RV air conditioner

[DJS]

How would one install an RV air conditioner on the roof of a monolithic dome? What openings would be needed in the dome?

[etdeb]

The first time I visited MDI they had them to cool and dehumidify the office.

[James O. Jackson]

I believe that you would only need the hole in the top of the dome.

Getting the A/C up there - from the outside - would be the trick.

I remember Gary - while we were in class - said that he absolutely hated having to change the filter on that one (gesturing up at the one that remains installed - but unused - in the classroom). He also said that he had to get out the tall step ladder to get to it.

They don't really recommend doing this anymore. They tried it - as an experiment. It worked... but it's just not practical.

Good Luck, though - if you decide to try it.

Regards,

James

[DCHERAMIE]

At the workshop, they also said that the cost of repair was much higher than for a standard window unit.

[DJS]

It's a shame that using an RV air conditioner is not practical for monolithic domes. It seems to me that they offer several advantages. For one thing, cool air sinks. Since the RV air conditioner is on the roof, it would be good at distributing cool air. It would not take up any window space. Since it is on the roof it is resistant to theft and vandalism. Furthermore, RV air conditioners are low power. Since monolithic domes do not take much power to cool, this is a good thing.

[James O. Jackson]

DJS, I agree.

I also think that IF you had a smaller dome - like a 20-footer - with a lower ceiling, you might just be able to pull it off - using a top-mounted A/C unit.

From what I remember, in class, they had one or two small window A/C units that kept the large dome (30-footer?) cooled during class. They recommended the window units, as they are relatively inexpensive (around $100 in some stores), and are easy to replace if they 'die'.

I am thinking along these lines, for my home - when I get it going. I am not too keen on central air.

Of course... I am thinking more along the lines of a heat-pump - which could also heat the room in the winter. (Yes, I know these cost more than the $100 A/C units - but in the long run, they'd be worth it.)

Regards,

Jim TX