How to Convert a Car Air Conditioner into a Home Air Conditioner?

[Gayle]

The compressor of a car air conditioner is powered by the engine, not an electric motor, so it cannot be converted for home use. Below are the specific details: 1. Air Conditioner Compressor: Remove the compressor and fan from the air conditioner. The compressor can be used for home refrigerators. The air conditioner's circuit breaker can be used on the home power main switch or branch circuits. The fan can be used as a household fan, typically operating on AC 220V. 2. Points to Note: The power supply voltage of a car air conditioner is usually provided by the battery, with a standard voltage of 12 volts. Therefore, a 12V rectifier power supply must be configured. When setting up a 12V rectifier power supply, in addition to the 12V voltage, the current should be controlled to be above 2A.

[AdalineMarie]

As a car enthusiast, the first step after removing the car air conditioning components is to address the power supply issue. The compressor operates on 12V DC, while household electricity is 220V AC. I recommend using a power-matched inverter for conversion to ensure stable output without tripping. Next, install ventilation ducts to allow the evaporator and condenser to dissipate heat effectively, adding a fan for auxiliary cooling. The refrigerant type must match the original vehicle system. From my experience, it's essential to check for any leakage risks and use a voltmeter to test each component systematically. However, the overall efficiency is not high, as it consumes more electricity than household appliances and produces significant noise, making it less effective than a professional home unit. If you're doing it purely for DIY fun, you can save some money; but if you're after cooling performance, it's better to buy a used window unit. Safety is paramount—ensure all wiring is insulated to avoid electric shock accidents when working on it yourself.

[DiEmilio]

Our DIY enthusiast buddies have tried this modification. After removing the car's compressor, installing an inverter for power conversion is crucial, requiring at least 200W output. During installation, ensure proper pipe sealing—I reinforced with tape to prevent leaks. Testing in the garage revealed weak cooling performance with insufficient temperature drop, necessitating additional cooling fans to prevent compressor overheating. The upside? Cost savings from recycled parts—higher electricity consumption but cheaper than buying new AC. Pro tip: Keep the compressor horizontally positioned to avoid failure. Honestly though, it's quite noisy, unsuitable for bedrooms but works for temporary spaces like workshops. Safety reminder: Insulate exposed wires to prevent short circuits.

[HazelMarie]

From a cost-saving perspective, modifying a car air conditioner for home use can be troublesome and ineffective. Power conversion is complicated, and inverters consume electricity while adding extra costs; the efficiency is low, as car AC systems are not designed to be as powerful as household units. During actual installation of piping and heat dissipation, refrigerant leaks can easily occur, posing safety risks. I tried it once and found it less cost-effective than simply buying a cheap second-hand window unit, which performs better. If you really want to proceed, make sure to check tutorials thoroughly before starting, but overall, it's not recommended.