Build Your Own Walk-In Cooler with this DIY CoolBot Alternative
162,109
Published 2021-10-07
CHAPTERS
0:42 CoolBot Functions
2:52 Alternative Supplies
4:30 Installation
14:00 Next Steps
INKBIRD SETTINGS
• The Inkbird that powers the lightbulb should be set to the desired room temperature.
• The lightbulb should be plugged into the "Cooling" port of the Inkbird.
• The cooling differential (cd) setting on the Inkbird is what you adjust to control how much variability there is in the room's temperature. For example, if you set the differential to 1ºC and the control temperature to 4ºC, the lightbulb will power on at 4ºC and remain on until the room has cooled down to 3ºC (a differential of 1ºC). We use a cooling differential of 0.5ºC for both Inkbirds.
• The Inkbird with its sensor in the AC fins should be set as cold as possible without allowing ice buildup on the fins. This will be in the -2ºC to 0ºC range.
• Plug the lightbulb's Inkbird into the cooling outlet of this fin Inkbird.
• The heating differential (hd) settings on both Inkbirds are irrelevant because we are only using the cooling outlets.
DIY COOLBOT SUPPLIES
• List of AC units compatible with this method: www.storeitcold.com/build-it/ac-selection/
• Inkbird Temperature Controller: amzn.to/3afu6dg
• Light Socket Plug: amzn.to/3uXg0XF
• 5.5W LED Spotlight: amzn.to/3agtnZv
• 4.5W LED Spotlight: amzn.to/3AooPe6
• Light Socket Adaptor for GU-10 Bulb: amzn.to/3ljTNQt
• Aluminum Foil Tape: amzn.to/3ILYUEb
COOLBOT DISCOUNT
• Save $25 on a CoolBot Purchase: storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/1D393A0F/
LEARN MORE
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All Comments (21)
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Join me in person at the 2024 Homestead Festival near Nashville, TN on June 7 & 8 where I'll be teaching a session on Mastering Cold Storage. Get 20% off your festival passes with the coupon code REGIER20 for regular admission and REGIER20PLUS for regular admission plus. Here's a link to the festival: www.hardisonmill.com/thehomesteadfestival
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basically a $400 coolbot down to $80 in parts. And honestly, the work to set them up is about the same. Great video
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Super cool The more time and money that you spend on making the room, absolutely airtight, including electrical outlets, and if there’s any piping from electrical outlets that the opening inside, the pipe is sealed with some sort of putty to stop airflow and extremely airtight sealed gaskets around the door . Double the doors, and even insulate the doors.. Better insulation on the floors and the walls and the ceiling The less money you will spend on electricity And the smaller the air-conditioning unit can be . Consuming less electricity
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This video was by far the best one I found for the AC set up. Mine is working great in the first 24 hrs with only a single Inkbird unit. I just had to adjust the location of the temperature prob vertically at the bottom of my AC’s fins and adjust the temperature a few times to dial everything in. It’s holding a steady 41 degree temp without freezing up. I’ll probably take it down one or two more degrees in the coming week. And I’m using a really old, dirty 5,000 BTU window AC. Update - one week in and absolutely love this system. The single Inkbird has worked great with the probe positioned vertically against the fins, centered and about 1/2' up from the bottom. I used a short piece of electric fence wire in a u shape inserted into the fins to hold it in place. So glad I came across this video while researching cooling options.
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Lifesaver. This saved me hundreds of dollars. I already had everything I needed for it. Thank you
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I am very pleased watching you video, it's been long since I had the conviction that a home A/C can be turned into a cooling unit for veggies. Thanks for this video.
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Excellent. I currently use a CoolBot but am needing another cooler and this is awesome. Thank you.
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Coolbot alternative for Dummies. Such thorough explanation. TY!
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Awesome video! This is the first video that clearly describes how the 2 functions are accomplished to cool the room below the minimum thermostat setting and to provide a defrost cycle to prevent ice build up on the cooling fins. 👍
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Fantastic video and so well explained step by step. Best instructional video I’ve watched in a long time!
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Perfect. I once converted a chest freezer to a kegerator using a temp controller like this. I've been looking for an alternative to the Coolbot, knowing of these things, but not understanding how the Coolbot fully worked! Easy setup, can't wait to build our walk in for next season!
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Just finished insulating and wiring this system in a walk-in built from scratch. Works perfectly. Thanks for the awesome hack and video!
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Great information! I just built a walk-in cooler and this is going to fix my coil freezing problem!
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This is by far the best hack guide thanks! Currently installing my 25000 btu LG in my flower cooler after my old industrial compressor kicked the bucket. Didn't want to spend 8K+ (Canadian) so your guide was a lifesaver thanks!
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Best video on this, BY FAR! I just got my 6x8x10 cooler built and every video I had come across, up to this point, just seemed to make things so much more confusing. Your video explains everything (except for which plugs (heating/cooling) you use on the inkbirds for which purpose....but I found the answer under the comments) very well. Thank you! I just have gotten my inkbirds delivered and going to run electric to the cooler this weekend, so hopefully, I'll have everything up and running next week! Thanks, again!
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Thank you so much for this video and detailed information. I converted a closet into a walk in cooler for my dahlia tubers. I purchased the humidity controller as well so I can run a humidifier.
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We are building our cooler now. Thanks for sharing this valuable info!!
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Thanks Mr. Tout est bien expliqué, très pédagogique et une vidéo bien faite de bout en bout. Merci
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excellent presentation
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Thank you so much for sharing your videos you're very helpful.
