Keeping inside of bus cool - Skoolie Forum

09 Jun.,2025

 

Keeping inside of bus cool - Skoolie Forum

Is there an air conditioning unit that doesn't require the typical full A/C system . Looking for a way to keep the bus cool while working inside during the upcoming heated days in the Houston area. Don't think a fans gonna cut it. Anything 120v out there?

First of all, howdy from just barely south of you on I-45 in League City! So when it comes to coastal Texas heat and humidity, I know exactly what you are talking about...

If you are just setting up AC so you can work on the bus in the Houston summer, and of course this is going to depend on #1. How big the bus is, and #2. Are you keeping any of the windows?

How big will determine how much AC you will need, windows will determine where you can put it.

Portable ACs exist, I have one in my garage workshop. It's better than nothing, but not by much. Although they DO allow you to vent in a much more flexible way. Check the reviews on the portable units though. For the most part, and I am sure there has GOT to be one that isn't like this, but all of them I have seen are of incredibly poor build quality, leak condensation like crazy, and, well just don't cool well when they are working.

If you have to go rooftop, just go ahead and fork over the $$ for rooftop RV AC units and install / run them as you work. You are going to need them anyway if you are going to be staying anywhere near Houston metro from April through November...
Howdy from another Houstonian (near downtown)--- Quite a few Skoolies here.

I have yet to hear anything good about the "portable" A/C's. Mostly very negative reviews as noted in a earlier response...very little cooling effect...leaky. etc.

There are a ton of cheap but very effective window units these days. Much better units than our Pappy had to pick from. I am doing a permanent mount on an 8K btu unit in mine. Given how small my shorty is I am hoping it will do the job.
Id be pretty certian 1 or 2 decent mounted window units of proper BTU size would do just fine

In the long term, insulation and parking in the shade will save you A LOT of idling/generator/whatever your powering the AC with too. Much more of an effect than one naturally assumes.


Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk ifyou are working inside an uninsulated bus in houston summer? bring lots of water to drink.... even 100,000 BTU of factory bus A/C with the engine on wont cool a bus you have gutted out...

once you get the roof painted white and the ceiling down, insulated, and back up then you have a good chance with a couple of portable TWO HOSE A/C's or window units will do good..

you didnt mention your permanent A/C, but i would seriously look at Mini splits if you can swing them for your permanent Post-conversion A/C.. they are inverter / generator friendly and much more efficient than free standing or window units.
-Christopher Good responses so far. The OP didn't mention most of the important details but guessing...

Shade and insulation are super important - obviously.

I can recommend the RV rooftop units from experience. The 15k BTU models are in the $1k range. A 45' coach needs at least two of them. For Houston summer, probably four or five (guessing - no experience there). When ducted, the noise they make is rather minimal inside the coach.

I have experimented with one of the portable, two hose units (this one from Whynter) and it worked quite well. However; it is 14k BTU and won't perform magic. For a permanent solution, one would have to deal with the hoses and noise somehow.
ifyou are working inside an uninsulated bus in houston summer? bring lots of water to drink.... even 100,000 BTU of factory bus A/C with the engine on wont cool a bus you have gutted out...

once you get the roof painted white and the ceiling down, insulated, and back up then you have a good chance with a couple of portable TWO HOSE A/C's or window units will do good..

you didnt mention your permanent A/C, but i would seriously look at Mini splits if you can swing them for your permanent Post-conversion A/C.. they are inverter / generator friendly and much more efficient than free standing or window units.
-Christopher

As the old Studebaker ads say, ask the man that owns one. I do own a two hose portable AC, and it is horrible. Sorry to say it, but for most people the experience with consumer grade portable air conditioning is abysmal.

On the other issues though, you are spot on. Get the ceiling out, insulation out, and then insulated right and ceiling back up soonest possible, then your AC might have a chance of keeping you at least from dying in the heat.....

Paint the roof white / silver to reflect the heat, and if at all possible, work in the shade. And whatever you do, do NOT underestimate the value of air movement. Those big Home Depot air circulator fans https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ventamatic-20-in-High-Velocity-Floor-Fan-HVFF-20UPS/ Early in my build I had a 5k BTU window unit in mine. It made it somewhat comfortable once the sun was down. In the summer sun windows down was way better than that thing.

My 12k btu mini splits are in a completely different league. And now I have insulation.

This may not be welcome advice, but during the really messy phase of your build if you are in a hot climate, working at night may be the only way to keep from being miserable.

If the outer roof skin has sun on it and is bare to the inside, be prepared to cook like an egg inside during the day no matter what ac you run because of radiant heat transmission. Thanks for all the replies, advice and suggestions guy!

