Help with Routing A/C suction

[EddieZ999]

I had a 4 ton A/c unit installed in my shop about 7 months ago. The problem is I do a lot of paint work in there and changing out the filters is becoming very expensive. I do have a paint booth I setup sometimes, but the fumes have to go somewhere so they end up going through the filter anyway. Any ideas on routing the suction side? My only thought is to knock a hole in that wall and route it through there to the outside. Does it matter where the air coming in comes from? This is Houston btw, so it's extremely hot. Obviously A/C isn't my expertise so any help would be appreciated.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Don't use outside air. Your unit will never keep up. You shouldn't be running that machine while you spray anyway. It's not rated for use in an explosive atmosphere. You should think about using a spraybooth woth an exhaust system if you want to run the A/C while you paint.

Tommy

 

[dreamingmuscle]

ditto

 

[72Anthony]

Try getting some type of washable filter that you place in front of the regular filter.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Try getting some type of washable filter that you place in front of the regular filter.

Anything that will catch overspray will restrict the airflow too much and it still won't prevent combustible fumes from entring the unit.

Tommy

 

[cbogg]

I would say crank that beast as low as you can get it then shut it off before you paint. Get your hands on an explosion proof vent fan as big as you can get and mount it up high. It might not pull as much overspray as you like but it should help it drift away from your work and will **** hot air out. Paint fast while it's still cool and hopefully just as your starting to get hot you'll be done. Then leave the ac off and that Texas heat helps cure your paint.

Or get a paint booth.