The concept of a window air conditioner that blows air into a heat vent instead of into the room is an interesting idea. However, there are a few reasons why such a design is not commonly found:
Inefficient Heat Transfer: The primary purpose of an air conditioner is to remove heat from a room and exhaust it outside. Blowing the cooled air directly into a heat vent would not efficiently transfer the heat outdoors. The design of window air conditioners is optimized to expel heat through the condenser coil and exhaust it to the external environment.
Limited Ventilation System Compatibility: Ventilation systems in homes can vary significantly in terms of design and layout. The location of heat vents, their connection to ductwork, and the overall airflow dynamics are specific to each home. Designing a window air conditioner to fit the intricacies of various ventilation systems would be challenging.
Air Quality and Filtration: Window air conditioners typically have built-in filters that help remove dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from the indoor air. If the cooled air were directed into the heat vent, it would bypass the filtration system, potentially compromising the air quality.
Lack of Control and Zoning: Redirecting the cooled air solely into the heat vent would eliminate the ability to control the airflow into different areas of the house. Central heating and cooling systems typically allow for zoning, where different rooms or areas can be cooled or heated individually. This level of control would not be feasible with a window unit blowing air into a single heat vent.
While the concept of redirecting cooled air into the ventilation system might seem logical in terms of utilizing existing infrastructure, it would require significant modifications to both the air conditioner and the ventilation system to ensure efficiency, air quality, and compatibility. As a result, manufacturers have focused on designs that are more efficient, cost-effective, and practical for cooling individual rooms or small spaces.