Raymond WhitneyAre you looking for a simple method to conceal the air conditioning unit that is located outside your home?
In this article, we will offer a few popular ways that you may hide your outside air conditioning unit and lead you through the process of hiding it step by step.
After we had completed everything, I was left wondering why I hadn’t done it sooner.
I was able to do it in only one afternoon because it was so simple and quick.
Rules For Hiding Outdoor AC Unit
Keep these two rules in mind when you’re looking for ways to hide your unit:
- A repair worker needs to have easy access to the unit in order to conduct repairs and perform regular maintenance. As a result, whatever structure you erect must have enough room for a repair main to pass through it.
- Make sure it’s vented – Make sure the air conditioner is well-ventilated. The primary function of an air conditioner is to remove hot air from the interior of a building. A construction or enclosure that inhibits air movement around the unit is not something you want to do.
Your AC unit’s function should not be affected because you want to mask its appearance. A new AC is a significant investment, so make sure the enclosure you design protects it.
Your AC unit’s function should not be jeopardised because you want to mask its appearance. A new AC is a significant investment, so make sure the enclosure you design protects it.
How To Fence Around AC Unit
We just bought a new AC unit, which is why this whole article came up. We asked them to move the unit a few feet during the installation so that it wasn’t right next to our deck which was wonderful. But it’s still close to the deck and not very nice to look at.
In fact, the whole area doesn’t look very nice, so I came up with a plan for a fence screen that can be moved out of the way to hide the AC.
When I come up with a design, my main goal is to make sure there is enough airflow around the AC unit. Like the second rule, you have to make sure there is enough airflow.
I didn’t want to build anything that would make it not work right since it was brand new.
Also, little research I did showed that you should leave at least 12 inches of space around your air conditioner.
My second concern was that the screen should be easy to take off for annual service.
This is the same as rule #1. Most AC repairmen will need 3–4 feet of space around the unit to work on it and do maintenance.
On blogs that show off AC unit enclosures, I’ve seen comments from AC repairmen. Most of them say that the enclosures are too close to the unit and will cause it to break down faster than if there wasn’t an enclosure.
I’ve seen a few designs for screens that use lattice, but I’m not a big fan of that style. I thought I’d make my AC fence look like my fence, which has horizontal slats made of 14-inch cypress. Plus, I already had some scrap cypress around the house.
I made two horizontal slat frames with pressure-treated 22 legs out of the extra cypress boards. The legs will be longer than the slats, and they will fit inside two PVC pipes with a 2-inch diameter that is buried in the ground.
Materials Needed to Build the AC Fence
To make a screen 60 inches wide and 48 inches high, the following supplies are needed.
- (2) 2-inch PVC pipe (lowes sells PVC pipe that is 5 feet long) gives me 4 pieces at 15 inches long
- (10) 1×4 inch wide cypress slats cut to 60 inches
- (2) 2x2x96 pressure-treated legs cut to 60-66 inches long (this may vary as I explain below)
- (40) 1 ⅝ exterior screws
- Drill (We use the Dewalt Drill and Impact Driver Combo)
How Much Time to Build AC Enclosure
I was fortunate in that I already have most of the supplies and tools I needed to complete this project. It took me somewhere between 4-5 hours to complete the project.
After heading to the hardware shop, it would take me around 6-7 minutes to gather the materials.
How to Make a Fence to Hide Air Conditioner Unit
Even the PVC was cut with a mitre saw. This will make it easier for you to plant your PVC in the ground by making two 45-degree cuts to each half of your PVC. In order to cut the remainder of the slats, I start by measuring and cutting the first slat.
Instead of using the measuring tape for every cut, this method is both quicker and more precise.
The pressure-treated 2x2s should be noted. To find a few straight ones, you’ll have to sift through the entire stack at the hardware shop.
Due to the thin and pressure-treated nature of the wood, it is likely to deform significantly over time. Keeping things organized is easier when they are packaged in 6-packs.
They will warp if taken out of their packaging, so order them as soon as possible and create your screen that same day.
The first slat is laid across the top of the 2×2 legs to create the screen. With the legs tucked beneath the slat, I set it down on a level surface.
Ensure that the top slat is flush with the top and side of each leg before installing it. If necessary, a clamp can be used to prevent it from moving.
In order to prevent the cypress from splitting while drilling, I made sure that I pre-drill the wood.
After pre-drilling two holes, I screwed in 2 1 ⅝ exterior screws per side. I then use one of the slats turned vertically to create an even ¾ space between slats. Continue this way till you have all slats installed. Once you get the first slat on, the others go on very quickly.
After all the boards are attached, this is what the final screen will look like. Ideally, the legs should reach at least 8 inches beyond the slatted surface of the bed. Legs should be inserted into the PVC and buried deep enough to ensure the screen’s stability.
