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Unplug the most expensive item in your house and save $$ by keeping food fresh the old fashioned way. I asked my dad how he saved money during the depression. VOILA! The Window Refrigerator! Here is a modern version you can make for under 10$ in less than an hour. The ultimate green, non polluting appliance.
In the winter to cut electric bills (or ice bills for those still using ice boxes) people used a number of different contraptions to harness nature. In the depression, metal window boxes with sliding doors sprouted from tenement windows. People had been making them out of wood for over a century. Also known as the window shelf, this version combines the experience of the past with modern materials.
In the winter to cut electric bills (or ice bills for those still using ice boxes) people used a number of different contraptions to harness nature. In the depression, metal window boxes with sliding doors sprouted from tenement windows. People had been making them out of wood for over a century. Also known as the window shelf, this version combines the experience of the past with modern materials.
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Signing UpStep 1Assemble your materials
Baling wire
4 eye hooks or screws
picture hanging wire
a piece of styrofoam or cardboard
window
box
planks of wood-optional
The perfect window would be in your kitchen, north facing, and inaccessible to burglars and evil doers. most of us will have to compromise in some way. Another factor is the type of window available. Every style and size of window will need a slightly different installation process. I chose a window with an outer storm window, allowing me to pull the storm window down to the top of the box locking it into place. If you have a different type of window , adjust my instructions to suit. Some windows will need a few boards placed on the window sill for extra support, just like some air conditioner installations.
There are many types of boxes you can use .I chose a storage bin re-enforced with baling wire.
4 eye hooks or screws
picture hanging wire
a piece of styrofoam or cardboard
window
box
planks of wood-optional
The perfect window would be in your kitchen, north facing, and inaccessible to burglars and evil doers. most of us will have to compromise in some way. Another factor is the type of window available. Every style and size of window will need a slightly different installation process. I chose a window with an outer storm window, allowing me to pull the storm window down to the top of the box locking it into place. If you have a different type of window , adjust my instructions to suit. Some windows will need a few boards placed on the window sill for extra support, just like some air conditioner installations.
There are many types of boxes you can use .I chose a storage bin re-enforced with baling wire.
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With some careful planning, this idea could also easily applied to creating a viable window-mounted solar oven.
Place the refrigerator in a Northfacing window, and you've got optimum free refrigeration in the winter.
Place a solar oven in a Southfacing window and you've got free solar cooking in the summer.
Great possibilities.
Thanks again, Anima! X
Because it's explained well and doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out or you don't have to have to have TONS of technical experience "like some of the other ones" on here... [not that they don't serve their purpose]...
I think I would build a box , insulate it and use l brackets on the bottom [no one would know if it was an air conditioner or what???
I live in Canada [ North of Grand Forks] so this would be great for spring, winter and fall!
Thanks, great ideal!