11 Genius DIY Air Conditioner Ideas to Try Out

When summer hits with soaring temperatures and stifling humidity, dealing with air conditioning problems is the last thing you need—especially when it comes to high energy bills! If you’re looking for an alternative way to stay cool, consider a DIY air conditioner.

While nothing quite compares to the crisp, cold air from an HVAC unit, a homemade air conditioner can offer some much-needed relief on those scorching days. The best part? It only takes a few dollars and a couple of hours to put together using items you likely already have around the house. Similarly, can also create your own DIY heaters for added comfort during the winter months.

This blog will show you how to make an air conditioner yourself using everyday items from around your house. Whether you’re facing a summer power outage or simply enjoy DIY projects, this easy-to-follow guide has you covered.

The Cost-Effective Approach for Comfort

Before diving into various DIY methods, it’s important to consider why you’re pursuing a DIY air conditioning solution. Often, it’s to save money. However, another effective way to cut costs is by investing in smart thermostats for mini-splits.

This upgrade transforms your existing AC into a smart system, offering features that help reduce energy consumption. These features include creating custom weekly schedules, using geo-fencing, controlling your AC remotely via mobile, and monitoring energy usage online. But if you’re still interested in a DIY approach, keep reading for more options.

1. Styrofoam Air Conditioning 

To make your own Styrofoam air conditioner, you need only a Styrofoam box with a lid, a small fan, and some ice. As the ice melts, the fan circulates a refreshing, cool breeze, helping you beat the heat!

Materials Required

• Polystyrene box
• Fan
• 2 small PVCs with a 90-degree bend
• Knife
• Ice cubes or frozen bottles

How to DIY Styrofoam Air Conditioning

Here’s how to assemble your DIY air conditioner:

1. Gather all your materials.
2. Place the small fan in the center of the box lid and trace its outline.
3. Carefully cut out the traced area with a knife to create an opening for the fan.
4. Next, position the two PVC pipes on either side of the fan cutout, trace their outlines, and cut out these areas as well.
5. Insert the PVC pipes into their respective openings, ensuring a snug fit.
6. Set the lid aside and fill the box with ice cubes or frozen bottles.
7. Place the lid back on the box, with the fan inserted into its cutout.
8. Turn on the fan, and enjoy the cool air flowing through the PVC pipes. The more ice you use, the longer the cooling effect will last.

And just like that, you’ve crafted your very own homemade air conditioner!

2. Milk Carton Air Conditioner

Working from home is convenient—until your air conditioner stops working. But don’t worry; you can easily make a DIY air conditioner with just a few common household items. While it won’t cool your entire room, it’s perfect for placing on your desk to keep you comfortable with a direct stream of cool air while you work.

Materials Required

• Computer fan
• 12 AC adapter
• Knife
• Glue gun
• Milk carton
• Pen
• Shrink tube
• Ice cubes

How to DIY A Milk Carton AC

1. Place the milk carton horizontally on a table.
2. Position the computer fan at the bottom.
3. Trace around the fan, then carefully cut out the outline with a knife.
4. Insert the fan into the cutout, ensuring a snug fit.
5. Seal any gaps with a glue gun.
6. Next, wire the computer fan to a 12-volt AC adapter.
7. Fill the carton with slender ice cubes to maximize airflow.
8. Switch on the fan and enjoy a refreshing stream of cold air.

You will feel the cold air blowing in no time!

3. Fan & Ice Air Conditioner

Creating a DIY air conditioner with just a fan and some ice is one of the easiest ways to cool down a room. This simple setup is not only budget-friendly but also surprisingly effective in cooling an entire room during hot summer days.

Materials Required

• 2 plastic bottles
• Small desk fan or pedestal fan
• Cutter
• Metal wire
• Plastic strap
• Soldering iron (optional)

How to DIY Fan Air Conditioner

1. Slice two plastic bottles halfway from the wider end to create openings for inserting ice cubes.
2. Use a soldering iron to punch evenly spaced holes along the sides of the bottles.
3. Thread metal wire through the holes to form a mesh inside each bottle.
4. Attach the bottles to a fan using a plastic strap or thin metal wire, ensuring the open ends face upward and the caps point downward.
5. Fill the bottles with ice cubes.
6. Turn on the fan for a cool, breezy effect! The melted water can be released by placing a cup underneath and opening the bottle cap.

4. Copper Coil Air Conditioner

A copper coil air conditioner is an excellent cooling solution for smaller spaces. It operates using an electric water pump, typically found in aquariums, to circulate water through the copper coils.