A mini-sledge helped me drive my PVC into the ground after I had located the best locations. A lucky find would be the absence of any roots.
A little pruner or hand spade could be used if you detect a root and it is close to the surface, but I used my hand spade.
PVC must be pounded to a depth that allows it to be picked up and cleaned of debris so that the leg can rest 12 inches within and be stable.
To make sure the spacing for the second leg was correct, I made one PVC piece at a time. Insert the legs into the PVC pipes you’ve already placed in the ground.
One of my legs was higher than the other when I inserted them into the sockets. A tiny sledge was all I needed to reduce the high side 2×2 because I reside in Florida, which has sandy soil. So I removed the screen legs from the PVC and inserted a small amount of soil into the lower PVC.
After a few tries, I was able to level the screen.
Because I didn’t want my second screen to be shorter than my first, I left my legs a little longer.
Once the PVC is in place, the next step is to align the second screen with the first. In order to measure the difference between the two screens, I slipped my legs into the PVC and then took the measurement.
I then sliced the bottom of my leg the same way. Getting the second screen leveled with the first was a two-step process. In order to reduce the amount of movement in my second screen, I added some additional stakes between the PVC and wood legs.
I’m pleased with how the screens turned out, and it’s great to be able to repurpose household waste into something helpful. Because of the screens, I’m eagerly awaiting an opportunity to grow some flowers.
23 Ways You Can Hide Your Air Conditioner Unit Outside
Here is a list of 22 inventive ways to conceal the air conditioning unit outside of your house while yet preserving its aesthetic value:
23. Build a Wooden Cover
Building a wooden covering around the outdoor air conditioning unit is the most typical method used for achieving the desired effect of concealing the unit.
Putting your own spin on this is not difficult at all! To construct your cover, you will need nothing more than some wooden boards, nails, and a hammer.
If you want there to be adequate ventilation, you need to make sure the cover is larger than the unit. In addition, make sure there are certain gaps between each plank for the same reason.
For assistance in making the cover for your AC, you may also get in touch with local carpentry services. If you engage service and provide them with all of the essential requirements (style, size, etc.), they will have a cover ready for you in no time!
In order to achieve a more ornamental look for the outdoor air conditioner cover, you can take further efforts, such as utilizing paints or plants.
22. Get Creative With an AC House
The construction of a wooden home can serve two purposes at once: it can both embellish your yard and conceal your condenser at the same time.
You have the option of constructing a home with a conventional gable roof, or you can choose to go in an entirely new direction.
A roof with a slope will make it easier for snow to slide off and will also act as a sunshade for the air conditioner.
You also have the option of painting your AC home in a variety of colors and decorating it with a variety of various stuff.
One thing to keep in mind is that the covering needs to be detachable; specifically, you ought to be able to raise it in order to access the AC unit in order to perform routine maintenance on it.
This strategy can also be an ideal way to conceal window air conditioners, which can be used either inside or outside the home.
21. Hide It Behind the Bushes
A complete air conditioner disguise can be achieved by planting large green shrubs, vines, or decorative trees in the area.
You don’t want to burn your bushes, so choose plant species that can withstand the condenser’s heat. You may try hydrangeas, roses, cymbidium orchids, and trumpet vines!
Plant the bushes in a way that allows for some space between them. Keep pruning them as they grow in order to keep the air flowing freely.
20. Make a Box With a Door
Making a wooden box is very similar to this process. Rather than removing an entire box, you can simply open the door for routine maintenance.
Even though it takes a little extra work, adding a door can be extremely beneficial in the long term.
19. Stack Planter Boxes in Front of the Unit
The best way to hide your condenser is to choose plants that can be left outside all year round.
Planter boxes large enough to hide the air conditioner outside can be used to accomplish this. Plant just those plants that can withstand the heat of an air conditioner.
The use of themed pots in bright colors can be a wonderful finishing touch!
18. Place the Outdoor Unit Inside Aluminum Slats
Creating a cover that is impervious to the elements or pests is a worthwhile goal.
Aluminum salts are the way to go!
Air conditioners can be concealed with these sturdy covers. The slats will endure a long time without any maintenance if they are installed correctly.
The slacks can also be used to construct more shelves on the side to improve your storage capacity!
17. Grow Vines Around Outdoor AC Unit
Trailing vines are another eco-friendly option for hiding the outdoor AC unit. The vines can be attached to a wooden structure and then placed around the unit.
If they aren’t fully grown, it will take a few months for them to grow. Adding some greenery is always a welcome addition, and it never fails to wow.
16. Create a Shed
If you already own a small shed, you can use it to house your air conditioner when the weather is nice.
There is an option if you don’t already have one, though.
Make sure there is enough room for ventilation around the device. The shed can always be used as a storage facility as well!
15. Place Decorative Ornaments
To cover your air conditioner, buy large ornamental things like vases with fake plants, mushrooms, and garden gnomes.
