Cooling a Room on a Budget:

Summary:   The information contained in this post will give you a base education in how to trick your window air conditioning unit to run beyond its cutoff temperature…

This info goes beyond growing medicinal plants. You can blow snowballs on a budget with this system.

Equipment:

Window air conditioner unit…(mine cost like $120, nothing fancy)
2 thermostatic power switching units of 1000 Watts or better…(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BZC2VTXL/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_7?smid=A2PQGFJXAT8J9K&psc=1)
A small heat lamp bulb and short socket that plugs directly to an outlet…(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0837LQ6X2/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_10?smid=A2C06C9V9JAET9&th=1 )…(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CNNLZS2P/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_1?smid=A1SP3NLLGFUNJF&th=1 )
A basic tool set….(need to remove the face cover on your AC unit)
Optional Item for those with a novice level or higher electrician/wiring knowledge:…(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQF4W4ND?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 )—this item reads in celsius only, but is for sensing ice, so zero degrees setting is ice buildup. This unit can replace the AC units temperature monitor as well as the light bulb and socket if you don’t want light operating your window AC unit.
Knowledge( i will add links to videos to bring up your understanding so you feel confident rigging this system next to your window unit)

Your education:

CoolBot was where i started, I never bought one because $400 vs. $60. I researched this item and it works by heating the fin sensor. This keeps the compressor(cooling motor) running well beyond the normal cutoff… The concern now becomes icing. The 2 controller system prevents icing while being able so set room temp as low as 33F and actually get there with a cheap unit.

Videos:

CoolBot Intsalation…(how the system works) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WocdCnMjxA0&t=126s
CoolBot Hack Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA5Myp_RGt4&t=532s

My System:

I use an 1100 watt switching relay to plug the AC into. I used the optional item in the above list to wire the compressor switch directly myself… That step can be avoided with the heat lamp hack.

I can set the temp to 58F for keeping my sealed grow tent at exactly 78F during flower…..And i can open the door if I’m too warm. Maximum output with all safeties in place