While the idea of a window air conditioner blowing air directly into a heat vent might seem practical in terms of utilizing the existing ventilation system, there are several reasons why such a design is not commonly used or readily available:
Incompatibility with standard window AC design: Window air conditioners are designed to cool a specific area (usually a single room) by expelling hot air outside and blowing cooled air directly into the room. Redirecting the air into a heat vent would require a significant redesign of the unit's internal components.
Airflow and pressure considerations: Air conditioning systems are designed with specific airflow and pressure requirements to ensure efficient cooling. Redirecting the cooled air into the existing heat vent system could disrupt these airflow patterns and potentially lead to reduced cooling performance or even damage the air conditioner.
Ductwork design and size: The ductwork in a central HVAC system is typically larger in size than a standard window air conditioner's air outlet. Retrofitting a window AC unit to connect to a central HVAC system's ductwork may require significant modifications and might not be feasible for many installations.
Loss of cooling efficiency: When an air conditioner blows cooled air directly into a room, it can create a more immediate and efficient cooling effect. Blowing air into a ductwork system would involve additional duct losses and potentially result in less effective cooling.
Limited demand and complexity: The demand for window air conditioners designed to blow air into heat vents is likely limited compared to standard window AC units. Manufacturing specialized units like this could increase production costs and make them less economically viable for manufacturers.
Alternative solutions available: For central HVAC systems, the cooling needs of different rooms are usually controlled by individual vents or zoning systems. There are also ductless mini-split air conditioners that can provide targeted cooling for specific areas without the need for ductwork.
Overall, while the concept of integrating window air conditioners with existing heat vent systems may seem logical in theory, the practical challenges and limitations make it a less common solution in the HVAC industry. Instead, various other air conditioning systems and configurations cater to different cooling requirements and infrastructure setups.