Cellar Cooler Design

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Does the A/C run all the time to get it to 67.8F, or is it just reaching the lower limit of its thermostat. If the 2nd is the case, you might be able to "recalibrate" the thermostat to get it lower.

Bob

It is reaching the lower limit of its thermostat. So how do you 'recalibrate' a thermostat in a window A/C?

First of all I am not an expert but I did figure how to lower the temp on my AC when I was using a spare bedroom for storage. I kept it around 56-58 F for a year. I took of the front housing, found the wire with the copper sensor and left it dangle outside the housing. When it is inside I think it is in a location that is cold and can't go lower. However in the room it is not so cold so will stay on longer. Makes sense to me and it worked. Good luck. Kevin

Why not use the whole fridge? I use one for 5gal batches. Can always modify the size of the cold zone, building out with 1-2" thick rigid insulation and duct tape. won't look great, but works.

I don't recommend disassembling an old fridge... you are likely to cause refrigerant leak by flexing the soldered joints in the lines.

Gene

Something to look at also, most AC units have some internal temp regulating, so they don't get to cold. You may be able to by-pass that and make it go colder, what you have to pay attention to is that you don't end up freezing up important parts. You may also want to make sure that the humidity level is low, you might end up freezing up the evaporater (I think that is the right part)

~Brian

regulating, so they don't get to

have to pay attention to is

make sure that the humidity

the right part)

Freezing of the evaporator coils is the reason that home air conditioners don't work well much below ~70°F. Commercial refrigeration units meant for colder temps have much wider spacing between the evaporator fins to prevent freezing of the condensate and the subsequent obstruction of the airflow.

There's a place in North Hollywood, CA called Feders that retrofits air conditioners for use in wine cellars. I have been using one of their units for over 10 years, and it works quite well. I think it cost me ~$400.

Tom S

you

I would open up the unit to expose the "guts" of the thermostat. Look for an adjustment screw which will change when the switch opens as the temp changes. If you find such, adjust it appropriately. Or, you might need to bend something to tweak it. Alternatively, get an appropriate high current thermostat with the right temp range, and wire it in parallel to the built-in one. You could do a test by jumpering across the switch to see if the unit can cool sufficiently.

This all implies some basic electrical and/or mechanical aptitude. Use care, or have a knowledgable friend help you.

Bob