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How to Hide an Outside AC Unit
How to Hide an Outside AC Unit. Relief from the sweltering heat makes the outside AC unit a welcome addition to your home. Although this is a much-needed appliance, it can distract from the appearance of your property. Using ordinary objects, you can make the area more appealing. The unit may even run more efficiently if your project provides...
Relief from the sweltering heat makes the outside AC unit a welcome addition to your home. Although this is a much-needed appliance, it can distract from the appearance of your property. Using ordinary objects, you can make the area more appealing. The unit may even run more efficiently if your project provides shade from sun.
Things You'll Need
Shovel
Plants
Tape measure
Pole digger
Hammer
Screwdriver
Chalk line
Level
Lattice panels
Posts
Screws or nails
Plant Covering
Leave room for airflow. Air conditioners need plenty of ventilation so before starting your project be sure not to crowd the unit.
Use vegetation that allows for both concealment and airflow. Make sure the plants you choose are evergreen and will grow tall enough to hide the unit. Buy plants that will thrive in the area around your AC unit. Take sunlight, shade and soil into consideration.
Prepare the area for planting by digging and turning over the soil. Plant bushes or shrubs at least 2 feet away from the unit. You may want to add color by using smaller flowering plants scattered at the base of the larger plantings.
Latticework
Leave 2 feet between the latticework and the unit and measure the area around the front and sides of the AC unit. Covering three sides will provide adequate coverage and still provide access to the unit. Mark the locations for the corner posts using a chalk line to make sure the posts will be in a straight line. Make a shallow pivot in the ground to mark where the posts will go.
Buy your supplies. A home store will also offer ideas for latticework designs.
Using a pole digger or shovel, dig a hole in the marked areas for the posts. The depth of the hole should be 1/4 of the pole length in order to support the weight of the project. Place a level on top of the poles to make sure they are level. Backfill the poles with dirt and pound it down with the underside of the shovel. Install the lattice panels using the nails or screws provided.
Tips & Warnings
If you purchase taller bushes you will have an instant covering for your AC unit instead of having to wait for the plants to grow.
If you decide to paint your latticework, do so before installing it. Make sure you leave enough space between the panels and the house to allow access to the unit for repairs. Vining plants can be planted in front of the lattice panels. They will climb the latticework and make a colorful presentation.
You may have a problem if you don't plant your bushes at least 2 feet away from the unit because roots spread out. They could come up under the unit if planted too close.
