Stop Running Your AC This Summer — The Amish Build This $40 Underground Pipe in One Weekend

The Underground Cooling System: A Practical Approach 00:16

"A simple black pipe buried 4 ft down in your own yard. No motor, no compressor, no power bill, and the air coming out the other end is 62° all summer long."

• This innovative cooling system involves installing a black pipe underground, which can significantly reduce indoor temperatures without the need for traditional air conditioning units that generate high electricity bills.

• The method has been utilized for over a century, particularly in rural areas, implying its reliability and effectiveness compared to modern cooling alternatives.

• It requires minimal materials and can be completed over a weekend, with overall expenses around $40.

The Temperature of the Earth: Nature’s Cooling Source 02:10

"About 4 ft down, the temperature of the soil in most of the United States stops caring what season it is."

• Soil temperatures at a depth of around 4 feet consistently range from 52°F to 58°F throughout the year, providing a stable and cool air source regardless of the outside weather conditions.

• This sustainable feature makes it a viable option for cooling houses, as it utilizes natural resources without ongoing costs.

• The extensive research data from the US Department of Agriculture validates these consistent soil temperature measurements.

Key Components for a Successful Installation 04:14

"You have to do three things right, or you might as well not bother."

• Successful installation of the underground cooling system hinges on three critical parameters: digging deep enough (minimum 4 feet), using enough pipe, and ensuring proper grading of the pipe.

• The proper depth is essential to access cooler ground temperatures, while the recommended pipe length is 100 feet of 4-inch diameter pipe for every 1,000 square feet of living space.

• It is crucial to grade the pipe with a downward slope to enable moisture to drain away and prevent mold or unwanted odors; failing to do so results in system failure.

Simplified Installation Process for Homeowners 06:10

"You do not need 20 acres. You need a strip of yard about 60 ft long and 3 ft wide."

• Homeowners can implement this system even in small suburban lots by following a straightforward installation process, which does not require major yard disruption.

• Purchasing the right materials, including smooth wall SDR 35 sewer pipe and necessary fittings, is essential for efficient operation and longevity of the system.

• The installation involves digging a trench, laying the pipe with a slight downward slope, and connecting it through the home’s foundation, offering a practical and low-cost cooling solution.

The Value of Traditional Knowledge 09:45

"The knowledge survived with the plain people not because we were trying to hide it, but because nobody bothered to come take it from us."

• This segment reflects on how traditional skills and knowledge, particularly in construction, have persisted within communities like the Amish. The speaker emphasizes that these methods were not pursued by commercial interests, allowing them to remain unchanged.

• The scene is set with a reminder of the pioneering efforts of the speaker's great-grandfather who constructed an earth tube system in 1925 with basic tools, which provides a contrast to modern technological dependence.

Insights from Historical Records 10:25

"One of them belonged to a builder named Yacob who put up barns and houses all through Wayne and Holmes counties in the years after the Civil War."

• The speaker recalls a formative experience reading old farm ledgers that documented construction techniques from the 1880s, revealing lost wisdom.

• A critical detail discovered by the speaker relates to the design of earth tubes, specifically instructing how to create a small hump in the pipe to effectively manage condensation.

The Importance of Proper Air Management 11:50

"When the warm air enters the pipe and condenses, most of the water comes out in the first 60 to 70 ft where the temperature drop is the steepest."

• The speaker outlines that when warm air enters the earth tubes, condensation occurs primarily in the initial section of the pipe due to temperature drops.

• A 4-inch rise designed into the pipe captures the condensation. The moisture is then drained into a gravel pit to prevent it from impacting efficiency, ensuring that the air moving into the house is dehumidified and cool.

Practical Application of Earth Tube Design 12:27

"Build the pipe, slope it a quarter-inch to the foot. At 62 ft of run, put a 4-inch hump with a drain at the low side."

• Clear, specific instructions for building the earth tube system are provided. The emphasis is placed on the slope, hump design, and appropriate materials like stainless mesh to cap the intake.

• The speaker encourages viewers to invest a minimal amount of time and money into this energy-efficient system, appealing to those tired of high monthly utility bills.

Outdoor Excavation Considerations 14:09

"I have learned that the people who actually do this… run into the same four or five questions around hour three."

• The speaker anticipates common concerns that DIY users may have when installing their earth tube system, framing these as an opportunity to share expert guidance.

• Depth of the excavation is important, with regional differences noted for optimal soil temperatures, reinforcing the need for localized knowledge in construction practices.

Addressing Condensation and Mold Concerns 15:24

"The Amish solution is a simple slope, one inch of drop for every 10 ft of run pitched away from the house."

• A straightforward design solution is presented for managing condensation within the earth tubes, utilizing natural gravity to redirect excess water, thus eliminating the need for electrical components.

• Mold concerns are addressed, reinforcing that with proper maintenance, the system can remain clean and effective, even outperforming traditional ductwork in cleanliness.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Earth Tube Systems 16:39

"A central air unit pulling 3,500 W running 8 hours a day for 90 days of summer costs you $403 every single cooling season."

• The speaker provides a financial comparison, highlighting that traditional air conditioning systems incur significant long-term costs, while an earth tube system is a one-time investment with lower costs over time.

• By detailing potential savings over the years, the urgency to consider alternative cooling methods is clear, advocating for wiser investments in home energy efficiency.