anotherbanana Posted August 10, 2022 Author Share Posted August 10, 2022 Slated to start on Monday if you believe Metrofrance. Big storms wont get into the ground but will cause flash flooding; best leave low lying camping and caravanning sites at the WE. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anotherbanana Posted August 11, 2022 Author Share Posted August 11, 2022 Too hot to play! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
menthe Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 On 05/08/2022 at 01:47, Harnser said: "Hope you can all find a way to keep cool" We just bought a portable air-con unit to cool our bedroom down when it's too hot to be comfortable. Monday 18 July was peak heat here in south central Brittany following weeks of hot weather. Monday's forecast temperature was high 30's to early 40's after a few weeks of early to mid 30's, so this old stone house had absorbed and stored that heat, which was making our normally cool bedroom increasingly uncomfortable. We spotted that Lidl had an offer on a portable air con unit on the previous Friday, not their own rubbish Silver Crest brand but a widely available brand called "Comfee", so took the plunge and bought one. www.archyde.com/lidl-comfee-air-conditioner-cheap-.../ - That price is a tad out of date, we paid €200 at Lidl Went out next day and bought a sheet of 15 mm plywood and a sheet of polyglass to made an insert for our inward opening casement bedroom window for the warm air exhaust from the air con unit. The maximum daytime temperature on that Monday outside our kitchen door was 44 C ! We ran the air-con for about 18 - 20 hours in total including for 12 hours overnight on the monday as the bedroom was 35 C - really cooled it down to around 23 C. We also used a fan in the room to circulate the cool air to cool down quicker. We also ran it for a couple of hours on Wednesday last as the bedroom was too hot for comfort, cooled it from 35 C to 25 c - much more comfortable ! Harnser, I have succumbed. Went to Leclerc to source a climatiseur mobile. Couldn't see any, so asked at Customer Services. Answer was y'a n'as pas plus. Tried online with Darty being the first port of call. Yes, in stock but no delivery, you'll have to come and get it. Alas, the nearest shop stocking the model I have chosen is hundreds of miles away in another département. Good old Amazon to the rescue? Maybe.... So, what I want to ask you, Harnser, is whether yours has a large tube to put outside your window? We do have a window in the bedroom but in the sitting room, the only window is a French type that opens onto an enclosed verandah. Not sure how we could get the tube through the door and then seal the rest of the door that would be ajar and thus letting the hot air back in? I HAVE seen air conditioners that do not need an extractor tube but not sure if these are just glorified fans and would do a proper job? Harnser or anyone else, PLEASE help.....I have 2 lung conditions and I had to get up at 3.00 am this morning to go out into the garden and stay there till I no longer felt as though I was suffocating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anotherbanana Posted August 13, 2022 Author Share Posted August 13, 2022 Why wont fans cool the air sufficiently for you to be comfortable, Mint? Is the problem that the air it too dry? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anotherbanana Posted August 13, 2022 Author Share Posted August 13, 2022 Have you looked of Amazon.de. There would appear to be plenty under Portable Air Conditioners. Get the site into English. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harnser Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 Zeroing in your specific questions- So, what I want to ask you, Harnser, is whether yours has a large tube to put outside your window? We do have a window in the bedroom but in the sitting room, the only window is a French type that opens onto an enclosed verandah. Not sure how we could get the tube through the door and then seal the rest of the door that would be ajar and thus letting the hot air back in? Yes menthe it has a large flexible tube/hose a bit like an oversized tumble dryer hose to get rid of the heat that is extracted from the room. If you have french -style inward opening casement windows like our bedroom, the right hand half opens first so you keep the left hand half closed and make an "insert" to fit the right hand opening from 15 mm plywood with the outlet hose in the bottom 8" or so, I cut a window into the insert so as not to make the room darker and glazed it with plastic glass "polyglass" various plastic fittings come with the unit to do this. You could do this with a "french door" type also - the full plywood sheets come as 2500mm x 1250mm I HAVE seen air conditioners that do not need an extractor tube but not sure if these are just glorified fans and would do a proper job? These are not true air conditioners, they evaporate water or use ice cubes with a fan blowing over/through it. I doubt that's going to work in a large room, probably ok to put on your desk in an office blowing at your face. Getting hold of a unit Amazon.fr have them, here 7000 btu which we have and a bigger 9000 btu unit. I'm not specifically recommending this particular make or model but from our experience they do the job. Bear in mind they do make a noise but that's preferable to being a big sweaty mess and not sleeping properly. (from my school science memory the BTU is the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree fahrenheit.) 