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Writer's pictureShelly Kelly

How to make a Cordless Travel Air Conditioner 

Updated: Aug 30, 2019





This week's post is a little different and it's mostly because I got really excited in making this, that I just had to share it. The fam and I are heading out for a week long 'camping' trip. I put camping in quotations because we're staying in a small cabin, instead of a tent. With no electricity or running water, it's still pretty rustic. Our pup is coming along too, which is what led me to build this thing. Here in New York this week we are getting ready for a killer heat wave. I needed something to keep my pup cool when we weren't going able to bring her to certain spots. All in all the entire air conditioner cost me around $10. I had the PVC and bubble wrap on hand, but those are pretty cost effective as well. Let's get started! What you'll need


*20qt tote or storage box *A battery operated fan (the one I got had a *USB port, I'm using a travel USB battery pack) *3 corner L shaped PVC pipes *Bubble wrap *Any Recycled/upcycled Styrofoam (I used old Styrofoam egg cartons that I had saved from eggs that were gifted to us) *Hot Glue *Box Cutter *Ice *Batteries or rechargeable Battery pack What to do:






First trace out your fan and PVC onto the lid of the tote. As you can see, it doesn't need to be perfect!

















Using your box cutter, carefully cut out the circles and the tracing to your fan. I found it a little easier if I heat up the end of the box cutter before cutting.













Hot glue PVC and fan in place. Just remember to leave the ON/OFF switch and battery port accessible.






Because I used egg cartons I had to cut them all up and flatten them out. I then glued them all over the inside of the tote. I also jumped the gun and didn't take a picture before going onto the bubble wrap, but there are egg cartons on the bottom too.







Once that is finished, I lined with bubble wrap and glued that in place as well.



You could also line the inside with tinfoil, as that is also a pretty good insulator as well. I don't have that on hand, so I just omitted it.

Now just connect your battery pack or insert batteries, fill with ice and use.



I stuck my air conditioner in my bathroom to test it out My bathroom was close to 95 degrees F and after about 30 min, it was significantly cooler. I was really impressed with how much cool air was being pushed out of this thing! I think my pup and the fam will still be able to rough it, but have a little more comfort on this trip! If you liked this blog, let me know! I'm always creating things and would love to know if you'd like to see more! Let me know if you made one too!

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