Your home is your castle, and for many homeowners, the exterior of our homes is also a huge point of pride. We take care of flaking paint, repair gutters, maintain landscaping and install patios and other hardscape to make our gardens and yards a real oasis for family and friends to enjoy.
And then there’s that big steel box sitting on the side of the house. That unit just sits there in all its ugliness and you think, “Gosh I wish there was an easy way to hide that thing.” There is. In fact, there are quite a few ways and Maertin Heating and Cooling is here to explain how.
(Full disclosure: we here at Maertin think nothing is more stunning, beautiful and awe-inspiring than a properly maintained air conditioning unit, but we’ve heard that some people believe otherwise.)
First, Some Rules
You might think covering up the unit with a decorative box is a simple solution. Not so. In fact, your HVAC’s condenser unit needs space to breathe, especially from the top. Keep the top of your unit – and the space above it – completely free and clear to maintain proper airflow and avoid burning out your unit, leading to a less efficient unit and expensive repair bills.
In order to work properly, your outside AC unit need air flow around the sides too. If you block perimeter air flow by placing screening too close to the unit, your air conditioner will have to work harder to cool your home. This will result in higher energy bills and the potential failure of your air conditioner. Most manufacturers recommend air conditioners have at least 12 inches of clearance on all sides, and at Maertin, we agree. This spacing not only helps your unit run more efficiently, it also allows us to maintain your unit more easily.
Structure Options
Privacy screens or lattice
Freestanding privacy screens and lattice are available in a number of different patterns and colors and can blend perfectly with your yard’s decor. When space is tight, these screens can be placed about 12 inches from your unit and then removed when Maertin services your air conditioner. They can also be removed in the fall and winter to prevent leaves and snow from building up around and on your unit.
A picket fence
Picket fences are the traditional landscaping feature for American homes and look positively charming with nearly any home style.
You can buy a premade picket fence or build one yourself. Traditionally, these fences are made of wood, painted white, and have vertical slats. When you are looking for a more unique and modern look, consider running the wooden slats horizontally. The open space between slats will help give your unit the room it needs to “breathe.”
Select a treated wood, or a wood recommended for the outdoors, such as cedar. Seal the wood to give it a longer life. Position a picket fence at least 24 inches from the unit on all sides.
Trellising
An iron or wooden trellis can also camouflage your AC unit. This is a simple and easy solution providing near-instant results. Place the trellis at least 24 inches from your unit, and sink the supports at least 24 inches into the ground. The air around your unit is hot and dry, so select plants that can tolerate those conditions. Consider clematis, climbing roses (bonus – you’ll enjoy fragrance!) trumpet vine (bonus – you’ll enjoy hummingbirds!) or grapevines (bonus – you’ll enjoy grapes!) and no one will even know your air conditioner is there.
Speaking of plants…
Plant Options
Shrubs
Fast-growing shrubs are weaker and shorter-lived than slow-growing shrubs, but a mix of varieties can give you coverage soon and last for many years. Avoid varieties with thorns or prickles, as these can be dangerous when the unit is being serviced. When you choose shrubs to mask your AC unit, they will need to be regularly maintained and pruned to allow proper air flow.
Perennials and Grasses
Pampas grass grows tall in just one season, up to 10 feet tall when the plant is happy with the spot. While it does spread up to 6 feet wide, it can be thinned every few years to keep the clearance needed. Coneflowers, foxglove, Russian sage, big Joe-Pye weed and hollyhock also grow tall enough to screen your AC unit. These plants will take a few years to properly establish, and should be thinned to allow proper air flow every few years.
Planter Boxes and Large Planters
Stacking large planter boxes or containers around your AC unit will keep it accessible and make it attractive. Once the boxes or containers are in place, you can plant a variety of flowers and plants that make sense for light, temperature and soil. and the desired height of your coverage. Choose planters high enough to conceal the unit and choose plants that will tolerate hot and dry conditions. Water frequently to keep plants healthy.
Your AC unit doesn’t have to just sit there looking ugly; hiding it is a relatively easy DIY project. When you have any questions about your screening, clearance or unit safety, just contact us. We are always happy to help!
