Buzz
You don’t need to spend money on an expensive air conditioner to beat the heat for a short period. Instead, you can cool your room by using a few water bottles and a fan. Simply freeze some water bottles and place them in front of or attach them behind the fan. Once you’ve created this makeshift air conditioner, you’ll quickly enjoy a cool and comfortable atmosphere!
Steps
Place a few ice water bottles in front of the fan
Add 3 tablespoons (50g) of salt to each water bottle. The easiest and most efficient method is to use disposable plastic bottles. Pour 3 tablespoons (50g) of table salt into each bottle. Close the lid and shake to mix the salt evenly.
- You only need regular salt commonly found in your kitchen.
Place the water bottles in the freezer. Wait a few hours until the water in the bottles completely freezes into ice. Once frozen, simply take the bottles out and use them.
- Salt lowers the freezing point of water, making the ice colder.
- Freezing time may vary depending on the size and efficiency of your freezer.
Position the water bottles 15cm away from the front of the fan. A table fan or box fan works well, but any type of fan can be used. Turn on the fan and place the bottles in front of it. The air cools as it passes over the bottles, creating a makeshift air conditioner when the fan blows over the ice-filled bottles.
- Space the bottles apart to avoid blocking the airflow from the fan.
- Arrange the bottles on a small table placed in front of a standing fan.
- Avoid using the fan’s oscillation mode (if available). Keep the fan directed at the bottles for maximum cooling.
Refreeze the water bottles for reuse. Once the ice melts, simply place the bottles back in the freezer. After a few hours, you can use them again to turn your fan into an air conditioner!
- Freeze multiple bottles in advance to avoid waiting for the water to freeze.
Hang water bottles behind the fan
Cut halfway around two empty water bottles, 2.5cm from the bottom. Empty the bottles by drinking the water or pouring it into another container. Use a knife to cut the bottles. Hold the bottle firmly on a cutting board with your non-dominant hand, then pierce the bottle with the knife and cut halfway around it. Repeat the process for the second bottle.
- Be cautious and careful when using a knife.
Drill multiple holes spaced 0.65cm apart above the cut section. Use a 0.65cm drill bit designed for plastic. Create a row of holes around the bottle, 1.5cm above the cut. After drilling the first row, add 2-3 more rows above it, spacing each row 0.65cm apart.
- Alternatively, use a soldering iron to melt holes into the plastic.
Use string or wire to attach the bottles upside down behind the fan. Ensure the fan is turned off before securing the bottles. Thread the string or wire through two holes in each bottle. Wrap the string around the fan cage and tie a knot to secure it. For added stability, tie another string around the bottle necks.
- Attach one bottle to each side of the fan motor.
Add ice cubes to the bottles and turn on the fan. Open the cut section at the bottom to fill the bottles with ice cubes. Arrange the ice so it sits below the drilled holes. Turn the fan to its highest setting and direct it toward the area you want to cool.
- The fan will draw cool air from the bottles through the drilled holes.
- Since the bottles are attached to the fan, you can use the fan’s oscillation mode.
Let the melted ice water drain into a bowl. As the ice melts, place a bowl beneath the bottle opening. Unscrew the bottle cap to allow the water to drain into the bowl. Close the cap before handling the next bottle. Continue using the bottles by simply adding more ice.
Tip: Pour the water from the bottles into ice trays. This way, you can conserve water!
Warnings
- Exercise caution when handling sharp blades. Always direct the blade away from your body.
What You'll Need
Place a few ice water bottles in front of the fan
- A few water bottles
- Salt
- Freezer
- Box fan or table fan
Hang water bottles behind the fan
- Plastic bottles
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Drill
- Fan
- String or wire
- Ice cubes
- Bowl
