Best Ways to Hide Aircon Unit Indoors and Outdoors

Author

Reads 162

Asian man with glasses peeking underneath a wall in an indoor setting.
Credit: pexels.com, Asian man with glasses peeking underneath a wall in an indoor setting.

Hiding an aircon unit can be a challenge, but there are several creative ways to do it. You can use a decorative cabinet to conceal the aircon unit indoors.

Consider the size and style of the aircon unit when choosing a hiding method. For example, a slim aircon unit can be hidden behind a sliding panel or a mirror.

Outdoor aircon units can be hidden behind a decorative screen or a trellis with climbing plants. This not only conceals the unit but also adds a decorative element to your outdoor space.

Recommended read: Aircon Outdoor

DIY Solutions

You can build a DIY aircon cover or screen using wooden blocks or panels, ensuring sufficient space between the blocks for proper airflow.

A cabinet around your AC can be a great way to camouflage the unit, and you can decorate it with modern designs or fun colors. Make sure it's easy to remove when needed.

You can convert your AC into a piece of art by covering the front plastic section with colorful paper or patterned fabric. Just be sure not to block the vents.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Hide Air Conditioner Unit Outside | Backyardscape

If you have outside space, consider building a fence to obscure the outdoor air conditioner unit. Make sure it's slightly taller than the unit and offers some airflow.

Building a custom box to enclose your outdoor AC unit can keep animals out and conceal the equipment. Just make sure it's detachable or accessible for occasional maintenance.

A flower box can be an attractive way to hide the exterior part of your window AC, and you can use real or fake flowers. Choose heat-tolerant varieties for best results.

Outdoor furniture can be used to create partitions that hide the aircon unit, such as a combination of wooden chairs and side tables with potted plants.

Plant-Based Solutions

Planting small flower pots and planter boxes around the AC unit is a great way to camouflage it while keeping the right clearance from the unit. Choose slow-growing species and avoid plants that generate a lot of debris.

Credit: youtube.com, Plants to Hide AC Units in & around Corpus Christi, Texas

Large-leaved plants like Plantain Lily, Japanese Banana, and Elephant Ear can add an exotic look to a garden and hide the AC unit effectively. They're also super easy to grow and need little attention.

Planting a row of quickly-growing evergreens or annuals around the edge of your outdoor air conditioner can create a natural screen. Just be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations for clearance around the condenser before you start digging.

Using an artificial hedge is a great option if you don't have the time to cut or trim a hedge. They're low maintenance and will continue looking fresh and structured for years.

Scarlet Peak Holly and Blue Point Juniper are some of the tall, evergreen varieties that can be used to camouflage a window unit. Their dark green foliage will do a perfect job of hiding your AC.

You can also use a flower box to enclose the exterior part of your window AC, adding aesthetics and hiding the unit. Choose heat-tolerant varieties like purple coneflower, zinnia, and butterfly weed.

Screen and Fence Solutions

Credit: youtube.com, How to Hide an Air Conditioner Screen With a Fence

Screen and Fence Solutions can be an effective way to hide your aircon unit. A lattice screen is a great option, and you can either buy one or DIY it at home. To accommodate plants, place a wooden plank on top of the screen.

A lattice screen should be placed at a recommended distance from the air conditioner. This will allow for sufficient air supply and prevent overheating. To create a beautiful mini-garden, place small planters on top containing succulents, cacti, or flowering plants.

A fence is another option to consider. A picket fence is a popular choice, and it should be slightly taller than the unit to effectively hide it. You can also paint or stain the fence to match your house trim or siding.

Here are some fence design tips to keep in mind:

Choose a fence design that offers some airflow to increase your air conditioner's performance. This will ensure that your aircon unit operates efficiently and effectively.

A Decorative Cover

Credit: youtube.com, Decorative Air Conditioner Cover for Wall Mounted Unit

A decorative cover is a great way to hide your aircon unit, and there are plenty of designs and colors to choose from. You can find covers made from weather-resistant and breathable fabrics, which are perfect for outdoor use.

