Resources/Sources for window venting options - NetworkAIR PA4000

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-28

Does anyone have any recommendations/ideas for venting a PA4000 via a window rather than the plenum? My plenum space is limited by firebreaks and it's not working out well.

My only other alternative is to cannibalize the drop-ceiling adapter and fabricate my own or have a sheet-metal shop fab it up for me.

I would love to be able to order it somewhere instead.

Dennis Kindig

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-28

Venting the PA4000 out of a window or to the outside is possible, but there are a number of concerns which need to be evaluated before doing so, or you may risk creating other problems with the unit. In any case, should you decide to pursue this type of venting, you need to check with the local building inspector for code requirements. Any special ducting or venting will have to be fabricated and installed by a qualified HVAC contractor. There is no outdoor venting kit available from APC.

First let's talk about the 2 hoses which are connected to the rear top of the unit. There is one INTAKE and one EXHAUST connection. The exhaust can be vented to the outdoors without much effect on the PA4000. The only concern is that you need to have a screen at the exterior penetration to prevent things from getting in to that duct, like birds. I would suggest something like "chicken wire" type fence, not a fine mesh type like a screen door.

The intake duct has the most concerns because the intake air temperature must be reasonably controlled or else the PA4000 will not perform properly. This intake temperature must be kept between 70-95degF. How this can be controlled in your situation is probably best answered by a qualified HVAC company. You may want to consider having the intake draw air from a space outside of your room, like a common hallway or other climate controlled area. If this is not possible and you can only pull air from the outdoors, then you will need to consider what your outdoor tempature range will be. If the outdoor temp goes above 95 degrees, then the unit performance will decrease. If the outdoor temp goes below 70 degrees, then you risk freezing the coil in the unit and chances are you will require a custom design that can bypass some warm exhaust air back into the intake. In any case, if you pull air from the outside, you MUST consider you are pulling in dirty untreated air, so some type of air filtration should be used as well as an exterior birdscreen to prevent those critters from getting in.

See Answer In Context

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-28

Venting the PA4000 out of a window or to the outside is possible, but there are a number of concerns which need to be evaluated before doing so, or you may risk creating other problems with the unit. In any case, should you decide to pursue this type of venting, you need to check with the local building inspector for code requirements. Any special ducting or venting will have to be fabricated and installed by a qualified HVAC contractor. There is no outdoor venting kit available from APC.

First let's talk about the 2 hoses which are connected to the rear top of the unit. There is one INTAKE and one EXHAUST connection. The exhaust can be vented to the outdoors without much effect on the PA4000. The only concern is that you need to have a screen at the exterior penetration to prevent things from getting in to that duct, like birds. I would suggest something like "chicken wire" type fence, not a fine mesh type like a screen door.

The intake duct has the most concerns because the intake air temperature must be reasonably controlled or else the PA4000 will not perform properly. This intake temperature must be kept between 70-95degF. How this can be controlled in your situation is probably best answered by a qualified HVAC company. You may want to consider having the intake draw air from a space outside of your room, like a common hallway or other climate controlled area. If this is not possible and you can only pull air from the outdoors, then you will need to consider what your outdoor tempature range will be. If the outdoor temp goes above 95 degrees, then the unit performance will decrease. If the outdoor temp goes below 70 degrees, then you risk freezing the coil in the unit and chances are you will require a custom design that can bypass some warm exhaust air back into the intake. In any case, if you pull air from the outside, you MUST consider you are pulling in dirty untreated air, so some type of air filtration should be used as well as an exterior birdscreen to prevent those critters from getting in.