Let's face it, AC units are not cool

More and more homeowners are turning to whole house air conditioning to beat the heat. But let's face it, as lovely as indoor cool air is, your air conditioning unit (the workhorse) isn't something you want front and center. Hiding them however can be tricky as you don't want to compromise their efficiency?

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

When considering how to hide your AC unit, keep in mind the manufacturer's requirements and restrictions - understanding how your air conditioner works and what keeps it efficient is key. If you skip this step, you risk reduced efficiency or even cause unintentional damage to the system itself.

Ensuring proper air flow should be your top priority. Your AC unit works hard to cool the inside of your home and needs to vent a lot of heat. Check the manufacturer’s recommended distances before installing any sort of enclosure or cover. You can also consult with an HVAC professional to ensure that hiding your AC does not cause damage to the system or limit access necessary for regular system repair and maintenance.

3 TIPS FOR HIDING YOUR AC UNIT

AC systems, while they provide much needed relief from the heat, can be an eye sore. No one wants to have their AC unit front and center in their garden - it doesn't add to a home's curb appeal and can detract from an otherwise stellar landscaping! The good news is that hiding your outdoor AC unit can be easy. There are many options! Consider one of these three:

1) DECORATIVE FENCE, BOX OR SCREEN There are a variety of decorative and creative ways of hiding your AC unit. For example, you could build a wall or fence in front of or around the unit to hide it. You may also consider building a trellis and growing vines such as clematis or roses around the unit. With any of these options, make sure your decorative solution does not block air flow or limit a technicians ability to access and service the unit.

Ready made screens

These are easy to find. Stores like Home Depot and Lowes offer lots of options. I even found some great screens on Amazon (of course, what don't they have?). Online shopping sites like Wayfair also offer some easy and attractive options. 

Build your own

Looking for an easy DIY project? Creating your own can be a simple weekend project due to the size and accessibility of the AC units. As an added bonus, you can design one that blends seamlessly with your homes aesthetic - modern, traditional, colonial, cottage, etc. 

2) HIDE WITH PLANTS A natural way to hide your AC unit is to use landscaping. The best thing about this is that you can be entirely creative. You can select colorful flowers or plants, planting them to block your view of the unit. Be sure to pick plants that are ever green - shedding leaves can lead to problems. If you need more frequent access, plant in portable planters. Whatever you plant, be sure to keep plants trimmed and make sure they are no closer than 2 to 3 feet from the unit to allow for access.

3) MOVE THE UNIT ENTIRELY This is perhaps the most expensive method of hiding your AC unit. To save on costs, it is best to move the unit when you are ready to replace the HVAC system. However, it is important to note that moving the equipment does not necessarily help you in hiding the AC unit. It simply means that you are able to take it to a place that you feel does not interfere with your landscaping and entertaining needs. There will be limitations on where your system can be placed, so make sure to consult a professional.

I hope these tips help.

Until next time,

la chasse au bonheur