? about AC and make-up air

Elleth · #1 2008-08-05, 9:23am

I have an AC window unit in the studio and my DH thinks that I don't need to keep the door open a little if I am using the it, he says I will get all the make-up air I need from the AC.

I don’t think so, I think a source of fresh air is needed while torching, AC or no AC.

Which one of us is right?

Sue in Maine · #2 2008-08-05, 9:29am

Sorry but your hubby is wrong.

Here is one thread on make up air. I'll try to find another that does discuss ac's as unacceptable. This thread, though, will have info you will find interesting.

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...2A+CONDITIONER

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...E+VENTILLATION

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=97961

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=98122

Sue

Elleth · #3 2008-08-05, 9:36am

Thanks Sue.

He hates it when I'm right!

Sue in Maine · #4 2008-08-05, 9:41am

I'm a computer dinosaur so I keep coming back to edit my first post cuz I keep finding more links and don't know how to do more than one at a time!

If you do some searches, you may find more info on your own.... at the top line, click on SEARCH (on my screen, it's a red line and SEARCH is in white letters) and type in the subject you're interested it. It will take you to past converstations where you can read input from previous converstations....

Good luck,

Sue

Elleth · #5 2008-08-05, 9:48am

Thanks Sue, I appreciate the links!
I search LE all the time, but I was lazy and decided to post the question without searching as I wanted a quick answer.
I'm in the studio and the DH was giving me a hard time about having the door open a few feet while the ac is on.
I wanted to end the debate as fast as I could!

Our next project is figuring out a make-up air system for the studio...

Sue in Maine · #6 2008-08-05, 9:53am

Paul Ewing put together a nice ventillation system and it didn't cost and arm & leg. You may like this thread:

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=64554

Sue, not an expert but glad you are asking questions so you will stay safe.

Elleth · #7 2008-08-05, 10:03am

Here's a picture of my ventilation system, it works great!
My make-up air comes through an open door or window.
But I'm beginning to think that is not the best way to go if I want to keep the studio cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
So I'll be searching for a solution...

Sue in Maine · #8 2008-08-05, 10:04am

Mike pm'd me with the exact direction you need to go on asking about ac as make up air. Here is a link to his blog. (Thank you, Mike- You're wonderful)

http://mikeaurelius.wordpress.com/20...ked-questions/

Sue

Elleth · #9 2008-08-05, 10:17am

Thanks Mike!
I'll check it out.

Dale M. · #10 2008-08-05, 10:46am

'Nother source of information on make up air...

http://www.artglassanswers.com/forum...opic.php?t=150

See second graphic...

Dale

Dennis Brady · #11 2008-08-05, 10:56am

Air is air. A specially dedicated incoming air supply is a lovely thing but is NOT essential. Whether or not air coming in through a heater or AC is sufficient replacement depends on the volume and consistency of that incoming air. If there's enough volume to replace air being exhausted, and it comes in fairly steadily, it will work perfectly.

A separate concern is if the incoming AC or heater is blowing air around to create a turbulence that interfers with your exhaust. You may have to install some form of deflector to reduce the likelihood the incoming air flow will push fumes away from being exhausted.

Elleth · #12 2008-08-05, 11:03am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis Brady

Air is air. A specially dedicated incoming air supply is a lovely thing but is NOT essential. Whether or not air coming in through a heater or AC is sufficient replacement depends on the volume and consistency of that incoming air. If there's enough volume to replace air being exhausted, and it comes in fairly steadily, it will work perfectly.

A separate concern is if the incoming AC or heater is blowing air around to create a turbulence that interfers with your exhaust. You may have to install some form of deflector to reduce the likelihood the incoming air flow will push fumes away from being exhausted.

That may be true Dennis but not really knowing how to measure the volume of air coming in I'm not willing to risk my health using just the AC as make-up air. Until I figure it out I'll keep the door open a few feet.

And yes, I have noticed that when the AC is on the flame moves around. I suppose I should do the smoke test with the vent system and the ac running at the same time to make sure it's working properly. Thanks for that heads up, that's not something I had thought about!

beadgirl · #13 2008-08-15, 7:11am

Hi Maggie,
Had same issue with DH about Keeping the door cracked.

When I run the AC, I direct it on my back to keep me cool. Can you adjusted the vent directions on your AC?
IT may help with the flame moving around. To solve my issues with it moving the flame we added plexiglass baffles around the ventilation. "This is not pretty but very functional and does let me not feel so closed in"
And another make up vent coming from behind me to compensate for AC running.
Two sources extracting: the AC exhausts hot air from your studio so does the ventilation system.
The volume of fresh make up air needs to match this as close as possible or even on the generous side!
All factors contribute, AC size( BTU) , Exhaust fan size, diam of vent and how long the runs factoring in # of bend etc., Room size.
MariAnn