ventilation for thru wall AC - please help...

[jying]

Definitely agree that the design of the layout is horrible. The question now is how can I fix it.

Will it help if I build a metal/wood funnel that leads from the back of the AC to the vent? That way, the hot air gets blown straight out the building instead of stagnating/swirling in the enclosed space.

I'm also thinking of drilling some holes on the top of the sheet metal enclosure so that it pulls in more air from the middle section.

Other options I'm considering are installing an exhaust fan in the vent so that it pushes the hot air out of the back. or ripping out the current vent, expanding the hole in the back and putting in a larger vent.

Which of these would you say have the best chance of working?

thx,
Jim

[pushkins]

Make the vent bigger, as big as possible.
Adding an exhaust fan as well would be a good idea too, BUT the problem you face there is you don't want the exhaust fan running all the time, just when the A/C is, so you may well need to get in contact with an electrician for the appropriate wiring needs.
If this is a condo unit you probably won't be allowed to make the vent bigger anyway. CHECK WITH MANAGEMENT FIRST !!!!!!!