Materials Required

• Aquarium pump
• Ice cooler
• 20 feet of copper tubing
• 10 feet of plastic tubing
• Ice cubes
• Hose clamps
• Small fan

How to DIY Copper Coil AC

1. Begin by attaching copper tubing to the fan’s outer casing, known as the fan grid. Carefully loop the tubing around the grid, ensuring it forms even coils. Leave an extra 1 to 2 feet of tubing at both ends for easy connection.
2. Secure the copper tubes with zip ties on four sides of the fan grid.
3. Attach the loose ends of the copper tubes with the plastic tubes and secure them with hose clamps. 
4. Now, attach one end of the plastic tube with the pump.
5. Insert the pump and another half of the plastic tube in the cooler.
6. Add cold water and ice cubes to the cooler.
7. Turn on the pump and check if water is running through the tubing.

And you have it! Turn on the fan and enjoy the cool air from your homemade copper coil aircon!

5. DIY Portable Air Conditioner

In this method, an ice chest forms the main body while fans blow air through your DIY ducts. It is simple to set up, and you can easily find materials in your storage area. Depending on your requirements, you can also carry this homemade portable air conditioner from one room to another.

Materials Required

• Air blower motor
• Cooler
• Aluminum ducts
• Small PVC pipe
• Caulk
• Rubber coupling

How to DIY Cooler Air Conditioner

1. Place one end of the PVC pipe on the front bottom side of the cooler and outline. Trace another outline on the top right corner of the cooler.
2. Make a cut-out on both sides.
3. Insert the aluminum duct into the front hole and remove it from the hole on the right side.
4. Secure the rubber coupling to both ends of the aluminum duct. On one side, connect the blower motor to the coupling, and on the opposite side, attach the PVC pipe. Ensure both connections are tight and secure for optimal airflow.
5. Apply caulk on the sides of the two holes in the cooler to avoid water leakage.
6. Add ice inside the chest and place on the lid.
7. Lastly, plug in the blower fan and enjoy cool air.

6. Personal USB Cooler

If your computer’s heat is becoming a nuisance or you simply want extra cooling, this USB-powered cooler is the perfect solution.

Materials Required

• Plastic bowl with lid
• USB data cable
• CPU fan
• 4 thread spools

How to Make a Homemade Air Conditioner

1. Position your CPU fan on top of the bowl and trace its outline.
2. Cut out the area you previously outlined on the top of the bowl for the CPU fan.
3. Next, place a thread spool on the top of the bowl and trace around it to create a cutout.
4. Repeat this process three more times to make four cutouts for the thread spools.
5. Apply glue to the thread spools and insert them into the cutouts. Then, glue the CPU fan into the fan hole.
6. For the USB cable, cut off the protective cover from the end to expose the two bare wires.
7. Connect these wires to the fan wires.
8. Add ice cubes to the bowl, cover it with the lid, and plug the USB cable into your laptop.
9. Your USB cooler will start blowing cool air, providing a refreshing breeze.

7. DIY Bucket Air Conditioner

If you’re not keen on investing in an air conditioner for a small space like your garage or shed, this DIY bucket unit is a fantastic alternative. Designed with holes on all sides, it ensures even distribution of cool air throughout the room. Simply place it in the center to enjoy a refreshing breeze in every direction. Plus, its portability allows you to move it wherever you need—just grab the bucket’s handle and carry it to your desired spot.

Materials Required

• Bucket
• Small fan
• Styrofoam liner
• 3 PVC pipes (4-inches each)
• Ice
• Hole saw
• Cutting knife

How to DIY a Bucket Air Conditioner

1. Take the 3 PVC pipes and trace 3 holes on the front side of the bucket.
2. Use a hole saw to make the cutouts.
3. After that, add a styrofoam liner inside the bucket.
4. Use the hole saw and make 3 cuts again in the styrofoam liner for the 3 PVC pipes.
5. Insert the PVC pipes in the holes.
6. Add ice to the bucket and fill it.
7. After that, place your fan on the bucket lid and take measurements.
8. Use a cutting knife to cut.
9. Insert the fan and plug it in.
10. Turn on the fan, and you will notice cool air blowing from the PVC pipes.

Tip: For longer-lasting cooling, use frozen bottles instead of ice. Opt for two large bottles rather than one, so you will only need to replace them sometimes.

8. Small Desktop Cooler

This simple and affordable DIY air conditioner actually works, and you only need a few supplies to make it!

Material Required

• 1 big plastic bowl with a lid
• 4-inch PVC pipes
• Small fan
• Glue gun
• Ice cubes
• Battery

How to Create Small Desktop Cooler

1. Gather all your materials.
2. Put your fan on top of the bowl lid.
3. Outline the area and cut it out.
4. Then, place all 4 PVC pipes around the 4 sides of the fan cut out and make the outline.
5. Cut the 4 holes in the lid.
6. Apply glue to the fan and 4 pipes and fix them in their respective places on the lid.
7. Add ice to the bowl.
8. Connect fan wires to the battery and switch on the fan.

