question about cooling in cold climates -31f/-35c

xox · Aug 23, 2019

so im building this room and my main question is how do i properly cool my lights when my mini split can only operate up to -15 degrees celsius/5 fahrenheit. i just picked up 4 1000watt solis tek ballasts and im unsure how i should go about it i imagine if i punch a couple holes in the house for intake and outtake to make a closed loop for the lights the super cold air from outside would likely create too much moisture inside the air cooled hoods i could also just vent the air from inside the basement to another part of the house and keep the heat inside the furnace would likely run less but i dont think it will be that effective cooling 4000 watts how does everyone else cool there lights in the winter time that live in a similar climate.

coreywebster · Aug 23, 2019

Surely you don't need to cool your lights in that climate.

Renfro · Aug 23, 2019

Yeah air cooling the lights with fridgid air will cause condensation on the outside on the duct and lights as thats where the warm humid air will contact and condense. You should skip the air cooling unless you are fighting heat issues and in that climate just blow a little cold air in and you are good to go.

SchmoeJoe · Aug 31, 2019

xox said:
so im building this room and my main question is how do i properly cool my lights when my mini split can only operate up to -15 degrees celsius/5 fahrenheit. i just picked up 4 1000watt solis tek ballasts and im unsure how i should go about it i imagine if i punch a couple holes in the house for intake and outtake to make a closed loop for the lights the super cold air from outside would likely create too much moisture inside the air cooled hoods i could also just vent the air from inside the basement to another part of the house and keep the heat inside the furnace would likely run less but i dont think it will be that effective cooling 4000 watts how does everyone else cool there lights in the winter time that live in a similar climate.

Don't cool the lights when it's that cold outside. Vent the heat from the room itself into your house to lower your heating bill.

Go go n chill · Sep 1, 2019

Renfro said:
Yeah air cooling the lights with fridgid air will cause condensation on the outside on the duct and lights as thats where the warm humid air will contact and condense. You should skip the air cooling unless you are fighting heat issues and in that climate just blow a little cold air in and you are good to go.

Best advice yet! If he is handy. Even a 3” hole from outside with a manual spring damper, exhaust fan hooked to temperature control, and filter

myke · Sep 1, 2019

Ive tried venting into the house,smell was too much even with carbon filter.Never tried air cooled hoods that may reduce the smell.I now just have a 4" hole on the other side of bsmt for retun air.Ive also downsized for the colder months and push hard for the spring/fall months.

SchmoeJoe · Sep 1, 2019

myke said:
Ive tried venting into the house,smell was too much even with carbon filter.Never tried air cooled hoods that may reduce the smell.I now just have a 4" hole on the other side of bsmt for retun air.Ive also downsized for the colder months and push hard for the spring/fall months.

You can set up a closed loop ducting air from the house into the hoods and back again. No cross contamination from the room that way. But honestly I can't imagine a good properly sized filter not doing the job. My exhaust was right about nose level from my garage about 2.5' from my front door. No one ever had a clue.

myke · Sep 1, 2019

SchmoeJoe said:
You can set up a closed loop ducting air from the house into the hoods and back again. No cross contamination from the room that way. But honestly I can't imagine a good properly sized filter not doing the job. My exhaust was right about nose level from my garage about 2.5' from my front door. No one ever had a clue.

Ya I guess if the hoods are sealed.Good way to re use the heat.

xox · Sep 1, 2019

thanks for all the replies very helpful. i tried venting around the house last year with an air cooled 600watt worked well pulled air from the lower basement and exhausted into a higher level basement with a duct muffler also attached to a carbon filter for the smell. i was just concerned about all the extra heat generated from 4000 watts wasnt sure if the current exhaust system would be able to handle that extra heat until i could run the mini split later on in the year. i just got the hoods in this week
https://www.amazon.ca/Sun-System-Grow-Lights-Air-Cooled/dp/B001O1V634/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=6"+air+cooled+reflector&qid=1567384284&s=gateway&sr=8-2

Go go n chill said:
Best advice yet! If he is handy. Even a 3” hole from outside with a manual spring damper, exhaust fan hooked to temperature control, and filter

im actually very handy i taught myself a few weeks ago how to install a mini split it went not to bad just need to run the condensate line and install some drywall where i had to remove it. could you expand on this comment maby provide links to purchase this type of stuff im likely capable of installing it just need a few examples maby links on amazon on what to purchase have you installed this for your own room?

