WeatherHurricane

Actions

DIY air conditioner from a 5-gallon bucket for $25 or less

Posted
and last updated

If you're still without power and can't stand the heat, here's a way to build your own air conditioner. You'll need a generator or solar panel to run the fan, or a battery operated fan.

YouTube user desertsun02 came up with this DIY air conditioner made from a 5-gallon bucket and other parts that cost about $25.

You can generate about 5 hours of cold air with one frozen gallon jug.

What you'll need:

  • Frozen gallon milk jug or other ice
  • 5-gallon bucket with lid
  • Bucket liner, or a bait bucket that fits inside the bucket, to serve as insulation
  • 2" PVC pipe that you'll cut into 4-6-inch sections
  • Small electric fan (6-10"). Ideally one that has a removable base so it can sit flush against the bucket
  • Box cutter/utility knife
  • 2-1/8" and 2-1/4" hole saw bits.

Steps:
1. Drill 2-1/4" holes in the bucket to support the PVC pipe sections
2. Drill 2-1/8" holes in the liner that goes inside the bucket
3. cut a hole in the bucket lid so you fan sits flush in the opening
4. Insert the PVC ports. May require glue
5. Insert loose ice, ice packs or frozen gallon jug into the bucket
6. Connect the lid and place the fan flush to blow air into the bucket
7. Turn on the fan and feel the cold relief

Watch the video above for step-by-step instructions.

Have a great DIY hurricane hack? Share it with us on Facebook.

WPTV First Alert Weather Spotters Sponsored By: Manatee Lagoon

About WPTV NewsChannel 5

Join WPTV First Alert Weather Spotters team

Jonathan Diego

Hurricane

Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne: 20 Years Later

JAMES_SURF_FORECAST_webgraphic.png

Surfing Blog

Surf Forecast: Going flat for Thanksgiving week

James Wieland

2024 STORM NAMES

Alberto

Beryl

Chris

Debby

Ernesto

Francine

Gordon

Helene

Isaac

Joyce

Kirk

Leslie

Milton

Nadine

Oscar

Patty

Rafael

Sara

Tony

Valerie

William

TERMS TO KNOW

TROPICAL STORM WATCH: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.

TROPICAL STORM WARNING: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.

HURRICANE WATCH: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible somewhere within the specified coastal area. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

HURRICANE WARNING: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. A hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.