How To Conceal Your Air Conditioner Unit

Are you wondering how you can conceal your unsightly air conditioner unit? We don’t blame you.

So, we put together some DIY tips and clever ways you can cover up your unsightly AC while increasing the curb appeal of your home.

In this report, you will find answers to questions like:

What are the most creative ways to cover an outdoor AC unit?
Where can you buy the supplies you need to make a DIY AC unit cover?
What are the most effective ways of concealing your outdoor air conditioner?
Are there any air conditioner covers you should avoid?

We promise you will have all the inspiration you need to camouflage the eyesore in your outdoor space in a safe and appealing way by the time you finish reading this article. So, let’s get started.

What's In This Guide?

Are Air Conditioner Covers Safe?

The most important thing to consider is safety. Before you purchase a cover or make one, you need to know that it is not going to damage your HVAC system.

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So, here are a few guidelines to follow when you are concealing your air conditioner.

Do Not Drape Anything Over Your AC

Putting a piece of cloth or other materials on top of your outdoor air conditioner is very dangerous. Not to mention, if anything gets caught in the condenser unit, it could cause catastrophic damage to your HVAC system.

Maintain Adequate Airflow

Proper airflow is also necessary to keep your system running well. As a rule of thumb, you should use a cover with plenty of ventilation and there should be a gap of 3 to 6 inches on all sides of the air conditioning unit.

Do Not Trap Heat Or Moisture

Do not use a cover that traps in heat or moisture. That is a breeding ground for mold and a prime location for rodents looking for shelter during the winter.

What Are The Best DIY Ideas For Covering Your AC?

Do you love doing things yourself? If so, you will enjoy making an attractive cover for your air conditioner. You can find all of the supplies you need on Amazon or at your local Home Depot.

Depending on what you already have laying around your home that you can use, you should be able to put together a great AC cover for under $250. If you are thrifty and do not mind looking for free materials, you might be able to do it for much less.

Plant Greenery

Planting greenery is an excellent way to stop people from staring at your air conditioner as they pass your house. The only problem is that you will have to be diligent about keeping the leaves away from the outside unit.

Otherwise, the leaves can quickly collect in the condenser which could damage your outdoor unit. That is why it is best to use a trellis or private screen to cover the unit and then, cover that with a climbing plant.

You can even use different plants to create the screen if you want to make it more vibrant and lively.

Build A Picket Fence

Everyone wants a white picket fence, right? So, why not build one around your air conditioner unit outside? It is a cute way to hide an AC unit on the side of the house.

Plus, it is a fairly inexpensive method. If a white picket fence is not your cup of tea, you can paint it another color or use slats instead of pickets.

If you want more information on creating a fence around your AC, check out this video:

Make An Air Conditioner Screen

You can hide your outdoor unit behind an air conditioner screen just like you can hide behind a privacy screen. Screens are also a suitable option because they are typically easier to install and move.

Just do not forget to bring your screen indoors if there is a bad storm or the winds are strong because unlike a more substantial cover, strong winds can pick up an air conditioner screen and send it crashing into your house.

Hide Air Conditioner Units With A Garden

A vertical garden is an excellent way to hide air conditioners. You can easily make one using pallets which you can often find free on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

How Can You Conceal Your AC If You Do Not Want To DIY?

DIY projects are not for everyone. But, do not worry. There are plenty of concealment options that involve very little to no DIY.

Use An Expandable Privacy Fence

One of the easiest, most affordable, and safest ways to conceal your AC unit quickly is to purchase an expandable privacy fence.

These fences come with a variety of artificial flowers, too. So, you can decorate your space with your favorite climbing plants.

The fences with fake foliage also do a better job of disguising your AC unit. If you want to completely cover your AC, while still maintaining plenty of room for airflow to your condenser, these expandable fences are perfect.

Just buy four of the fence segments if you want to cover your unit on all sides. Creating a box out of the pieces is very easy.

All you have to do is zip tie them together on the ends to form a square. After they are connected, you should still be able to shape them to create a square around the unit.

Did You Know How To Conceal Your Air Conditioner Unit Facts

Buy A Ready Made Cover

Is putting up an expandable fence still too much work for you? If so, you should know, you do not have to be crafty to disguise your AC.

All you have to do is conduct a search for AC covers on your favorite shopping site. There are great covers available at stores like Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and on online retail sites like Amazon and eBay.

Before you purchase anything, make sure to take measurements. You need to be sure that anything you buy has plenty of room for your air conditioner.

Hire A Handyman or Carpenter

If you do not want to mess with your air conditioner, the easiest way to conceal it is to call a handyman or carpenter. These professionals can give you ideas for different ways that you can conceal your air conditioner.

By working with a carpenter, you can create a truly one of a kind cover that practically turns your AC eyesore into a decorative piece that adds to your outdoor living space.

Final Thoughts On Concealing Your Air Conditioner

Trash cans, weeds, uncut grass, and a clunky air conditioner can make you feel like you live in an ugly duckling house. You do not have to worry though, covering your air conditioner is a simple home improvement job that improves your home’s aesthetic.

It is important for your space, indoors and outdoors, to be comfortable and inviting for your friends and family. Nothing takes away from an outdoor space quite like a central air unit.

So, turn your ugly duckling into a swan by making a vertical garden or an adorable miniature fence to conceal it. If you have any questions about your DIY or store-bought cover, call your HVAC maintenance company or ask them at your next scheduled HVAC maintenance appointment.