5 Smart Ideas to Hide Your Outdoor AC Unit

An air conditioning system in New Orleans is an absolute necessity, given the heated and humid climate. The need for an HVAC is one that grows stronger and stronger as the years go by. As vital of a role as our air conditioning units play in our lives, they can still be an eyesore depending on the aesthetic of your home and your own preferences. 

They’re pretty bulky pieces of machinery that can detract from the decor of your property. Luckily for you, the Optimum Air Solutions team has put together a quick list of ways you can hide your air conditioning system. 

Let’s dive in!

Benefits of Hiding Your AC Unit

Before we jump into all of our tips, we first need to discuss the benefits of keeping your air conditioning unit hidden.  At face value, it’s easy to see that by camouflaging or hiding your air conditioning unit, you’re able to elevate your home’s curb appeal. A beautifully-maintained garden, paired with a few intentionally-placed plants can do wonders when it comes to your property’s first impression and hiding your AC unit. 

Along with the aesthetic appeal, hiding your AC delivers an extra layer of protection from the elements of nature. While modern units are already designed to endure the harsh weather that New Orleans has to offer, a little additional shielding never hurts. Lastly, one of our favorite reasons to camouflage our air conditioning units is because of the noise it conceals. It lessens the noise pollution surrounding the machinery, delivering a more serene environment for you and your family. 

Landscaping and Planting 

One of the easiest and most natural ways to hide your AC unit is through your property’s landscaping. Think about utilizing shrubbery, flora, and other plants that provide a barrier with a beautiful finish while disguising your unit. Don’t forget to select plants that are designed to last in a climate as demanding as New Orleans. An intentionally planned landscape has the power to transform an eyesore into a charming focal point. 

Decorative Fencing 

Have you thought about decorative fences or even a screen around your outdoor air conditioning unit? Both are very effective ways to hide the system. Try selecting materials that are both durable and decorative, like wood, vinyl, or even bamboo.

Custom-Built Enclosure

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you should think about designing a custom-built enclosure that surrounds your AC unit. Building a custom enclosure is a solution that will do more than hide your unit, it will pave the way for further customization allowing it to complement your home a lot more than its traditional counterparts would. 

It’s important to note that when you are designing your custom enclosure you verify your system has proper ventilation. A properly constructed enclosure will have slats or openings that allow your machine and air to circulate freely while maintaining your system’s efficiency. When taking the time to disguise your AC unit, regular checks are non-negotiable to guarantee that your new enclosure isn’t hindering any airflow. A dip in airflow circulation could lead to performance problems and higher energy bills. 

Using Trellises

A trellis is a framework of woven wood or metal wires set up to look a lot like a wall. Typically, they are used to hold up fruit on trees and bushes, but in your case, you would be using it to shield your AC from guests and passersby.

Think about adorning your trellises with climbing plants, like jasmine, wisteria, or even a few grapevines will do the trick. Just be sure that your trellises are placed a safe difference away from your AC unit for optimal airflow and easy maintenance access. 

Outdoor Furniture Arrangements

Our last tip might be our most simple yet: utilize your furniture. The easiest way to hide something is to moe something in front of it. Think about how you can arrange your outdoor benches, tables, and lounge chairs to provide a very natural barrier between your guests and the unit. Not only will you be concealing your air conditioning system, but through the rearrangement of your furniture, you’re creating a more functional outdoor living area and helping to streamline foot traffic. 

When arranging your furniture, remember that the goal is a teetering the balance between aesthetic appeal and actual functionality.

It’s no secret that hiding your AC unit elevates its look significantly, but safety should always be first. There should be enough room between the barrier and the AC unit for your HVAC professionals to properly conduct your preventative maintenance. Secondly, it’s important to hyper aware of your system’s airflow when you are barricading it. Improper airflow leads to ac problems, as well as higher utility costs. 

Lastly, know your local regulations and homeowner’s association guidelines before constructing any extremities to compliment your home. 

The Optimum Air Solutions team understands the importance of maintaining the most comfortable living environment, all while keeping your o outdoor area looking at its best. Do you have any HVAC questions? Our team of experts is always here to help.

Are you ready to schedule your regular maintenance? Click here to speak with one of our specialists, and we’ll get you breathing easy in the Big Easy in no time.