Go go n chill · Sep 1, 2019

xox said:
thanks for all the replies very helpful. i tried venting around the house last year with an air cooled 600watt worked well pulled air from the lower basement and exhausted into a higher level basement with a duct muffler also attached to a carbon filter for the smell. i was just concerned about all the extra heat generated from 4000 watts wasnt sure if the current exhaust system would be able to handle that extra heat until i could run the mini split later on in the year. i just got the hoods in this week
https://www.amazon.ca/Sun-System-Grow-Lights-Air-Cooled/dp/B001O1V634/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=6"+air+cooled+reflector&qid=1567384284&s=gateway&sr=8-2

im actually very handy i taught myself a few weeks ago how to install a mini split it went not to bad just need to run the condensate line and install some drywall where i had to remove it. could you expand on this comment maby provide links to purchase this type of stuff im likely capable of installing it just need a few examples maby links on amazon on what to purchase have you installed this for your own room?

Yes I will drop you a couple of links to help out definitely good luck

meangreengrowinmachine · Sep 1, 2019

Go go n chill said:
Best advice yet! If he is handy. Even a 3” hole from outside with a manual spring damper, exhaust fan hooked to temperature control, and filter

This is kind of my plan this winter in a cold northern basement

myke · Sep 1, 2019

meangreengrowinmachine said:
This is kind of my plan this winter in a cold northern basement

I run a hose through then along the ground to hide the steam,otherwise youll have ice all over the outside of your house.

meangreengrowinmachine · Sep 1, 2019

myke said:
I run a hose through then along the ground to hide the steam,otherwise youll have ice all over the outside of your house.

I vent right where I already have steam venting from my furnace and someone would have to really go looking to see anything amiss just looks like another vent near the base of my house. Plus I live in the country with no visible neighbors :-)

but thank you for looking out!

Go go n chill · Sep 1, 2019

Damper like this, once you get your outdoor source of cold air, hook this to it...... so your fan pulls it open when it come on. When the temp drop to desirable temps the thermostat turns fan off and damper keeps cold mostly out until next rise in temperature
https://www.supplyhouse.com/Fantech-RSK6-RSK-Series-6-Duct-Backdraft-Damper

Go go n chill · Sep 1, 2019

He will pull air into the room

myke said:
I run a hose through then along the ground to hide the steam,otherwise youll have ice all over the outside of your house.

, no steam going out.

Go go n chill · Sep 1, 2019

Control, you want one that will at least bring “something “ like your exhaust fan on at a rise in temperature and shut off at a set temperature. I have one from China and it is not user friendly but it works
https://incubatorwarehouse.com/plug-n-play-digital-thermostat.html

myke · Sep 1, 2019

Oh I c,my air returns are always open.2 vent fans running outside,hood above the stove and only a med eff furnace so chimney on roof.

Go go n chill · Sep 1, 2019

meangreengrowinmachine said:
I vent right where I already have steam venting from my furnace and someone would have to really go looking to see anything amiss just looks like another vent near the base of my house. Plus I live in the country with no visible neighbors but thank you for looking out!

I do the same thing, you should be weary of mold in the summer though..... hot moist air in a chimney. Just a thought for us chimney guys

xox · Sep 2, 2019

cool thanks for the info probably find that at the hardware store i'll try not to put it on backwards aha, yea i'd probably setup the vents near the furnace vent and the split seems to be the logical choice

paraplantastic · Sep 2, 2019

Inkbird makes VERY affordable temp and humidity controllers. Great quality IMO. They have more functions than I would use, all packed in. They can handle heating and cooling at the same time without switching anything. Same thing with the humidity controllers. Worth a look. $45-$60 compared to $100 for a Titan. Maybe this isn't news to anyone so apologies if this is common knowledge.

question about cooling in cold climates -31f/-35c

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Member