Need help with adding essential items in my shack (AC, heater, fridge)

[LakerGod]

I live in the back guest shed and it is extremely bare. After going through the weekend heat wave in Los Angeles (my computer hates me), I've decided I finally need to put up the cash and get some essentials. My room is approximately 30' by 20'. I have a bad power connection here, so I'll gladly pay extra (just a little) for items that use the least amount of electricity. Keep in mind that I am a poor college student, therefore I can't spend too much. Here is what I need:

Air Conditioner: Hopefully something that will have a thermostat so I can keep the room at one temperature, although I highly doubt the small units have it. Nothing too powerful, I don't want to kill the weak power that I have.

Mini fridge: I already have one that is part of the cabinets in the mini-kitchen, but it never keeps anything cold when it's hot outside. It also smells, even though all I keep in it is baking soda and bottled water. Again, a fridge that keeps things cool but uses the least amount of electricity is most desired.

Heater: I know it's too soon to talk about this. However, when I moved in last winter, I froze my ass off with no heater. Just something portable that will keep the whole room warm during the winter. Hopefully if I buy now, I can get it at a cheaper price. Again, the less the amount of electricity used the better.


Thank you all for you help.

 

[Freejack2]

Have you considered talking to your landlord (or parents?) about upgrading your power connection. A/C units suck a lot of power and will probably overload your power connection. Same thing with any non fuel type heaters. Though for heat if you upgrade your computer with an Athlon XP it should generate all the heat you need.

 

[ScoobMaster]

Air conditioner - Sears has some smaller Kenmore units ( I bought one last year) that have a thermostat AND a remote control. Mine was about $219 (but I got it for under $200 on sale). It has an effiiciency rating of 11 - I barly notice it on my electric bill.

Heater - my wife and I have used the round "chimney" style of kerosine heater in some apartments before we bought our house. They kept us quite toasty. I think the brand name was "Corona" or something like that.

Mini-fridge: I dunno, never used one


BTW, did anymone ever tell you that you look JUST LIKE baffled2??

 

[LakerGod]

My parents are from the old school. We've never had an air conditioner when I grew up in the main house. I live in Los Angeles, and it's not fun when it's hot as hell and you don't have the luxury of AC. My parents just go sit outside. I've mentioned to them about my needs, but they tell me to get it done myself. They'd probably pay for the things I get, but I have saved enough money and if it's reasonable, i think i can afford it. I just bascially want to get good stuff for a decent price, without killing my weak power connection. I can't even keep my computer on over night.

 

[LakerGod]

BTW, did anymone ever tell you that you look JUST LIKE baffled2??

Nah...most people say I look like ScoobMaster...hahaha...


Thanks for the help so far, keep it coming.

 

[ScoobMaster]

Don't do that with the avatar swapping this late at night!!! I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me or that my browser had just become "hosed"! LOL!


If you want to see pics and the detailed specs on the air conditioner, go to
Sears.com and search on this model:

Sears Item #02272055000
Mfr. Model #72055

(either number should do). I LOVE mine - it works fantastic. It may be a bit underpowered for a 20x30 room, but I think it has a "bigger brother".

 

[LakerGod]

Thanks dude! I may pay a visit to Sears tomorrow.


I still need some help with the fridge and heater. More help please.

 

[The Stigenator]

A kerosene stove willl be abad idea due to carbon monoxide.. however that's one option

the AC and heater will both have enough juice to blow a circuit breaker.. so calculate it right.

 

[LakerGod]

bump

 

[LakerGod]

late night bump

 

[RossMAN]

Before you go anywhere check out your local CostCo B&M.

They have a nice Sharp A/C for around $159.

They also have a very nice Sanyo Mini-Fridge for $149 (not the same fridge at Amazon but it's about the same size, can easily fit a 2 liter or 2, some food and a few cans).

 

[LakerGod]

That is a pretty nice fridge. Thanks for the help so far, keep it coming.

 

[LakerGod]

One quick question...what do i check on these appliances when wanting to determine how much electrical power they use?

 

[richd111]

I don't know how small a fridge you want. Office depot has 2 on sale this week. A4.2 cu ft. one for 139.99 AR and a 1.8 cu ft one for 79.99 AR. The nice thing, is that you can use the printable 20 off 50coupon! They might even have bigger coups floating around for over $100 (check out rotund wallet)

As for the heater and A/C, you will be replacing fuses every three seconds with a bad power feed if you try to run all this, and a computer. My suggestion is since it's almost the end of the summer, take the $200 you'd spend on an A/C and get an electrician to run a new line and try to save again for an a/c unit.

Another suggestion for the heat and air, get a heavy curtain and split the room into two. This will allow you to get something small enough to only worry about half the space and you can control which side get heat/air.

Good luck!

 

[LakerGod]

Wow I had no idea Office Depot sold mini fridges.

Thanks for all the help.