Few things:

1. Bus is 12 row sized

2. Bus is stationary (for the time being)

3. Bus is mostly stored under shade (just about all but dog nose)

4. Solution is temporary so looking for easiest route/cheapest route but, if keeping cool enough means spending a little money then I'm for it

5. I'm, at some point, Getting rid of the windows for RV style ones but that's a whole other situation

6. I intend to install a mini split A/C or 2 for my permanent A/C solution


I was looking at portable ac units before starting this thread but since a lot of the reviews of the ones I've looked at and the fact that it seems like installation required some type of hose, I didn't know. Like a few people suggested, I might go with a window unit.

One concern I have based on a few replies suggesting to take the inside ceiling skins down, old insulation out, put new insulation up and then new ceiling up is I was planning on taking the inside skins and insulation out as my next conversion step but wasn't quite ready to put new insulation or ceiling in yet. On top of that, if I do take the insulation out with the Houston summer heat creeping up seems like a bad idea..? On top of that, I wanna raise the roof on my build but am still researching the easiest way to go about that (aka, hesitating because I'm scared and have no experience nor knowledge )

At the end of the day, I'm leaning towards a window unit. Anyone ever install one in a skool bus with the stock windows? Hope its as easy as I imagine.

We Make It Easy - A Friendly Guide to Buying a School Bus

When it comes to buying a school bus, we know it can feel a little overwhelming. There are so many options, features, and regulations to think about, but don’t worry, we make it easy. At American Bus Sales, we believe in guiding you through every step of the process with simple, straight talk and expert support. Whether you’re buying for a school district, daycare, church, or even converting one into a mobile business or RV, we’re here to help you make the right choice with confidence.

Goto SONGZ to know more.

1. New vs. Used: What’s Right for You?

• Easier and less costly to maintain.

• Good for short, local routes or intermittent use.

• Tends to be quieter and cleaner-burning than older diesel models.

Alternative Fuels: Propane & Electric

• Propane: Lower emissions, quiet operation, and great for urban routes or environmentally conscious buyers.

• Electric: Zero emissions, extremely low operating cost, and increasingly popular in green-friendly districts.

Not sure which engine type is right for you? Let us know your route type, mileage, and goals, and we’ll help you make the most informed choice.

5. Financing and Leasing Made Simple

We understand that buying a bus is a big investment, and not everyone has the same financial situation. That’s why American Bus Sales offers flexible financing and leasing options to make your purchase manageable and affordable.

Looking for a lower monthly payment? Ask us about short-term and long-term leasing, a great way to get the bus you need with less upfront cost. We’re here to take the stress out of budgeting so you can focus on getting the right bus, not just the cheapest one.

6. Need Custom Features? We’ve Got You.

One size doesn’t always fit all, and that’s where our customization services come in. At American Bus Sales, we know every school, district, and organization has its own unique transportation needs. That’s why we specialize in offering a wide range of custom school bus features designed to enhance safety, comfort, efficiency, and even style.

Popular Custom Options:

• Wheelchair lifts and securement stations

• Additional seating or cargo areas

• Air conditioning and climate control systems

• New paint jobs

• Graphic wraps and decals for branding or personalization

If you have a special project in mind, our team will work with you to map out every detail, from blueprints to the final product. We love seeing buses transformed into something new!

7. Our Promise: Service After the Sale

Buying from American Bus Sales doesn’t end with a handshake. We believe in long-term relationships, and we’re always here for parts or even just advice down the road. Our nationwide shipping means we can get a bus to you no matter where you are in the U.S.

Let’s Get You Rolling

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading your fleet, American Bus Sales is your trusted partner in the journey. We believe buying a school bus should be easy, honest, and even fun. So, let’s talk, and let’s get you on the road with the right bus for your needs.

Contact Us

Contact Us Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM

Website: https://americanbussales.net/

: 1-866-574-

Address: North 103rd E Ave, Col

We ensure every bus meets DOT and FMVSS safety standards, and we can walk you through any state-specific requirements that may apply to you.

4. Engine Types and Fuel Options

The type of engine and fuel your bus runs on affects everything from operating cost to environmental impact. Here’s a breakdown of your main options:

Diesel Engines

• Built for power and longevity, the workhorse of most fleets.

• Best suited for long routes or hilly terrain.

• Slightly more expensive up front but often lower cost per mile.

Gasoline Engines

• Easier and less costly to maintain.

• Good for short, local routes or intermittent use.

• Tends to be quieter and cleaner-burning than older diesel models.

Alternative Fuels: Propane & Electric

• Propane: Lower emissions, quiet operation, and great for urban routes or environmentally conscious buyers.

• Electric: Zero emissions, extremely low operating cost, and increasingly popular in green-friendly districts.

Not sure which engine type is right for you? Let us know your route type, mileage, and goals, and we’ll help you make the most informed choice.

