7 Ways to Hide an AC Unit

In many parts of the country, air conditioning is a necessity, not a luxury. And even in those areas where it doesn’t get quite as hot, nothing beats walking into a nice, cool home on a warm summer’s day. Your AC unit keeps your family comfortably cool all summer long— without it, you’d be sweating and struggling to sleep. 

But even the best AC units can be a bit of an eyesore. The most efficient, quietest air conditioner still requires an outdoor condenser to work, and these tend to be rather large, utilitarian boxes that can mar the appearance of your flower beds and landscaping. But you don’t have to look at that ugly AC condenser all summer long, or ever really, unless it needs a tune-up. Here are seven safe, stylish ideas to hide an AC unit outside.

1. Plant shrubs around it

Yes, you can plant shrubs around your AC condenser, but they should be at least two or three feet away, otherwise they might restrict the flow of air into the condenser or clog it with fallen leaves and branches. Choose tall shrubs that will grow up enough to hide your AC unit. You may want to shape them, too.

2. Put a fence around it

Plenty of homeowners choose to hide a unit with air conditioner fencing of some kind. You have several options for fencing around an AC condenser. As long as the fencing allows air to flow freely around the unit, it should be fine. As with the shrubs— or anything else you put around your AC condenser— keep about two feet of empty air around the unit.

Some fencing choices for hiding your AC include a latticework fence, which you can decorate with paint and hang with flower pots or birdhouses. Some homeowners choose a picket fence or repurpose old window shutters into a shabby-chic screen. If you’re short on time or just not that into DIYing, you can buy a ready-made air conditioner privacy screen to place around your AC unit.

3. Cover it with a nice wooden box

One really attractive option for hiding an AC unit is to cover it with a nice, well-ventilated wooden box. Choose a long-lasting wood like cedar or redwood, and construct the box with slats or louvers so that plenty of air can flow through. Build the box with a removable top so that your HVAC Pro can still access the unit for AC tune ups.

4. Place a trellis around it

A nice iron trellis can provide a stylish cover for your eyesore AC, especially when you train vining flowers to grow up over it. Choose perennials like trumpet vine, wisteria, climbing hydrangea, or climbing roses, or easy-to-grow annuals like moonflower, black-eyed Susan, or morning glory.

5. Turn it into a mini tool shed

Need a place to store your garden tools? Don’t have much room for a shed?  Add a small tool storage compartment in a pyramid shape on top of your AC cover. Just make sure that the tools don’t interfere with the ventilation your AC needs and that your Pro can still access the unit.

6. Build a ventilated structure around it

If you have the room and the inclination, it might be easier to build a large shed surrounding the AC unit with extra room for tools and other storage. Build slatted or louvered walls to allow ventilation for your AC unit. Build it large enough to hide your lawnmower, pool stuff and other eyesores.

7. Plant a vertical garden around it

Vertical gardens are a great way to grow herbs, strawberries or salad greens in a limited space. If you’re more interested in decorative gardening, vertical plantings are also an attractive way to arrange succulents, vining plants or flowers.

Build a vertical garden around your AC unit using upcycled wooden pallets or wooden crates. Grab some lumber and build your own custom vertical gardening containers. For extra height, add some flower boxes to the top. Allow vining plants room to hang down and shield your AC unit from view or choose tall, vibrant flowers that will fill in the gaps.

How to hide a wall AC unit

When it comes to hiding a wall AC unit, the key is getting it to blend seamlessly into the aesthetics of your space. You might use decorative vent covers that match your interior design to disguise the unit without blocking airflow. Alternatively, you can build a custom cabinet around the unit, as long as your AC unit remains accessible and gets good ventilation.

Things to keep in mind when you hide your AC unit

• Make sure you leave enough room around the unit for Pros to access it easily for regular maintenance or repairs. Designing your cover or enclosure with removable panels or hinged/sliding doors allows for easy access.
• Your AC needs to be able to ventilate properly to work most efficiently. Whatever you choose to hide the unit shouldn’t block the airflow– opt for perforated materials or lattice designs, and regularly inspect and clean the area around the unit to present blockage.
• Choose materials that can withstand the elements. The last thing you want is your air conditioner fencing or screen deteriorating.
• Double-check that whatever you’ve used to hide your air conditioner is securely held in place, so you can avoid any accidents or elements tipping over.

Stay cool and covered with American Home Shield®

You depend on your AC unit to keep your family comfortable during the summer, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t kind of an eyesore. Hiding your AC unit behind a stylish trellis, vertical garden, fence or hedge can help maintain the look of your landscaping. And when something goes wrong with your AC or you’re ready for an upgrade, American Home Shield has solutions. Join today to start enjoying the perks — and savings — of a home warranty.

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.