When selecting a cover, make sure to choose the right size to avoid suffocating the unit. A too-tight cover can cause problems, while a larger-than-needed cover can become a breeding ground for pests and rodents.

Some of the best outdoor air conditioner covers in Australia are made from aluminium, and feature louvred screens. You can also consider using freestanding privacy screens made from wood-inspired PVC.

If you're feeling crafty, you can even create your own DIY garden fountain to hide your aircon unit. This can be a fun and creative project, and you can use items like flower pots, galvanised tubs, and stone to create a beautiful and functional hiding spot.

A different take: How to Use Air Con

Credit: youtube.com, Hide AC Unit with Trellis or Lattice Panel

Here are some popular materials to consider for your DIY project:

Remember to recirculate the water in your DIY fountain to minimize maintenance requirements. This will also help to attract birds and other wildlife to your garden, making it a beautiful and functional hiding spot for your aircon unit.

Creative Solutions

You can get really creative with hiding your aircon unit. Use large pots, barrels, or wheelbarrows placed on their sides to cover and hide it. Just make sure there's enough airflow around the unit for it to work properly.

Adding outdoor art or sculptures can also make a big impact. You can even upcycle old furniture into unique backyard decorations. Just ensure that items are secured in the event of a storm, as impact from flying debris can still damage the cooling components.

A decorative cover is another easy solution. Choose a weather-resistant and breathable fabric, and make sure it's the right size to avoid suffocating the unit.

DIY Seat with Built-In AC Cover

Credit: youtube.com, How to Make An Outdoor Air Conditioner Cover | The “Right Way” This Time

A DIY seat with a built-in AC cover is a genius idea, and it's totally worth the effort. You can create a cozy outdoor seating area while keeping your AC unit out of sight.

To start, you'll need to use your carpentry skills or hire a professional to build a custom seat. This will require some expertise, but the end result will be a beautiful and functional piece of furniture.

A simple wooden pergola is a more affordable option if you don't want to build a custom seat. You can place it over your AC unit and add some garden sofas to create a relaxing space.

Just remember to ensure there's enough airflow around the unit for it to work properly. You can add some outdoor art or sculptures to make the area more visually appealing.

Adding LED lights to your pergola will make it a perfect spot for night-time dining. Just be sure to secure any items in place to prevent damage from strong winds or storms.

By hiding your AC unit in a creative way, you can enjoy your outdoor space without any distractions. With a little creativity and some DIY skills, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor seating area.

Intriguing read: Diy Clothes Washer

Be Creative

A wooden parking sign hidden among lush green leaves and foliage, blending with nature.
Credit: pexels.com, A wooden parking sign hidden among lush green leaves and foliage, blending with nature.

Get crafty with planters and other containers to both cover and hide your outdoor air conditioner unit. You can use large pots, barrels, or wheelbarrows placed on their sides.

Just make sure there’s enough airflow around the unit for it to work properly. Even though the outer housing of your condenser does provide protection, impact from flying debris can still damage the cooling components.

You can also use outdoor art or sculptures to add some personality to your hiding solution. Just be sure to secure items in the event of a storm.

If you're feeling really innovative, you can upcycle some old furniture into unique backyard decorations. Just make sure they're sturdy enough to withstand the elements.

Consider making a cute little cabinet from scratch to camouflage your unit. You can decorate it with modern designs or go crazy with fun colors.

However, be sure to leave enough space for airflow around the unit, and consider installing proper doors so you can easily remove it when needed.

Man in Gray T-shirt Fixing the Aircon
Credit: pexels.com, Man in Gray T-shirt Fixing the Aircon

You can also convert your AC into a piece of art by covering the front plastic section with colorful paper or patterned fabric using double-sided tape. Just make sure the decorations don't block the vents.

