An air conditioner screen is a versatile, easy-to-install option for covering your AC unit. You can make a screen from wood slats, metal, or even repurposed materials such as old shutters.
Not only that, but AC covers, especially those without proper ventilation, only encourage moisture to remain inside your unit. While a mesh cover may sound like a good idea to keep out leaves and debris, it's actually more trouble than it's worth.
Some people believe that covering the air conditioning unit when not in use will protect it from the elements, but the opposite is true. In fact, AC units are built to withstand all sorts of weather and if you cover it up, you only increase the chances that parts will rust and corrode.
It's recommended to have a minimum of 12'' clearance around all sides of the air conditioner and 5' clearance above it. Never box in your unit with a solid structure--you must allow ventilation through large lattices or screens!
Because your HVAC unit is exposed to the elements all year round, a screen will increase its efficiency and protect it from wear and tear.
Make sure your HVAC unit has at least one foot of clearance around it, with two to three feet of space being better. This recommended spacing includes the distance between the HVAC unit and other structures like fences, buildings, shrubs, masonry, etc.
Protection from Elements: A patio cover can protect the AC unit from harsh weather conditions, such as direct sunlight, rain, and snow. This can help extend the unit's lifespan and maintain its efficiency .
It's best to consult with your owner's manual, as recommendations may vary from model to model. To ensure optimal airflow, most units require one to three feet of space on each side of the unit. If your enclosure includes a roof, allow four to six feet of clearance from the top of the unit.
The vinyl lattice will allow airflow around the AC unit while accommodating the need to hide it and make the perfect and eye pleasing spot.
Though the units are certainly tested to withstand icy conditions, excessive snow and ice can be damaging to the coils over time. One thing to keep in mind is that any type of plastic or airflow-restrictive covering will actually promote rusting and internal moisture damage, and therefore should never be used.
The unit needs unrestricted airflow in order to function properly, and adding barriers can impede the airflow and reduce its efficiency. Additionally, placing anything on top of the unit can potentially cause damage or disrupt the balance of the unit, leading to costly repairs.
Put Screens Over the Air Conditioner Vents
You can prevent bugs by covering both the indoor and outdoor air vents with screens. If you have a window AC unit, install the screening around the outdoor unit to deter bugs and flying pests.
Fitting a weld mesh screen with a gauge of less than 6mm will prevent mice from entering though the air vents. There are several ways to fix screens over the vents, just remember do not block the holes completely, they are there for a reason. Weld mesh is available on most online market places and from some DIY stores.
Clearance Around the AC Unit
We recommend 2-3 feet of clearance on all sides of your condenser unit. If you don't have proper clearance around your AC unit, it will prevent proper airflow. This will lead to: High energy bills.
You'll find that most air conditioner manufacturers recommend at least 5 feet of clearance above the top of the compressor. This space allows the warm air to freely exhaust away from the unit. If you build lower than that, it can restrict proper airflow and cause the system to overheat or break down.
Your outdoor air conditioning unit needs ample clearance because it does the work of pushing warm indoor air to the outside. To do this the right way, air should flow freely around the cooling coils. The general rule is to provide at least one foot of space on all sides of the unit, or more if you have the space.
You can build a basic wooden box to enclose your outdoor air conditioner unit if you're handy with woodworking. This not only conceals your AC equipment, but will also keep animals from nesting inside. Keep in mind that you'll occasionally need access to your condenser unit.
A ductless system, such as a ductless mini-split air conditioner, can be an effective way to cool down your screened porch. We typically install these for customers who want solutions that aren't connected to their home's main HVAC system. A ceiling fan can also cool your screened porch.
One of the main things when placing an AC in your living room, is to make sure that it is not blowing directly on you. You should therefore not place the unit directly above the TV. This will also protect your TV from any water droplets which may come from the AC unit.
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to conceal an AC unit is to purchase an expandable privacy fence. These fences often come with artificial foliage, providing instant camouflage. They're easy to set up, and you can use them to form a box around the unit with airflow on all sides.
Advantages of a Privacy Fence Around An AC Unit
Noise mitigation: Your AC's outdoor unit creates a significant amount of noise. This is why most homeowners prefer to have it installed in the remotest corner of their home. When this is impossible, creating a privacy fence around the unit reduces the noise output.
According to researcher Danny Parker from the Florida Solar Energy Center, who performed a two-year energy study, shading the unit provides “minuscule results at best” with efficiency being increased less than half a percent. While you may wish to cover your condenser since let's face it – they aren't very stylish!