Feels like a heat wave all of a sudden where I am in the UK especially after the winter we just had. So my thoughts have turned to summer and last summer.
I remember last summer sweating my arse off in the afternoons and no amount of Magnums and Callipos could keep me cool enough. I remember saying to myself I should invest in an air con unit for next year - so does anyone use one of these for keeping their trading room cooler?
Any advice or recommendations most welcome.
TIA.
It's warming up - how to keep cool
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andyfuller
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- Joined: Wed Mar 25, 2009 12:23 pm
Classic reply.I had a couple of fans but just found they pushed around the hot air. If I kept the window open I would find myself getting attacked by wasps, so thought air con might be a better option.
I've have the same problem. One of the 'portable' air conditioners you can get from B+Q etc can make a big difference (4 or 5 degrees assuming your room isnt to big) if you get one that is powerful enough. I bought one for about 100 quid that didnt do the job well enough so had to invest in a more powerful one. The power output is measured in BTUs... the more the better.
The problem with the portable ones is they make a lot of noise, too noisy for use while trading. But if you have a gap in between trading races then a 2 or 3 minute blast from it can make all the difference. Getting a real AC unit installed is extremely expensive (a good few grand) and still makes some noise, but obviously does the job far better than anything else - I've traded from spain where it was 40 degrees outside but only 22 inside thanks to one of them
The problem with the portable ones is they make a lot of noise, too noisy for use while trading. But if you have a gap in between trading races then a 2 or 3 minute blast from it can make all the difference. Getting a real AC unit installed is extremely expensive (a good few grand) and still makes some noise, but obviously does the job far better than anything else - I've traded from spain where it was 40 degrees outside but only 22 inside thanks to one of them
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enzabella2009
- Posts: 747
- Joined: Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:58 pm
are we talking about Britain? 1-2 weeks of summer and you guys looking something to cool your arses...hahaha..I have been there for while, I have never felt my arse steaming..
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andyfuller
- Posts: 4619
- Joined: Wed Mar 25, 2009 12:23 pm
Found this one which seems reasonably priced at £225
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000KNDBWQ/r ... B000KNDBWQ
It has an output of 8,000 Btu, how does that compare with your dud one and your decent one hgodden?
Enzabella, we are used to a balmy 10 degrees or so here, as soon as it hits 15+ it is BBQ season in my book
Add in the computer pumping out heat, the sky box, tv and computer screens and it can soon turn into a home made sauna.
Used to work outside in Oz and remember days when it was 40 degrees or more, that wasn't fun at all for someone like me from the UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000KNDBWQ/r ... B000KNDBWQ
It has an output of 8,000 Btu, how does that compare with your dud one and your decent one hgodden?
Enzabella, we are used to a balmy 10 degrees or so here, as soon as it hits 15+ it is BBQ season in my book
Add in the computer pumping out heat, the sky box, tv and computer screens and it can soon turn into a home made sauna.
Used to work outside in Oz and remember days when it was 40 degrees or more, that wasn't fun at all for someone like me from the UK
The dud one was 7,000 Btu, the decent one 12,000. I think what you need probably depends a lot on whether the sun gets in your trading room in the afternoons. If your room isn't being blasted then the 8,000 will probably be enough, but theres a 12,000 Btu one available on amazon cheaper anyway http://www.amazon.co.uk/High-Power-1200 ... 469&sr=8-1. In a couple of months B and Q and Argos will have loads more in but I doubt you'll find a better buy than the one above. Normally 12,000 Btu and above you're forced to pay 300 minimum
My trading room gets blasted by the sun in the afternoon which can turn it from 20 degrees to 30 in a matter of minutes in summer. Getting a decent quality black out blind makes a big difference but isnt enough on its own, neither is the AC if the sun is still getting through. But even with the blind the sun still manages to cook the house. Opening the window is pointless if its hotter outside than inside, it just lets the hot air in! I'm amazed by how many people do that in summer!
I have a thermometer in my room and I've found that once it gets above 22/23 degrees it does really start affecting my concentration and performance levels. With the AC unit, black out blind, plenty of cold drinks and going shirtless I can just about keep the problem at bay, but its always a case of being vigilant - Its worth getting a thermometer as the heat can often creep up on you and its only after you start losing a few races and your concentration is really going that you realise just how hot its getting. Personally I find that even on normal cool days, if I get a few bad races or something goes majorly wrong and the stress levels start to rise I can instantly feel my body heat up - getting too hot physically can mimic this stress response in the body and make you feel like you do when you're having a bad time trading, even when you're not! I find that even having a warm drink too close before trading the next race makes me far more likely to make rash decisions.
I'm glad we're entertaining our europeans friends with this thread but I would almost guarantee that without the nice big AC units you have installed over there you guys would be on your knees! At least we Brits go out in the sun and don't spend all afternoon sleeping
My trading room gets blasted by the sun in the afternoon which can turn it from 20 degrees to 30 in a matter of minutes in summer. Getting a decent quality black out blind makes a big difference but isnt enough on its own, neither is the AC if the sun is still getting through. But even with the blind the sun still manages to cook the house. Opening the window is pointless if its hotter outside than inside, it just lets the hot air in! I'm amazed by how many people do that in summer!