9. Mini Evaporative Cooler

This DIY air conditioner works like an evaporative cooler, blowing cool air while also adding moisture to the air in small quantities. It is a great option if you are looking for a homemade air conditioner without ice. You just need wet sponges; there is no need for frozen bottles or ice cubes.

Materials Required

• Plastic box with a lid
• 3 medium-sized sponges
• Paper cutter
• Soldering iron
• 12 V battery

How to Create Homemade Evaporative Cooler

1. Remove the lid of your box. Take the fan and trace its outline on the lid.
2. Use a paper cutter to cut.
3. Apply glue to the fan using a glue gun and insert it in the hole.
4. Take your box and use a soldering iron to make approximately 54 small ventilation holes.
5. Place three wet sponges inside the container.
6. Then, wire your fan to a 12V battery.
7. Your DIY cooler air conditioner is ready for use!

10. Cannon Air Conditioner

This durable homemade air conditioner is the perfect solution to your cooling needs. While it takes some time and effort to build, it’s a fantastic way to put your DIY skills to the test!

Materials Required

• Cooler
• 120 V fan
• 12 V fan motor
• 12 V water pump
• Large PVC pipe
• Hose barb adapter
• Crescent wrench
• Drill machine
• Ice cubes

How to DIY Cannon Air Conditioner

1. Attach your fan at one end of the PVC pipe.
2. Wrap your copper tube around the PVC pipe to form a coil. You will need to take assistance from a family member or a friend.
3. After your coil has been formed, attach the hose barb adapter to both ends. If you find that the tube is curved and the adapter doesn’t fit, you can take a crescent wrench and clamp it down on the copper tube to straighten it.
4. Take your PVC pipe and drill two holes at the end.
5.  Then, attach the small plastic tube to the one end of the hose barb adapter.
6. Place this entire setup inside the pipe.
7. Take the large plastic tubing and insert it into the big hole of the PVC pipe.
8. Take the small plastic tubing attached to the hose barb adapter and insert its other end into the small hole.
9. Put this setup aside for now.
10. Take your ice cooler and drill small holes on the side to put in a large plastic tube whose one end is in the PVC pipe.
11. Place a water pump inside the ice cooler and fill it with ice cubes.
12. Turn on the fan and start using your cannon aircon!

11. Thermoelectric Cooler Fan

If you have an old computer system lying around, now is a good time to repurpose it. This DIY AC uses a thermoelectric fan, normally used to cool computer processors. Utilize some basic DIY skills, and your air conditioner will be ready in less than an hour!

Materials Required

• PVC pipe
• CPU fan
• Cooling fan
• Sun/foam board
• Peltier module
• Thermal paste
• Aluminum sink
• Glue gun
• DC jack
• 12 V 5 A power supply
• 2 bulb holder caps – optional

How to DIY Thermoelectric Fan

1. Take a sunboard and fit it on the lower side of your CPU fan.
2. Then, take a Peltier module and place it in the center of the sun board. Trace its outline and take a cutout using a paper cutter.
3. Grab thermal paste and apply it on the empty square area on the sun board.
4. Also, apply the paste on the Peltier module. Cover it thoroughly with the paste.
5. Insert the module in its space on the sun board.
6. After that, glue is applied to the module and pasted into the aluminum sink.
7. Put this setup aside.
8. Take your PVC pipe and drill multiple vent holes on the lower side. Also, drill a slightly large hole on the upper side for the CPU fan to come out.
9. Place the PVC pipe above your CPU fan setup.
10. Take a cooling fan and fit it on top of the PVC pipe.
11. Take a DC jack and attach the CPU fan wires and cooling fan wires with it. Fit it inside the large hole in the PVC pipe.
12. Use a 12 V 5 A power supply and connect it with the DC jack.
13. Switch on the power supply.
14. Optional step: To give it a cannon shape, you can use two bulb holder caps and glue them to the bottom of the PVC pipe.

Safety Precautions for DIY Air Conditioning Projects

When working on DIY air conditioning projects, safety should always be a top priority. Here are some essential precautions to follow:

• Electrical Safety: Ensure the power is turned off before handling any electrical components to avoid shocks or short circuits. Always use insulated tools and avoid working in wet or damp conditions.
• Wear Protective Gear: Always wear gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing to shield yourself from sharp objects, electrical parts, and harmful chemicals.
• Follow Manufacturer Instructions: If you’re repurposing old AC units or components, carefully follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines to avoid malfunctions or hazardous situations.
• Test Before Full Use: After completing the DIY project, test the unit in a controlled manner to ensure it functions properly and safely.

Stay Cool & Comfortable With a DIY Air Conditioner

If you’re looking to beat the summer heat without breaking the bank, DIY air conditioners are the way to go. The options discussed in this blog are not only easy to make but can also save you a lot on cooling costs. Plus, you can customize them to suit your specific needs, giving you a personalized cooling solution. Try one (or all!) of these DIY methods and stay cool all summer long without overspending!