How to Make an Ice Chest Air Conditioner

If you live in a place with no cooling system, or you are interested in making a portable air conditioner, consider building an ice chest air conditioner. You'll be able to create cooled air with just a few items, and the output can make a difference between an unbearably hot room and one that offers more comfortable temperatures.

Ice chest with removable lid
Styrofoam sheeting
Battery-powered box fan, from 4 to 7 inches diameter.
3 to 5 lbs. of ice
Utility knife
Duct tape

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the top of the cooler when the lid is open. Add 2 inches to the length and 2 inches to the width. Cut a piece of foam to fit the larger dimensions.
- 2
  Measure the dimensions of the portable fan and subtract 1 inch from the width and height. Cut a hole in the right side of the foam that matches the adjusted measurements.
- 3
  Cut a slot in the left side of the foam that measures about 1 inch long and the width should equal that of the cooler.
- 4
  Lift the lid of the ice chest and fill it with several pounds of crushed ice. Place the foam over the open ice chest and duct tape it in place. Ensure that no gaps exist along the side where the foam meets the cooler walls.
- 5
  Place the fan face down into the opening cut into the foam. The housing of the fan should center the blades over the hole, blowing air down into the cooler. Duct tape the fan in place. Place your hand over the other opening to feel cool air emerging. Set the ice chest air conditioner in the space you want to cool down and let it run.

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