
If you're looking for ways to hide and insulate your AC unit, there are several window cover options available. You can choose from a variety of materials and designs to suit your needs.
Roller shades are a popular choice for AC unit window covers, as they can be easily installed and provide a sleek, modern look. They come in a range of colors and patterns, making it easy to match them to your home's decor.
For a more rustic or vintage look, consider using wooden shutters or plantation shutters. These can be installed on the inside or outside of your window and provide excellent insulation and UV protection.
Vinyl or aluminum mini-blinds are another option for AC unit window covers, offering a durable and low-maintenance solution. They're also relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
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Hiding the AC Unit
You can hide your window air conditioner using various creative solutions. One option is to create a mini-house around it.
Cut lengths of firm foam insulation to fit the height and width of the window unit and push them into the gap between the unit body and the window frame.
Try café curtains to add a vintage look to your room while hiding the ugly window AC. Café curtains are short and can fit a small area perfectly.
You can also use a flower box to conceal your unit, which can add aesthetics and hide the eyesore. Choose heat-tolerant varieties of plants like purple coneflower, zinnia, and butterfly weed.
An old shutter screen is another great way to hide your window AC unit, and you can even give it a new look by painting it. Make sure the slates aren't blocking airflow and there's sufficient width between each slate.
Conceal Behind Curtains
You can easily conceal your window AC unit behind curtains, which not only hide the unit but also add a vintage look to your room.
Café curtains are a great option as they are short and can fit a small area perfectly. They can be installed halfway down the window to hide the AC unit without blocking natural light.
The curtains won't interfere with the airflow as you can pull them aside when in use. This makes them a great choice to conceal your window unit all year round.
You can install curtain rods just above the window unit and then hang a curtain of your choice. Choose colors and designs that go with your room's design to blend in seamlessly.
10 Ways to Hide Window AC
Hiding the AC Unit can be a challenge, but don't worry, I've got you covered. You can use a Flower Box to Conceal Your Unit, which adds aesthetics and hides the eyesore.
Choose heat-tolerant varieties like purple coneflower, zinnia, and butterfly weed for flowering plants. They can thrive in the heat and require less maintenance.
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Opt for a Shutter Screen, an old shutter screen can be repurposed to hide your window AC unit. Paint it and give it a new look to match your outdoor decor.
A Lattice Screen & Mini-Garden combo can also do the trick. Place a wooden plank on top of the screen to accommodate plants and add a mini-garden with succulents, cacti, or flowering plants.
Conceal it Behind Curtains, café curtains are a great option to hide the AC unit while adding a vintage touch to your room. Install curtain rods just above the window unit and hang a curtain of your choice.
Iron Covers can also be used to conceal the AC unit. They fit around your window and are quite sturdy, some are even coated to increase durability.
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Measure
To measure your window, start by measuring the interior from top to bottom, being sure to measure a bit generously from the top of the AC unit. This will give you a good starting point for your cover.
For the length, subtract a half inch or so to ensure your cover will fit snugly within the window. I learned this the hard way and ended up with a cover that was a bit too tight.
If you have deep windowsills like I do, you may need to get creative with your frame design. Consider using narrow strips of wood that will stand up on their own in front of the AC unit, leaving some bare windowsill space.
Cover Strength
The 18oz vinyl cover is incredibly durable, capable of withstanding rough handling and harsh weather conditions.
This material is the same one used to cover semi-trailer cargo, which is subject to the wear and tear of highway travel. That's a testament to its strength and longevity.
We guarantee that this cover will last, even in your backyard where it may be subject to more gentle use.
Improving AC Unit Efficiency
Cut lengths of firm foam insulation to fit around the window unit and push them into the gap between the unit body and the window frame. This can help reduce heat transfer and make the AC unit more efficient.
Spray foam insulation can also be used, but use it sparingly as it expands greatly. A well-ventilated AC enclosure can also improve efficiency by allowing air to circulate around the unit.
Using a wooden box to enclose the AC unit is a simple way to improve efficiency, and can be made yourself with some wooden planks, a hammer, and nails.
Use Well-Ventilated Enclosure
Using a well-ventilated AC enclosure is a simple yet effective way to hide your window air conditioner outside. You can buy the enclosure ready-made or even make one yourself.
You'll need some wooden planks, a hammer, and nails to DIY the cover. Leave space between planks so that the air conditioner doesn’t suffocate and proper ventilation is ensured.
Using L-brackets to stick the cover to the wall gives a neat finish. You'll need one L-bracket for each side.
Screw the L-brackets into the frame of the cover and then into the wall for a secure fit.
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Insulate Unit
Insulating your window AC unit is a simple yet effective way to improve its efficiency. You can use firm foam insulation, cut to size according to the unit's height and width, to fill the gap between the unit body and the window frame.
Cutting the insulation to size is crucial to ensure a proper fit. This will prevent air leaks and keep the warm air from escaping.
Firm foam insulation can be used, but spray foam insulation can also be used sparingly as it expands greatly.
Removing the outside cover from the unit exposes the inside components, allowing you to place a plastic garbage bag over it to seal in the warm air. Duct tape can be used to secure the bag in place if necessary.
Alternatively, you can use a well-ventilated AC enclosure to hide your window air conditioner outside. This can be purchased ready-made or made yourself with wooden planks, a hammer, and nails.
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Preparing for Winter
As the temperature drops, it's essential to prepare your home for the cold months ahead, especially if you have an air conditioner unit in a window.
Window AC units can lose efficiency and effectiveness in cold temperatures, so it's crucial to take steps to protect them.
A common issue with window AC units in winter is frost buildup, which can cause the unit to malfunction and reduce its lifespan.
Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent frost buildup, but it's also important to seal any gaps or cracks around the unit to prevent cold air from entering.
Sealing gaps and cracks can be as simple as applying weatherstripping or caulk, and it's a task that can be done in under an hour.
In addition to protecting your window AC unit, it's also a good idea to prepare your home's insulation and windows for the cold months.
By taking these simple steps, you can help extend the life of your window AC unit and keep your home warm and cozy all winter long.
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Storage and Maintenance
Storing your window AC unit properly is crucial to its longevity and efficiency. You should wrap it in a breathable fabric or covering to prevent damage to the fins and condenser lines.
The cooler fins and condenser lines are soft and can easily become bent if care isn't taken when storing the unit. This can lead to costly repairs down the line.
Place the covered unit in a spot where nobody will accidentally pile anything on top of it. This will help prevent damage and keep your unit in good condition.
Proper storage can save you money on heating and cooling bills, and also extend the life of your unit significantly. By taking the time to store your window AC unit correctly, you can enjoy a more efficient and cost-effective cooling system come next summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to cover my window AC unit when it rains?
While a cover can protect your window AC unit from rain and debris, major manufacturers advise against using one. Instead, consider reading our full answer to learn why covering your unit might not be the best idea
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