4 Super Cool Ways To Hide Your Unsightly Outdoor Air Conditioner
Posted on: 4 February 2015
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Your air conditioner is one of the most critical components of your home, and it's important to ensure that it is kept in excellent working condition. However, that doesn't mean that you have to have your unit hanging out on the side of your house for all the world to see. Hiding your air conditioning unit can improve the look of your landscaping and your curb appeal, and is actually a lot simpler than it sounds. Here are 4 super cool ways to hide your outdoor air conditioner, no matter the season.
1. Create an Air Conditioner Screen From Re-Purposed Wood Pallets
Wood pallets can be used for a variety of home improvement projects, including creating a screen for your outdoor air conditioning unit. Wood pallets are perfect, because they offer maximum coverage while still allowing for plenty of airflow. You'll need 3-4 pallets, and you'll set each one up vertically against the side of your air conditioner unit. Place the last pallet horizontally over the top of the air conditioner, and adhere the pallets to each other with strong zip ties. Leave one pallet loose so you can remove it easily for air conditioner maintenance. Leave the pallets a natural wood color, or paint them to match the exterior of your home.
2. Set Up a Plant Trellis
If boxing your air conditioner in with pallets doesn't sound like something you want to do, consider surrounding your air conditioner with a plant trellis. A hinged trellis with more than one panel is best, since you can maneuver it to cover the area around your air conditioner as much as possible. Put the trellis a minimum of 2 feet away from your unit, and plant climbing vines like morning glories or roses. Over time, the plants will cover the trellis and obscure your air conditioner. This is a perfect way to create a garden-like area outside, even if you don't have much space.
3. Invest in an Artificial Shrub or Hedge
Do you like the look of lush plants all around your house, but are worried that your A/C unit will kill anything living that is too close to it? The solution is simple. Invest in an artificial shrub or hedge that is designed to surround your air conditioner without compromising its efficacy. The artificial leaves won't get stuck in your unit's fan like a real shrub would, and it stays green year-round. It's the perfect choice for those who want to cover their air conditioner unit with something natural looking, but don't want to have to tend to it.
4. Build a Cinder Block Vertical Garden
Cinder blocks are relatively inexpensive and easy to put up, and can make a great cover for your outdoor air conditioning unit. Simply build a "wall" around each side of your air conditioner with cinder blocks, alternating between putting them vertically or on the side. Once the walls are finished, place potting soil and plants of your choice in the "holes" that you created by placing some of the cinder blocks on their side. You can also fill the top with potting soil and plant flowers or greenery there for an extra lush look.
Use your creativity to discover unique ways to hide your air conditioner unit without affecting its ability to cool your home or run efficiently. Consult an air conditioning professional before you build a cover to make sure your idea won't affect your unit negatively in any way. No matter what you choose to do, you'll love staying cool in the summer while keeping the outside of your home looking great.