7000 BTU unit https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B07KJT9K9M/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=1d66e626e91199f8b7c7490bec577e06&content-id=amzn1.sym.962b535b-a8b7-499f-8ba5-164fe04b0459%3Aamzn1.sym.962b535b-a8b7-499f-8ba5-164fe04b0459&hsa_cr_id=5808331370602&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=671e380a-17d1-42dc-8493-c25e0dac7d62&pd_rd_w=m0QLk&pd_rd_wg=aOclk&qid=1660381070&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_mcd_asin_1_title&sr=1-2-fd947bf3-57d2-4cc9-939d-2805f92cef28 9000 btu unit https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B07KJYD1ZP/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=1d66e626e91199f8b7c7490bec577e06&content-id=amzn1.sym.962b535b-a8b7-499f-8ba5-164fe04b0459%3Aamzn1.sym.962b535b-a8b7-499f-8ba5-164fe04b0459&hsa_cr_id=5808331370602&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=671e380a-17d1-42dc-8493-c25e0dac7d62&pd_rd_w=m0QLk&pd_rd_wg=aOclk&qid=1660381070&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_mcd_asin_2_img&sr=1-3-fd947bf3-57d2-4cc9-939d-2805f92cef28 Free delivery with prime! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harnser Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 Answering or adding to my own post here, there is an alternative to making the insert as I did, it's a sort of fabric contrivance sold as a kit for about €20 - we bought one with the aircon unit. Took it out of the packet, read the instructions, shook our heads, folded it up, put it back in the packet and it went back to lidl for a refund on the way to the diy shed for the plywood. Up to you of course, if you or OH is not interested in a bit of swift diy making the insert. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alittlebitfrench Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 We have a ceiling fan in our bedroom directly above our bed. It is fantastic. It does not cool the room but it cools you. It has three settings. Cold, very cold, very very cold. I would not invest in A/C. Ceiling fans rock. And their running costs are the same as a lightbulb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
menthe Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 Hmm......food for thought indeed! Thank you to everyone who has replied and special thanks to Harnser for the detailed information. Next week is going to be cooler so I still have time to research. So, the "feurte" thingies for windows do not work; that doesn't surprise me as I looked at the pictures and had my doubts. It's not because OH is unwilling to do DIY but he is 91 years old and, frankly, I'd worry about letting him start doing DIY now as he wasn't too keen on that even when he was years younger! Will have to see if I can find someone to do this and I do have friends who know a man "that does". ALBF, I don't think a ceiling fan will cut it because, last night for example, the bedroom temp was 31.5. And no, we didn't sleep in it! If I had, I don't think I'd still be here asking for advice..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alittlebitfrench Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 (edited) 15 minutes ago, menthe said: ALBF, I don't think a ceiling fan will cut it because, last night for example, the bedroom temp was 31.5. And no, we didn't sleep in it! If I had, I don't think I'd still be here asking for advice..... Our bedroom temperature was the same last night....there or there abouts. It is hot in the combles in our house. I was on the second setting (very cold)....i.e...the fan spins faster. The third setting would be tooooo cold. I slept like a bunny with a cover on me. In 30 degreees +. A fan does not cool the room, it make you feel cold. Our fan has a reverse mode (the fan spins anti-clockwise) and in the winter in blows hot air down. Ceiling fan ! It costs 150 euros ! But in the long term (for anyone renovating a house in France) you need to to have downstairs bedrooms. No more sleeping upstairs. Edited August 13, 2022 by alittlebitfrench Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harnser Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 "So, the "feurte" thingies for windows do not work; that doesn't surprise me as I looked at the pictures and had my doubts." I can't say that they don't work, it just seemed a lot of messing about sticking velcro tape along the edge of the windows, if your OH is not keen or able to do the solid insert give it a go, you may very well be able to make more sense of it than we did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
menthe Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 Been chewing this problem over while chewing my lunch. Harnser, we now think that, instead of doing those plywood inserts, we might just as well have a hole drilled into the outside wall. It is a modern house, so only one-brick thick and I can do the making good and bit of redecorating afterwards. ALBF, also thinking of your suggestion. What if we install a good extractor (to remove the hot air) and an effective fan? The costs will probably work out the same for 2 rooms and 2 climatiseurs. But running costs might be a bit lower and the environmental impact less pronounced. Any further comments or suggestions, anyone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssomon Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 If you can get two holes drilled in your wall with reasonable accuracy, you could install a very efficient unit which is self contained, and does not have a separate outdoor unit. The holes are used for 20 cm ducts, one of which brings cold air in, the second exhausts the hot air. Search "climatiseur sans unite exterieure" I was considering installing an Olympia Splendid, but it is a bit too much work, as we have very thick walls (250mm parpaign+50mm airspace+100mm brique+80mm insulation+placo). https://www.olimpiasplendid.fr/climatiseur-monobloc-sans-groupe-exterieure-unico?gclid=Cj0KCQjwl92XBhC7ARIsAHLl9al0fu51_ZSv7pn7fyWgJZrOV3pGx5LO4tWEDdvURdr3E_kVvUOVn_IaAmQkEALw_wcB There are several YouTube videos on the site showing installation. They would also be quite easy to install in a mobile home or caravan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harnser Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 59 minutes ago, ssomon said: If you can get two holes drilled in your wall with reasonable accuracy, you could install a very efficient unit