One problem that many homeowners face when it comes to their HVAC is how to hide the outdoor AC unit. This can be especially tricky because the outdoor unit is essential and as such, a house cannot do without it. However, most homeowners feel that the outdoor AC unit is unsightly and a hindrance to their landscaping and yard aesthetic. In most cases, moving the system is costly and is not always feasible. Hiding the AC unit however, poses another question. How do you do it without compromising the efficiency? Read on and find out.
Hide Your AC Unit: Important Considerations
When considering how to hide your AC unit, the first and most important thing to realize is that there are certain requirements and restrictions on what you should and should not do. Keeping in mind how your air conditioner works and what keeps it efficient is key. If you skip this step, you can reduce efficiency of the system or even cause unintentional damage to the system itself when hiding the AC unit.
Ensuring proper air flow should be your top priority. Because your AC unit works so hard to cool the inside of your home, it needs to vent a lot of heat. Check the manufacturer’s recommended distances before installing any sort of enclosure or cover. You can also consult with HVAC professionals, like the experts at Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis, to ensure that hiding your AC does not cause damage to the system or limit access necessary for regular system repair and maintenance.
Top 3 Tips for Hiding Your AC Unit
AC systems, while they provide a much needed relief from the hot and humid St. Louis summers, can be an eye sore. We understand that no one wants to sit and look at their AC unit when trying to entertain or enjoy some time outside with family and friends. The good news is that hiding your outdoor AC unit is possible. So, what can you do to camouflage or hide your AC unit?
- Move the unit entirely: This is perhaps the most expensive method of hiding your AC unit. To save on costs, it is best to move the unit when you are ready to replace the HVAC system. However, it is important to note that moving the equipment does not necessarily help you in hiding the AC unit. It simply means that you are able to take it to a place that you feel does not interfere with your landscaping and entertaining needs. There will be limitations on where your system can be placed, so make sure to consult a professional.
- Hide the AC unit: There are a variety of decorative and creative ways of hiding the AC unit. For example, you could build a wall or fence in front of or around the unit so as to hide it. You may also consider building a trellis and growing vines such as clematis or roses around the unit. With any of these options, make sure your decorative solution does not block air flow or limit a technicians ability to access and service the unit.
- Attractive landscaping: A natural way to hide your AC unit is to use landscaping. The best thing about this is that you can be entirely creative. You can select colorful flowers or plants and plant them to block your view of the unit from your home or patio. Be sure to pick plants that do not shed off too many leaves as they could lead to problems with the unit and ensure that plants are kept trimmed to no closer than 2 to 3 feet from the unit to allow for access.
Call Galmiche & Sons for More Tips on Hiding the AC Unit
The outdoor AC unit can be an unattractive feature on your home. At Galmiche & Sons, we understand this, and are here to help you with personalized tips on how to hide the AC unit without blocking airflow. In St. Louis and the surrounding areas, contact us to learn more and for help with any heating & air conditioning problems that you may be having.