5. Financing and Leasing Made Simple

We understand that buying a bus is a big investment, and not everyone has the same financial situation. That’s why American Bus Sales offers flexible financing and leasing options to make your purchase manageable and affordable.

Looking for a lower monthly payment? Ask us about short-term and long-term leasing, a great way to get the bus you need with less upfront cost. We’re here to take the stress out of budgeting so you can focus on getting the right bus, not just the cheapest one.

6. Need Custom Features? We’ve Got You.

One size doesn’t always fit all, and that’s where our customization services come in. At American Bus Sales, we know every school, district, and organization has its own unique transportation needs. That’s why we specialize in offering a wide range of custom school bus features designed to enhance safety, comfort, efficiency, and even style.

Popular Custom Options:

• Wheelchair lifts and securement stations

• Additional seating or cargo areas

• Air conditioning and climate control systems

• New paint jobs

• Graphic wraps and decals for branding or personalization

If you have a special project in mind, our team will work with you to map out every detail, from blueprints to the final product. We love seeing buses transformed into something new!

7. Our Promise: Service After the Sale

Buying from American Bus Sales doesn’t end with a handshake. We believe in long-term relationships, and we’re always here for parts or even just advice down the road. Our nationwide shipping means we can get a bus to you no matter where you are in the U.S.

Let’s Get You Rolling

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading your fleet, American Bus Sales is your trusted partner in the journey. We believe buying a school bus should be easy, honest, and even fun. So, let’s talk, and let’s get you on the road with the right bus for your needs.

Contact Us

Contact Us Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM

Website: https://americanbussales.net/

: 1-866-574-

Address: North 103rd E Ave, Col

Safety is non-negotiable, especially when transporting children, elderly passengers, or vulnerable individuals. That’s why we place such a strong emphasis on inspections, upgrades, and compliance.

Key Safety Features to Consider:

• Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) for controlled stopping.

• Flashing lights and stoparms to protect students during pickup and drop-off.

• Seat belts are now required in some states and are a smart upgrade for any buyer.

• Emergency exits and roof hatches were inspected and clearly marked.

• Backup cameras and sensors to improve visibility and prevent accidents.

• Child checks reminder systems to ensure no student is ever left behind.

We ensure every bus meets DOT and FMVSS safety standards, and we can walk you through any state-specific requirements that may apply to you.

4. Engine Types and Fuel Options

The type of engine and fuel your bus runs on affects everything from operating cost to environmental impact. Here’s a breakdown of your main options:

Diesel Engines

• Built for power and longevity, the workhorse of most fleets.

• Best suited for long routes or hilly terrain.

• Slightly more expensive up front but often lower cost per mile.

Gasoline Engines

• Easier and less costly to maintain.

• Good for short, local routes or intermittent use.

• Tends to be quieter and cleaner-burning than older diesel models.

Alternative Fuels: Propane & Electric

• Propane: Lower emissions, quiet operation, and great for urban routes or environmentally conscious buyers.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit school bus air conditioner.

• Electric: Zero emissions, extremely low operating cost, and increasingly popular in green-friendly districts.

Not sure which engine type is right for you? Let us know your route type, mileage, and goals, and we’ll help you make the most informed choice.

5. Financing and Leasing Made Simple

We understand that buying a bus is a big investment, and not everyone has the same financial situation. That’s why American Bus Sales offers flexible financing and leasing options to make your purchase manageable and affordable.

Looking for a lower monthly payment? Ask us about short-term and long-term leasing, a great way to get the bus you need with less upfront cost. We’re here to take the stress out of budgeting so you can focus on getting the right bus, not just the cheapest one.

6. Need Custom Features? We’ve Got You.

One size doesn’t always fit all, and that’s where our customization services come in. At American Bus Sales, we know every school, district, and organization has its own unique transportation needs. That’s why we specialize in offering a wide range of custom school bus features designed to enhance safety, comfort, efficiency, and even style.

Popular Custom Options:

• Wheelchair lifts and securement stations

• Additional seating or cargo areas

• Air conditioning and climate control systems

• New paint jobs

• Graphic wraps and decals for branding or personalization

If you have a special project in mind, our team will work with you to map out every detail, from blueprints to the final product. We love seeing buses transformed into something new!

7. Our Promise: Service After the Sale

Buying from American Bus Sales doesn’t end with a handshake. We believe in long-term relationships, and we’re always here for parts or even just advice down the road. Our nationwide shipping means we can get a bus to you no matter where you are in the U.S.

Let’s Get You Rolling

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading your fleet, American Bus Sales is your trusted partner in the journey. We believe buying a school bus should be easy, honest, and even fun. So, let’s talk, and let’s get you on the road with the right bus for your needs.

