Redwiggler
Well-Known Member
Here is my fermentation chamber build to give ideas to anyone that needs them.
nice... wouldn't it have been easier to load/unload though with the ferm chamber on the bottom and the storage on top? lifting those 7gal carboys can get old! lol
If you want to get the a/c to cool below ~60 you'll have to override the internal temp sensor on the a/c which switches off the a/c's compressor when the temp drops below 60.
You can re-wire the a/c, buy a coolbot ($299) or attach a lightbulb or other heat source to the temp sensor (located behind the front grill) which turns on whenever the temp controller (johnson, Ranco, etc.) kicks in.
It's worth the trouble if you want a larger fermentation/lagering chamber than a chest freezer.
nice... Wouldn't it have been easier to load/unload though with the ferm chamber on the bottom and the storage on top? Lifting those 7gal carboys can get old! Lol
Will this cause the evaporator to freeze up, since they aren't designed to go that low? I'm thinking about building a chamber, but I also have access to a free refrigerator. The chamber would be bigger, but I really want to do lagers, and I was worried that an AC unit wouldn't handle it.
Why did you go with foam board? I would think just standard R-13 wall insulation would work well, especially since you had a 2x4 frame all around the chamber. I am planning my ferm chamber build, and I cant figure out why no one uses regular insulation for houses?[/QUOT
Wood is a poor insulator, I put foam board in so there wouldn't be any direct contact with cold air and the plywood or 2X4s. Its also fairly cheap, easy to work with and I made it all most air tight. I was a little worried a bout humidity because I live in south ga. Useing it also left the "space" in between to put wall insulation in, if you look at the pic with the cover off but foamboard up, you can see it on the left side. Probly over kill but can only help insulate it more.
I'd definitely be interested in seeing how you have the thermostat and controller wired.
DO YOU have any plans for this build?
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