I have a thermometer in my room and I've found that once it gets above 22/23 degrees it does really start affecting my concentration and performance levels. With the AC unit, black out blind, plenty of cold drinks and going shirtless I can just about keep the problem at bay, but its always a case of being vigilant - Its worth getting a thermometer as the heat can often creep up on you and its only after you start losing a few races and your concentration is really going that you realise just how hot its getting. Personally I find that even on normal cool days, if I get a few bad races or something goes majorly wrong and the stress levels start to rise I can instantly feel my body heat up - getting too hot physically can mimic this stress response in the body and make you feel like you do when you're having a bad time trading, even when you're not! I find that even having a warm drink too close before trading the next race makes me far more likely to make rash decisions.
I'm glad we're entertaining our europeans friends with this thread but I would almost guarantee that without the nice big AC units you have installed over there you guys would be on your knees! At least we Brits go out in the sun and don't spend all afternoon sleeping
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lennontrader
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I am an air conditioning engineer and I would advise against a portable AC unit.
They are what is known as 'Spot' coolers and do not do the job of a fixed AC unit. They are very noisey and not cost effective at all.
You can get a fixed AC unit installed for around £600-£1000 including the price of the unit. If you really want to stay at a comfortable level all year round then go down that route and dont waste your money on a portable unit
They are what is known as 'Spot' coolers and do not do the job of a fixed AC unit. They are very noisey and not cost effective at all.
You can get a fixed AC unit installed for around £600-£1000 including the price of the unit. If you really want to stay at a comfortable level all year round then go down that route and dont waste your money on a portable unit
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andyfuller
- Posts: 4619
- Joined: Wed Mar 25, 2009 12:23 pm
Cheers for the replies.
Fully agree with Hgodden about how the heat can affect your trading. I like the idea of putting up a thermometer, going to get one tomorrow.
Have had a look at AC unit you suggested and it looks ideal. Not too fussed about a bit of noise and like the idea of putting it on an hour before trading starts so the room is cool from the start.
My room is like yours and gets blasted by the sun from about 11am, I have reflectors to put up in the windows, basically what people use for their car windscreens and they work to a degree. Ideally I would switch my trading room to the other side of the house where it wouldn't be in the sun but I can't.
Lennontrader - I would get a proper one fitted but I am in rented accommodation so am unable to, therefore a portable is the only option as I see it? When I have my own place I would install a proper one though as they worked really well when I was living in Oz.
Have you any other recommendations? I just want one to cool one room, maybe two which are of the size of an average double bedroom each. Do you think 12,000 Btu would be enough?
Cheers for the input.
Fully agree with Hgodden about how the heat can affect your trading. I like the idea of putting up a thermometer, going to get one tomorrow.
Have had a look at AC unit you suggested and it looks ideal. Not too fussed about a bit of noise and like the idea of putting it on an hour before trading starts so the room is cool from the start.
My room is like yours and gets blasted by the sun from about 11am, I have reflectors to put up in the windows, basically what people use for their car windscreens and they work to a degree. Ideally I would switch my trading room to the other side of the house where it wouldn't be in the sun but I can't.
Lennontrader - I would get a proper one fitted but I am in rented accommodation so am unable to, therefore a portable is the only option as I see it? When I have my own place I would install a proper one though as they worked really well when I was living in Oz.
Have you any other recommendations? I just want one to cool one room, maybe two which are of the size of an average double bedroom each. Do you think 12,000 Btu would be enough?
Cheers for the input.
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lennontrader
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Wed Jun 09, 2010 8:33 am
There are no portable AC units under £2,000 that will cool any room, portable AC units are spot coolers, ie the blow cold air onto a small area, they cannot and do not cool the room down. Please make sure you understand that before purchasing one.
Room temperature control is not cheap im affraid, but if you want a portable one, set it 2 meters away from you and have it blow directly at you, It should keep you feeling cool but nothing else.
Try and get a split type portable unit but again you are looking atleast £500.
Sorry I dont have better news for you but they really are just a waste of money
Room temperature control is not cheap im affraid, but if you want a portable one, set it 2 meters away from you and have it blow directly at you, It should keep you feeling cool but nothing else.
Try and get a split type portable unit but again you are looking atleast £500.
Sorry I dont have better news for you but they really are just a waste of money
Have to disagree with you there Lennon. The one I have brings the temperature down by 6 degrees or so in 20 to 30 minutes with masses of hot air being expelled by the hose which sticks out the window. I'm not saying they're as good as the permenent ones but if you get one with 12,000 Btu it certainly does the job in an average sized bedroom. If it wasn't for the fact that I have to turn it off while trading due to the noise then after a while I'd be freezing
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andyfuller
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- Joined: Wed Mar 25, 2009 12:23 pm
Be better of getting a heap of ice and a fan blowing over the ice by the sounds of what you have said?lennontrader wrote:portable AC units are spot coolers, ie the blow cold air onto a small area, they cannot and do not cool the room down. Please make sure you understand that before purchasing one.
Room temperature control is not cheap im affraid, but if you want a portable one, set it 2 meters away from you and have it blow directly at you, It should keep you feeling cool but nothing else.
Surely they must cool the temperature down a bit? I am not expecting it to turn my room into the Arctic but as Hgodden has said in his posts it seemed to drop the temperature in the room a bit, if not it sounds like a damn expensive fan, could get 30 odd fans for the price of one of these units lol.