which is self contained, and does not have a separate outdoor unit. The holes are used for 20 cm ducts, one of which brings cold air in, the second exhausts the hot air. Search "climatiseur sans unite exterieure" I was considering installing an Olympia Splendid, but it is a bit too much work, as we have very thick walls (250mm parpaign+50mm airspace+100mm brique+80mm insulation+placo). https://www.olimpiasplendid.fr/climatiseur-monobloc-sans-groupe-exterieure-unico?gclid=Cj0KCQjwl92XBhC7ARIsAHLl9al0fu51_ZSv7pn7fyWgJZrOV3pGx5LO4tWEDdvURdr3E_kVvUOVn_IaAmQkEALw_wcB There are several YouTube videos on the site showing installation. They would also be quite easy to install in a mobile home or caravan. To my mind, a permanently installed unit has one big disadvantage. When or if it goes wrong or needs servicing you have the usual french problem of getting someone in to do it. If it's portable you just put it in the back of the car and take it to an air conditioning repairer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssomon Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 If you look at the installation videos on the site I linked to, you will see that the unit I mentioned above is simply hung on the wall to line up with the two 20cm holes, and can be unplugged from the mains supply, moved away from the wall to disconnect the condensate drain, and taken to a repair shop just as easily as a portable unit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssomon Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 Olimpia Splendids are available on Amazon France. 1.8kW (6,000 BTU/Hr) is €999. Largest, 2.3kW (7,300BTU/Hr) is €1,369, both with free delivery on Prime. Actually a bit expensive for me, as I do our AC&R installation and repair myself, so split units cost us less, but they are probably good value for someone who has to pay for professional installation. The Splendids are also a bit small for us. We manage with two ancient 9,000 BTU/Hr split units, possibly installed in 2000 or even earlier, which were in this house when we bought it in 2010. I have replaced the compressors and some electrical parts in both units, but I can't keep them going for ever, and I dream of two slightly larger new split units, which might even provide enough heating in the winter. With the current outdoor temperature well into the 30's I have the thermostats set on 24º, and the units run probably 50% of the time, cooling an area of about 110 sq m. The rooms containing the units are at 24º all the time, and the furthest away, the office and the kitchen, are quite habitable. This house is extremely well insulated, plus there is only one small window on the south side (and the north), none on the west side, and the shutters are kept closed on the east side of the house until after midday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssomon Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 (edited) Double post Edited August 13, 2022 by ssomon Double post Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
menthe Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 Yes, ssomon, I can see that is really a neat bit of kit. OK, need to reconsider options maybe but that climatiseur does sound a bit pricey. They are both small rooms, well one very small room and I suppose quite a roomy bedroom. Already have a radiator on the one outside wall and not a lot of room either side. But I must admit I do like the pictures you have enclosed. A bit of reflection time as the weather is forecast to break tonight....yay!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anotherbanana Posted August 15, 2022 Author Share Posted August 15, 2022 Temperatures well down here but still no rain though it is forecast. Anybody had rain or thunderstorms? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssomon Posted August 15, 2022 Share Posted August 15, 2022 (edited) Northwest of Carcassonne, we had some rain during Saturday night, didn't hear the forecast thunderstorm, everything was bone dry before midday. The Aude is too poor to get proper weather, we just get what's left over from the other Departements. Edited August 15, 2022 by ssomon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harnser Posted August 15, 2022 Share Posted August 15, 2022 The weather was cloudy and cool here in central Morbihan yesterday - and light rain nearly all day on and off. No sign of the forecast thunderstorms yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anotherbanana Posted August 15, 2022 Author Share Posted August 15, 2022 We must feel sorry for Mint; not only is she suffering badly from the heat but bugs have started eating her. Perhaps it might be legal to hose her down to get rid of them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alittlebitfrench Posted August 15, 2022 Share Posted August 15, 2022 (edited) 4 hours ago, anotherbanana said: Anybody had rain or thunderstorms? We have had lots of rain over the last 36 hours. The garden has been watered. We need more....like 3 years more. It is cool here now but a little bit humid. Mosquitoes are back though. 😟 I have been bitten twice big style. France is great....not. 😀 Edited August 15, 2022 by alittlebitfrench Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anotherbanana Posted August 16, 2022 Author Share Posted August 16, 2022 Ne’ry a drop so far, getting impatient. Meteofrance keeps promising and there are heavier clouds. Wish they would dump their loads here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ko12x2 Posted August 16, 2022 Share Posted August 16, 2022 We had 5 stère of wood (ca. 3000 kg) delivered into our courtyard Saturday, so of course we have had rain since and lots more expected over the next 3 days. We have a lot of plastic sheets to keep it more-or-less covered until it is shifted into our wood store; last time it took us about a month for 4 stère. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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