Contact Us

Contact Us Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM

Website: https://americanbussales.net/

: 1-866-574-

Address: North 103rd E Ave, Col

Before diving into features and specs, the first question to ask is: new or used? Each option comes with pros and considerations that depend on your budget, usage, and long-term plans.

New Buses

• Ideal for customers who want the latest safety features, improved fuel efficiency, and factory warranties.

• Perfect for high-use environments like public school systems or large charter fleets.

• Custom ordering allows you to select the exact layout and features you want from the ground up.

Used Buses

• Budget-friendly without sacrificing reliability.

• Great for startups, churches, daycares, and creative conversions like food trucks or RVs.

• At American Bus Sales, our used buses are thoroughly reconditioned, inside and out, and safety inspected before they ever hit our lot.

• Available immediately with less lead time than new builds.

Our team can help you weigh the cost-benefit of each option and make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

2. Choose the Right Size and Style

Not all school buses are created equal, and choosing the right size can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Think about how many passengers you need to transport, how often, and where you’ll be driving.

Types of Buses:

Type A (Mini Buses): Small but mighty. These seat between 10 and 30 passengers and are built on a cutaway van chassis. Great for special education programs, churches, and urban routes.

Type C (Conventional Buses): The classic yellow school bus. These seat up to 72 passengers and offer a balance between capacity and drivability. Built on a truck chassis with a front-engine design.

Type D (Transit-Style Buses): Known for its flat front and high capacity (up to 90 passengers). These are great for large districts or high-volume routes. Available in front- or rear-engine configurations.

Whether you need a small shuttle or a full-size people-mover, we’ll help you pick a bus that fits your operational needs perfectly.

3. Safety First: What to Look For

Safety is non-negotiable, especially when transporting children, elderly passengers, or vulnerable individuals. That’s why we place such a strong emphasis on inspections, upgrades, and compliance.

Key Safety Features to Consider:

• Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) for controlled stopping.

• Flashing lights and stoparms to protect students during pickup and drop-off.

• Seat belts are now required in some states and are a smart upgrade for any buyer.

• Emergency exits and roof hatches were inspected and clearly marked.

• Backup cameras and sensors to improve visibility and prevent accidents.

• Child checks reminder systems to ensure no student is ever left behind.

We ensure every bus meets DOT and FMVSS safety standards, and we can walk you through any state-specific requirements that may apply to you.

4. Engine Types and Fuel Options

The type of engine and fuel your bus runs on affects everything from operating cost to environmental impact. Here’s a breakdown of your main options:

Diesel Engines

• Built for power and longevity, the workhorse of most fleets.

• Best suited for long routes or hilly terrain.

• Slightly more expensive up front but often lower cost per mile.

Gasoline Engines

• Easier and less costly to maintain.

• Good for short, local routes or intermittent use.

• Tends to be quieter and cleaner-burning than older diesel models.

Alternative Fuels: Propane & Electric

• Propane: Lower emissions, quiet operation, and great for urban routes or environmentally conscious buyers.

• Electric: Zero emissions, extremely low operating cost, and increasingly popular in green-friendly districts.

Not sure which engine type is right for you? Let us know your route type, mileage, and goals, and we’ll help you make the most informed choice.

5. Financing and Leasing Made Simple

We understand that buying a bus is a big investment, and not everyone has the same financial situation. That’s why American Bus Sales offers flexible financing and leasing options to make your purchase manageable and affordable.

Looking for a lower monthly payment? Ask us about short-term and long-term leasing, a great way to get the bus you need with less upfront cost. We’re here to take the stress out of budgeting so you can focus on getting the right bus, not just the cheapest one.

6. Need Custom Features? We’ve Got You.

One size doesn’t always fit all, and that’s where our customization services come in. At American Bus Sales, we know every school, district, and organization has its own unique transportation needs. That’s why we specialize in offering a wide range of custom school bus features designed to enhance safety, comfort, efficiency, and even style.

Popular Custom Options:

• Wheelchair lifts and securement stations

• Additional seating or cargo areas

• Air conditioning and climate control systems

• New paint jobs

• Graphic wraps and decals for branding or personalization

If you have a special project in mind, our team will work with you to map out every detail, from blueprints to the final product. We love seeing buses transformed into something new!

7. Our Promise: Service After the Sale

Buying from American Bus Sales doesn’t end with a handshake. We believe in long-term relationships, and we’re always here for parts or even just advice down the road. Our nationwide shipping means we can get a bus to you no matter where you are in the U.S.

Let’s Get You Rolling

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading your fleet, American Bus Sales is your trusted partner in the journey. We believe buying a school bus should be easy, honest, and even fun. So, let’s talk, and let’s get you on the road with the right bus for your needs.

Contact Us

Contact Us Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM

Website: https://americanbussales.net/

: 1-866-574-

For more electric bus air conditionerinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.