Pointers to Keep in Mind Before Hiding Air Conditioning Unit
When concealing outdoor AC units, the critical factor is location. The equipment requires open space for proper ventilation. Key considerations include:
Open Space Requirements
The heat exchanger must dissipate heat effectively, necessitating approximately 2-3 feet of clearance around the unit for adequate airflow. Manufacturer guidelines should be consulted for specific requirements. Decorative covers that restrict airflow should be avoided, though ornamental plantings can work if they don’t obstruct circulation.
Maintenance and Accessibility
Outdoor components require periodic servicing. Per Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3000:2007 Amendment Two, “a lockable isolating switch needs to be fixed adjacent to the compressor unit.” Any cover solution must remain removable to allow technician access from all sides.
Local Building Codes
Generally, AC installation or covering requires no approval, though repositioning or raising units above 1.8 meters may need authorization. Covers must comply with local building codes and not interfere with manufacturer-specified electrical setups.
24 Simple Ways to Hide an Aircon Unit
- DIY Wooden Outdoor Air Conditioner Cover — Use wooden blocks or panels with spacing for airflow, keeping top and bottom free for ventilation. Apply polyurethane coats for durability.
- Build a Shade — Construct a decorative wooden frame overhead to protect from elements while maintaining proper air circulation.
- Use Flower Pots and Planters — Arrange small planters around the unit using slow-growing, low-debris species appropriate to sun conditions.
- Set Up a Lattice Enclosure — Install lattice panels or trellises, optionally with flowering vines for visual appeal.
- Shine a Mirror — Position mirrors strategically to redirect attention toward attractive landscape features; use weather-resistant frames.
- Use a Picket Fence — Install open-design fencing requiring minimal materials and maintenance.
- Add a Bamboo Screen — Use cost-effective screens in various shades, supporting them with beams if necessary.
- Build an Artificial Hedge — Employ UV-resistant artificial hedges requiring no trimming or maintenance.
- Create a Vertical Garden — Use hanging baskets, trellises, or floating shelves for space-efficient screening.
- Distract the Viewers — Create focal points using statues or specimen trees, or guide eyes along stone pathways.
- Recycle Old Doors — Repurpose old doors as screening, allowing climbing vines on posts for rustic charm.
- Build a Rock Wall — Construct 3-4 foot walls using rocks or bricks without mortar, with a 12-inch-deep foundation trench.
- Set up a Tool Shed — Install aluminum or wooden sheds with ventilation to provide both storage and concealment.
- Use Large-leaved Plants — Plant exotic species like Plantain Lily, Japanese Banana, or Elephant Ear.
- Plant Ornamental Grasses — Choose from feather reed grass, fountain grass, or switch grass in container plantings.
- Add Decorative Items — Incorporate birdbaths, pedestals, or garden sculptures matching the landscape aesthetic.
- Build a Cement Wall — Commission professional concrete walls with customizable patterns and planter-topped designs.
- Create a Mural — Paint or stencil artistic designs on walls or screens to redirect visual attention.
- Make Use of Garden Furniture — Position chairs, tables, or rope furniture to create partitions and barriers.
- Create a Private Space — Install pergolas with seating to provide shade and concealment simultaneously.
- Use Layered Planting — Employ multiple vegetation layers starting with nearby shrubs, progressing to taller specimen trees.
- Screen with Arbors and Arches — Place arbors with climbing vines as focal points, optionally with minimalist furniture.
- Use a Decorative Cover — Select “weather-resistant and breathable fabrics” rather than plastic; ensure proper sizing.
- Build a Garden Fountain — Create DIY fountains from recycled materials like flower pots or galvanized tubs with recirculated water systems.