[squishy506]

There is one room of our house that gets hotter than the rest of the house. In this room live our ferrets who are very heat sensitive. When we moved here, we didn't expect that to be the hottest room. To prevent keeping the temperature on the thermostat so low that it freezes the humans, drains the wallet, yet keeps the ferrets safe, we have installed a window unit in their room.

I was wondering if there were any A/C people here who could help me with the issue we're having. The A/C trips the breaker constantly throughout the summer. I'm not sure if the breaker is crap or if it's just because window units aren't really made for the heat we get.

I am considering getting a portable A/C. My assumption is that since the compressor and all that fun stuff will be inside instead of outside, and since I have central A/C that will be set to 83 when we aren't home (probably will feel like 86 in the ferret room), the portable A/C won't have to turn on as often and will not be overworked to cool the room, but I have read that portable A/Cs just don't work very well. This A/C will be running all summer every summer at night and when we are not home. I'd like my next A/C purchase to last three years. Will a portable fit my needs, or should I buy a new window unit?

[palepeople]

Consider a swamp cooler - because it is so dry here, they actually work very well and are inexpensive to operate.

[squishy506]

My husband considered that, but it was my understanding that for a swamp cooler to work, you need to sweat to feel the comforts, and ferrets don't sweat. Do they actually lower the temperature of a room?

[lvoc]

Your problem is the circuit breaker. Easy way is if you can switch it out for one more suited to surge currents. There may well be a breaker of the same type that has a longer trip.

First thing is to open the box and see what kind of breaker. You don't change the rating of the breaker...just its trip characteristic. You may be able to simply buy a breaker with a delayed trip that will do it. If not you need an electrician to add a sub box with a suitable breaker. Square D makes a QO115HM Circuit Breaker which is designed for high inrush current.

Another option is to pull a heavier circuit. ie go from 15 amps to 20 amps. You may still need a high current breaker though.


There are also AC units that soft start and don't draw heavy current on start up. Generally a little more fancy unit. This problem is common in RVs and boats. Might check their for a solution.