A simple and easy way to hide your AC is by using an outdoor air conditioner cover. Choose from a variety of designs and colors, but make sure it's weather-resistant and breathable.

Consider using a DIY garden fountain made from flower pots or a galvanised tub to hide the outdoor AC unit. This will not only hide the unit but also add some visual interest to your garden.

Outdoor Solutions

If you're lucky enough to have outside space, you can try hiding the AC unit with a lattice screen. Many of the same techniques can be used to hide a ductless mini-split at ground level.

Creating a mini-house is one way to conceal the bulky window AC unit outside. This method won't be convenient if you have a window heat pump that you use all year round.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Hide an Outside AC Unit

Using a lattice screen is just one of 10 solutions to conceal the bulky window AC unit outside. You can also try using a decorative screen or a trellis to hide the AC unit.

For ductless mini-split systems, the condenser unit is often mounted above ground level, making it more of a challenge to hide.

Code and Considerations

You need to be mindful of local building codes when hiding your aircon unit. Make sure the cover arrangement doesn't go against any local building codes.

Generally, no planning or building approval is needed for installing an AC or an air con cover, but you may need planning approval if you're shifting the unit or raising it higher than 1.8 m from ground level.

Airflow is essential to keep the system operating well and avoid overheating, so ensure the structure you create doesn't block airflow to your unit.

Follow Local Codes

Following local codes is crucial when it comes to installing an air con cover. No planning or building approval is usually needed, but be aware that this can vary depending on your location.

Anonymous man installing window in room
Credit: pexels.com, Anonymous man installing window in room

You may need to get planning approval if you're shifting the unit or raising it higher than 1.8 m from ground level. This is a specific height threshold to keep in mind.

Make sure the cover arrangement doesn't go against any local building codes. You can avoid potential issues by carefully checking the codes in your area.

The installation of an outdoor unit cover arrangement should not disturb the electrical setup for an AC as specified by the manufacturer. This is a critical aspect to consider for a safe and successful installation.

Considerations for Hiding AC Units

Hiding your air conditioner is a great way to improve the aesthetics of your yard, but you need to be careful. If you block airflow to your unit, you could end up damaging it.

Airflow is essential to keep the system operating well and avoid overheating. Make sure the structure you create doesn't increase the risk of debris getting into the unit, especially when using plants.

A Woman in Pink Dress Finding the Boy Hiding Under the Table
Credit: pexels.com, A Woman in Pink Dress Finding the Boy Hiding Under the Table

To ensure proper airflow, leave space between wooden blocks or panels, and keep the top and bottom of the cover free. This will prevent overheating and maintain the unit's performance.

When building a cabinet around your AC, ensure it's easy to remove when needed. You can install proper doors in the cabinet to make it convenient to access the unit without having to take it apart.

When decorating your AC, use double-sided tape or patterned fabric to cover the front plastic section, but make sure not to block the vents.

When using a flower box to conceal your unit, choose heat-tolerant plants like purple coneflower, zinnia, and butterfly weed.

To hide an indoor AC unit, consider using a sliding panel that provides camouflage for wall shelving, a TV, and the AC unit.

When hiding a ductless mini-split HVAC system, use similar techniques to hide the condenser unit outside and the air handler inside.

Here are some ways to hide the air handler:

  1. Build a vented soffit to hide the air handler with proper venting at the bottom.
  2. Add a screen or artwork to mount in front of the wall-mounted air handler.
  3. Mount the air handler in a bookcase or above a large cabinet to minimize its appearance.
  4. Recess the air handler in the ceiling to conceal its profile.

Remember to consider airflow and debris when hiding your AC unit, and choose a solution that fits your home style and needs.

Amy Martin

Senior Writer

Amy Martin is a seasoned writer with over a decade of experience in various industries. She has a passion for creativity and enjoys exploring different perspectives on life. Amy's work often inspires readers to think outside the box and embrace new ideas.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.