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Where can I find heating wire for air conditioner [message #150170]

Sat, 19 November 2011 19:52

Bruce Hart

Messages: 1501
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming

Karma: 5

Senior Member

I have read on a couple of occasions about air conditioners having a heating element in them. Can the original roof air conditioners
be retro fitted with these wires. Where can I get them, and for how much money?

Thanks in advance.

Bruce Hart 1976 Palm Beach 1977 28' Kingsley La Grange, Wyoming

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Re: Where can I find heating wire for air conditioner [message #150175 is a reply to message #150170]

Sat, 19 November 2011 20:26

roy1

Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada

Karma: 6

Senior Member

I don't think the strip heat kit for the original Du Therm A/C is any longer available. I would suggest that you get a little ceramic cube type heater. In my opinion they are a lot quieter and put out at least as much heat or more. I have both and I only use the A/C strip heat to give me alittle more heat when the ceramic heater doesn't quite do it then I shut it off when I'm warm enough.

Roy Keen Minden,NV 76 X Glenbrook

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Re: Where can I find heating wire for air conditioner [message #150186 is a reply to message #150170]

Sat, 19 November 2011 21:36

Matt Colie

Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan

Karma: 7

Senior Member

Bruce Hart wrote on Sat, 19 November 2011 20:52

Bruce,

If the unit is not currently equipped for a heater, it will be very tough to install one. If it is, you have to find the complete heater kit with all the hardware and the harness to install it. Of the heaters I have seen (more than a few), they are all most all manufactured air heating elements but are mounted in very specific brackets as such for each individual (by model) installation. The bracket set usually includes an over-heat safety of some nature.

If the current unit does not have a heat position on the switch, don't even try to start. If it does, and you have all the unit model and serial numbers, you might contact some parts suppliers and get lucky.

But yes, a ceramic cube heater will probably be less expensive and undoubtedly quieter.

Matt

Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit

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Re: Where can I find heating wire for air conditioner [message #150188 is a reply to message #150170]

Sat, 19 November 2011 21:47

JohnL455

Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL

Karma: 12

Senior Member

I bought a nice Nutone powder coated steel kickspace heater to install probably midship below the refer. This should cover both the front and rear areas. I like the idea of built in no tip over hazard. Yes, I know they have tip switches but still.

John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II

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Re: [GMCnet] Where can I find heating wire for air conditioner [message #150191 is a reply to message #150170]

Sat, 19 November 2011 22:02

emerystora

Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004

Karma: 13

Senior Member

I once bought the kit and figured out how to install it on the original air conditioner. But first I had to buy a new rotary swhe itch that had the position for the heater.
That was not cheap.

I had to remove the knob that directs the heat to either the front or back so I could no longer direct where I wanted the heat (or cold air) to go.
I also had to do some rewiring. The heating element generates a lot of heat so you have to add some insulation and heavy aluminum reflectors beneath it.

It was doable but I would not do it again and I really do not recommend it to you.

When I got my new air conditioner I removed the heater and plugged it into my new A/C and worked well.

My advise is to buy a new air conditioner. It runs much quieter and puts out a lot more cooling and draws less amps. I put in a 15,000 btu high efficiency Briskair unit.

Emery Stora

On Nov 19, 2011, at 6:52 PM, Bruce Hart wrote:

>
>
> I have read on a couple of occasions about air conditioners having a heating element in them. Can the original roof air conditioners
> be retro fitted with these wires. Where can I get them, and for how much money?
>
> Thanks in advance.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Santa Fe, NM

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Re: Where can I find heating wire for air conditioner [message #150197 is a reply to message #150170]

Sat, 19 November 2011 23:11

mike miller

Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon

Karma: 0

Senior Member

About adding a heat strip to a roof ac.

If your AC is fairly new, you should be able to find one thru "normal" RV suppliers.

If you AC is NOT fairly new... good luck. You might get lucky putting ads on criagslist and the like.

I second the idea of a cube heater. As heat rises, you want the heater to intake the colder air found near the floor. You want the heater to put out hot air... also near the floor. AC heat strips re-warm the warmer air near the roof and put it right back up there. It doesn't really do much for your cold feet. Rolling Eyes

Also, it is easier (and cheaper) to replace a bad cube heater than a heat strip.

Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo' http://m000035.blogspot.com

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