more research.

EDIT: $19.99
EDIT: $17.99
EDIT: $17.95

It looks like ~$20 (w/o S&H) is the going rate. You'll also need tubing, a bucket, and hose clamps, so take that cost into consideration.

If the power brick is not at hand, I bet the filter will still be the cheaper option. I wonder how well it works, though...

- LostCause