Outdoor air conditioning units are a must-have for keeping your home cool, especially during Australia’s scorching summers. But let’s be honest, while they do an excellent job at keeping your house comfortable, they don’t exactly enhance your backyard’s aesthetic.
If you’re wondering how to hide an outdoor air conditioning unit without blocking airflow or causing maintenance issues, you’re in the right place. The good news is there are plenty of creative, practical, and stylish ways to help your unit blend seamlessly into your outdoor space.
Let’s dive into the best ways to hide your outdoor air conditioning unit while keeping it running efficiently.
Things to Consider Before Hiding Your AC Unit
Before you start covering up your AC unit, it’s important to think about how your chosen method will affect its performance. When assessing your outdoor space, think about different ways to mount, hide, or camouflage outdoor units to ensure they blend in aesthetically without blocking airflow, trapping heat, or complicating maintenance. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Airflow and Ventilation
Your AC unit needs space to “breathe.” Modern refrigerated cooling cools by removing heat from the air and expelling the hot air outside. If airflow is restricted, it has to work harder to cool your home, which can lead to:
- Higher energy bills: More effort means more electricity use.
- Overheating: A unit struggling for air can overheat, leading to breakdowns.
- Reduced lifespan: Overworked systems wear out faster.
When planning your cover, screen, or enclosure, leave plenty of open space around the unit. Most manufacturers provide specific clearance recommendations, so check your AC manual before building anything around it.
Easy Access for Maintenance
Your air conditioner will need servicing and occasional emergency repairs. If you completely box it in, a technician may struggle to access the parts they need to clean or fix.
A good rule of thumb: make sure at least one side is easily removable or has a door that allows access. This keeps maintenance easy and stress-free.
Choosing the Right Materials
Not all materials are suitable for hiding an outdoor AC unit. Modern refrigerated cooling functions by extracting heat from the air and releasing the heated air outdoors. The best options should be:
- Weather-resistant (rain, sun, and wind can wear things down)
- Non-flammable (to avoid fire hazards)
- Sturdy but breathable (good airflow is key)
Great choices include:
- Treated timber (natural look, durable with proper treatment)
- Metal panels (modern and sleek)
- Composite materials (long-lasting and low maintenance)
Avoid using solid plastic or anything that traps heat, as this can impact your AC’s performance.
Best Ways to Hide Your Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit
Now, onto the fun part. If you’re looking for creative ways on how to hide your outdoor air conditioning unit, here are some stylish and practical ideas to consider.
1. Use Decorative Screens or Panels
One of the easiest and most effective ways to hide your outdoor air conditioning unit is with decorative screens or panels. Additionally, using wall decor along with these screens or panels can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space. These come in a variety of styles and materials, so you can match them to your home’s aesthetic.
Popular options include:
- Lattice panels: A classic choice that allows for airflow while covering the unit.
- Trellises: Great if you want to add some greenery.
- Custom AC screens: Specifically designed for this purpose, with built-in ventilation.
Make sure the screen isn’t too close to the unit, and keep it easily removable for maintenance.
2. Disguise It with Landscaping
If you’d rather go for a more natural look, why not hide your outside air conditioning unit with plants? This method blends your AC into the garden while adding some greenery to your outdoor space.
It’s important to select heat-tolerant plants that can withstand summer heat, ensuring they thrive and do not affect the efficiency of your cooling system.
Best plants to use:
- Tall shrubs: Like bamboo or ornamental grasses.
- Potted plants: Flexible and easy to move if needed.
- Climbing vines on a trellis: A stylish way to incorporate greenery without restricting airflow.
Make sure plants don’t grow too close to the unit. Leave at least 30-60 cm of clearance and trim regularly to prevent overgrowth.
3. Build a Wooden or Lattice Enclosure
A simple wooden enclosure can be an attractive way to cover your AC unit. Lattice is especially great because it provides both coverage and ventilation.
Things to consider when building an enclosure:
- Leave gaps or slats for air circulation.
- Make at least one panel removable for maintenance access.
- Use weatherproof finishes to protect the wood.
If you want a sleek, modern look, you can also use metal or composite enclosures instead of wood.
4. Incorporate It into Outdoor Furniture
Why not turn your AC cover into something useful? If your unit is near a patio or deck, consider integrating it into multi-functional furniture like:
- Storage benches: Hide the unit inside a bench with a hinged lid.
- Outdoor kitchen cabinetry: If you have an alfresco dining space, a cabinet can disguise your AC while adding storage.
- Deck skirting: If your unit is near a deck, build it into the skirting for a seamless look.
Just ensure there’s enough ventilation to prevent overheating.
5. Install a Small Fence or Trellis
Fencing off the AC unit is a simple yet effective way to hide it.
Material options:
- Treated timber
- Vinyl fencing
- Metal panels
Adding a trellis with climbing plants (like jasmine or ivy) can make it even more visually appealing. Just keep the plants trimmed.
Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, some common mistakes can harm your AC’s performance. Avoid these pitfalls:
Blocking airflow: Always leave enough space for air circulation.
- Using the wrong materials: Avoid solid plastic or anything flammable.
- Making maintenance difficult: Your unit should be easy to access for servicing.
- Ignoring weather conditions: Pick materials that can handle heat, rain, and UV exposure.
- Not checking local regulations: Some councils have rules on outdoor modifications. Check before building.
Easy AC Maintenance Tips
A hidden AC unit still needs regular maintenance. Keep your system running smoothly by:
- Trimming surrounding plants: Prevent overgrowth from blocking airflow.
- Clearing debris: Remove leaves, dirt, and clutter around the unit.
- Inspecting for blockages: Ensure ventilation is always open.
- Scheduling professional servicing: Regular maintenance keeps it working efficiently.
Need Help? Contact the Experts
If you want professional advice on how to hide an outdoor air conditioning unit without affecting its performance, we’re here to help. At Busselton Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, we provide expert AC installation, maintenance, and repair services to keep your system running at its best.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or service.