Air Conditioning

[Corriel]

Hi folks, I have only been diagnosed for 2 years and got a portable a/c unit for my basement apartment shortly after DX at the insistence of a physiatrist.

Fast forward two summers and I have gone through 2 a/c units which I think may be due to to several factors:

1) I have casement windows that crank out and need to come up with a special insert for the window that works with the a/c unit.

2) My apartment's windows are high off of the floor and I need to take the casters off the unit and place it on a table in order for the hose to reach the window insert.

I am not sure I want to spend the money again this year and go through all of the set up only to have another one not function well or only last one summer and because of the need to prop it up onto a table, I only have room to put it in my living room so my bedroom doesn't cool off very much.

I looked into a vertical unit this year but have concerns about the weight in the window frame, in addition to reaching an electrical outlet without using an extension cord, which according to my research is a total faux pas to use.

My question is twofold, do most of you use a/c in the summer? If you do, can you recommend anything that I haven't thought of?

If you don't use a/c, can you think of any tips other than closing blinds and use of fans when I am home (I have one cat who will leave them alone, but the other is a little too curious for his own good).

Thanks!!

Corrie

[Artanis12]

Don't have a terrible lot to add, but dang! I was just recently diagnosed, in the late fall of last year, so I'm not sure how summer is going to hit me. It's been over 80 several times already, but so far so good. Around here, 80's are just quaint - nobody even mentions it being a bit hot until it's over 95, and triple digits are pretty unremarkable, so the real test has barely begun for me. *I* complain of course, I complain if it gets over 65, but I've always been a hothouse flower. ;-)  

When doublevision mentioned a noise ordinance about air conditioners, I had to look where she was from - I can barely imagine a place that doesn't have AC everywhere, running all the time pretty much from April to Dec. I'm sure this whole state hums in the summer! ;-)  Even the cheapest apartments here have AC - it's a requirement or you can literally die. I'm currently saving up to have our newer car retrofitted with a remote start so I can get it cooled off before I have to get into it. Right now though, I'm just hoping I'm not going to turn out to be heat sensitive yet.  We shall see.

The only thing I would add is if you are fortunate enough (in the case of MS) enough to live in a colder DRY climate, you could use a swamp fan. You see those in the desert SW, or in places like Colorado.  They can seriously freeze you out at night, and they ARE noisy( like giant box-fan noisy), but they by golly WORK.

This morning I am enjoying what is undoubtedly the last crisp morning and 65 degree day I will see until November.  And so begins the yearly descent into the summer hell.

[HVAC]

Each MS Society is different according to the chapter. Our local chapter would not pay for an a/c unless there is a desperate financial need. It has to do with fairness. Most people with MS have financial problems so if they gave to one person they would have to give to everyone. The MS Society was started to pay for research and that is the main aim.

Alex

[Corriel]

Thanks so much everyone! I will start measuring and talking to folks about what I need in a unit and see if I can find one that will work in my apartment.

Definitely going to try for reimbursement from the MS Society. I bought the last 2 on my own but I would rather not have to pay again.

Happy Easter!

Corrie

[candy158]

I agree with most people, I got mine from the MS Society, filled out a form, and applied for it, and they re-imbursed me for the cost.   It is saving grace for sure.

Hope you can work it out !!

((hugs))
Candy

[HVAC]

They can put a bracket on the window to hold up an a/c. They make them for the purpose. The portable a/c units that are not in the window do not work as well because you have to exhaust the heat to the outside. A/cs do not really make cold air what they do is exhaust heat to where you do not want it. That is why outside units blow hot air or why the bottom of the fridge is warm. The heat that is expelled has to be 25 degrees hotter than the outside air.

Alex

[kwarendorf]

"dizziness, nausea, double vision, excessive clumsiness and falls. "

Sounds like me before I quit drinking :-)

[doublevision1]

We had central AC installed when we bought our new house two years ago. I'm extremely heat sensitive and need it from May-Sept or suffer dizziness, nausea, double vision, excessive clumsiness and falls. Unfortunately last summer my next door neighbour waged a war with me over it as he objects to the noise from the compressor (high end, quiet model). He retaliates by making excessive noise from his property such as parking a running lawn mower next to our fence and letting it sit there and run for an hour or more, and various other noisy power tools. Bylaw is on our side but apparently are ultimately powerless to stop him. I'm dreading the coming summer. On a positive note, with the help of the local MS Society chapter, we were able to influence the City to waive the limitations on AC use (noise bylaw says can't run it between 10pm and 7am) for those who require it for medical purposes. That was decided last fall. My neighbour will be thrilled to learn I can run it all night if I need it on really hot nights.

Someone recommended to me a ductless ac unit for our bedroom as despite having a central system, our bedroom does not cool off quite enough. I'm not exactly sure how the ductless ones work, but perhaps look into this to see if it's a viable option for you.

You're probably aware but in case you're not, you can write off up to $1K on your income taxes for installing AC on a physician's recommendation. It is considered medical equipment.

[bbassel]

I got a portable AC units when I was diagnosed two years ago. The heat made me so sick with projectile vomiting among other thigs.
I have big olld widows in my ground-floor apt. What we did is hire a handyman who put a piece of wood in my window. Then he cut out a hole to fit my AC machine through.

It worked perfectly and we bbouth a second unit to have in case this one breaks down.

Hope you figure it out.
Barb

[karryon55]

Hi Corrie,

I recommend you check with your local MS Society as they will often purchase & install a good unit for you. I had one installed here and so did a fellow member from another country after I suggested she look into it.

I have a split system that cools and heats with an inverter to save on power. I do live in a very hot country so I could not imagine life without my air con.

Also my Neuro applied for a subsidy for me to help with some of the running costs which is called a thermoregulatory grant. He basically said I have MS and RA which is effected by heat and cold.

It's worth a try and make some enquiries. Oh I also use the cooling neck ties which are great for short outings or in a power cut lol :D

Hugs,

Karry.