In addition to disguising the unsightly condenser unit, this technique allows you to beautify your yard.
14. Use a Door Screen
This is a novel approach to concealing your air conditioning unit from view. A door that can be painted any color would be required.
It may be necessary to join two doors together if one door is too small. Just make sure there are holes for air to get in and out.
For a more decorative look, you can put it in a mirror or a painting, or anything else you choose.
13. Use a Lattice Screen
This is a novel approach to concealing your air conditioning unit from view.
A door that can be painted any color would be required. It may be necessary to join two doors together if one door is too small. Just make sure there are holes for air to get in and out.
For a more decorative look, you can put it in a mirror or a painting, or anything else you choose.
12. Create a Cement Wall
Condenser cooling can be improved by stacking cement breeze blocks or screen blocks in front of the unit. Place miniature pots or other ornamental items between blocks if desired.
It is also possible to give each block a distinct color by painting it in a different hue or shade.
11. Circle Big Planters Around the Outside Unit
Make a ring around your air conditioning unit using some large pots, and do this outside. As a decorative accent, you might plant species that are able to withstand high temperatures, such as cosmo or viburnum.
10. Hide It With a Decorative Outdoor Air Conditioner Cloth Cover
If you don’t want to build a wooden cover or plant bushes to hide the outside unit of your air conditioner, you could buy a decorative cloth cover instead. They come in different colors and patterns, so you can choose the one you like best.
It’s a simple solution, but it only works when you’re not using your air conditioner. Such as when you’re on vacation or when it’s cold and you’d rather use another way to heat your home.
9. Make a Picket Fence Cover
You may have seen picket fences around gardens in the past. They have a charm that can’t be beaten, and they are a real classic.
Even though picket fences are more common in older homes, they never go out of style. They look great in modern homes, too, and can do a lot to hide your outdoor air conditioner.
Also, you don’t have to choose a picket air conditioner fence made of wood if you don’t want to. Vinyl, PVC, and metal are some other low-maintenance options.
Surround your outdoor HVAC unit with a fence until it is completely hidden. You can also add small birdhouses to make an attractive fence to hide your air conditioner.
8. Make a Big Storage Area
Out of places to store things in your home? We have a clever idea that can help you with your problem.
You might be able to build a storage unit if you hide the air conditioner outside. You can make a storage area big enough to hold all of your things and hide the air conditioner.
Just make sure you don’t put in too much so that your HVAC unit can’t get the air it needs to work.
7. Use Outdoor Privacy Screens
By putting up a privacy screen in front of the outdoor AC unit, you can keep your yard looking nice.
There are many different styles and colors of privacy screens to choose from. Pick the one that goes best with the rest of your garden decor! Add planters, chairs with decorations, and maybe even a bench to keep your garden looking great.
6. Wooden Wall With Small Plants
Use wooden planks to build a wall in this technique. Wall support should not be overlooked. The remaining planks can be used for that. Next, put it in front of the apparatus.
Purchase ring-shaped holders and place them into the planks for the installation of miniature pots. Put your planters in the ring holder, and you’re done.
5. Purchase Aluminum Screens
You’re not much of a do-it-yourselfer?
The outdoor air conditioner unit can be hidden behind a stylish aluminum screen.
To ensure your safety, it’s covered on one side but has open slots on the other for ventilation.
4. Use a Bamboo Fence to Enclose the Outside Unit
Bamboo sticks can be used as an inventive means of obstructing your condenser from obstructing your vision. Sizes range from small to large.
It will be difficult to build a bamboo fence around your air conditioner unit because bamboo is hefty. Consider hiring a professional.
The wonderful thing about bamboo is that you can stain it to match the other wood tones in your landscape while still looking fantastic.
3. Create a Stone Wall
Bamboo sticks can be used as an inventive means of obstructing your condenser from obstructing your vision. Sizes range from small to large.
It will be difficult to build a bamboo fence around your air conditioner unit because bamboo is hefty. Consider hiring a professional.
The wonderful thing about bamboo is that you can stain it to match the other wood tones in your landscape while still looking fantastic.
2. Use Iron Trellis
The iron trellis is a good choice for hiding your air conditioner outside.
Make it look like a piece of garden art by allowing vines like English Ivy to grow all over it.
If you don’t have the time or inclination to take on a DIY project, this option is for you.
1. Green Enclosures
If you have a green thumb and your AC is in a sunny area, why not grow something pretty or edible to hide your AC.
Here’s a planter box and trellis to help you along with your greenery screen enclosure.
Conclusion
We hope that by the end of this article, you will not only have a better notion of how to conceal your air conditioning unit, but also the courage to try your hand at constructing one on your own.
It is incredible to see how drastically different that compact space appears now that the unsightly AC unit is no longer visible.
