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. Add outdoor art or sculptures. Or get really innovative and upcycle some old furniture into unique backyard decorations.
In addition to its components, your outdoor unit also has notches built into it that allow airflow in, which blows out some of the debris and dries out any moisture. Covers are bad because they hold all this moisture in. This encourages everything from mold spores to corrosion.
No, you should not install an outdoor unit of an air conditioner in an enclosed space. This could cause the unit to overheat and damage the system. It is also important to make sure that the outdoor unit is installed in an area that is not exposed to direct sunlight or rain.
An outside air conditioner unit cover is available commercially. If you do not have a ready-made vinyl or plastic cover, a piece of plywood will also do. It will protect the air conditioner from falling ice, keep debris and leaves away, and, at the same time, allow the unit to breathe.
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 .
Basic Clearance Guidelines
That said, some AC manufacturers suggest that you have at least two feet (24”) of clearance on all sides. You should also have 60” minimum of vertical space above the unit for air to properly circulate throughout the HVAC system.
If you have central air, experts suggest covering up your outdoor AC compressor unit in the autumn only, not in the winter, unless you choose a mesh design. Since new HVAC units are built to hold up to the elements, covering it in the winter could do more harm than good, leading to trapped moisture, mold, and rust.
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.
A mesh cover allows for proper airflow so it can be left on while the unit is running. Mesh covers also protect from the sun. This is beneficial for two reasons — your air conditioner will remain looking like new and it will keep the unit cooler, making its job of cooling your house easier.
Keep it away from trees and dirty areas
Although shading is necessary, placing it near trees or driveway can attract leaves and dirt inside the unit. Water is a big no no as well so if there is an area where rain tends to pool, mount the unit in a elevated position.
CONCLUSION. Covering your air conditioner, especially with a full-length cover, leads to issues of mold, rust, and other problems. Your unit is made to withstand the snow and a cover is not needed for protection. It is recommended to only cover your AC during the fall months.
Covering an A/C unit outside your home can be done several ways. Use real or artificial plants to block the view. Or create a custom enclosure using fencing, a garden trellis or wood pallets.
You should never cover your outdoor air conditioning unit during the summer when it's in peak use. While some think this will help protect the unit or lead to energy savings, it will do neither.
Building A Deck Over An Air Conditioner
Most AC manufacturers recommend maintaining a minimum 60" uninterrupted clearance above the compressor to allow for hot air to exhaust from the top of the unit. Without proper air flow, your AC unit can overheat and break down.
It's generally not considered a good idea to cover your AC. Although homeowners who cover their air conditioners have good intentions, AC unit covers can trap moisture inside the system which leads to mold and a nesting ground for rodents and pests.
Ensuring your vents are open and free of any potential blockers like furniture is an easy way to prevent your AC system from freezing. Blocked or closed vents can lead to airflow issues, which then leads to your AC system freezing. In general, you should avoid closing more than two to three vents at a time.
It can withstand weather conditions such as snow, sleet, hail, and rain. Even inner components like the coils can withstand extreme weather. Therefore, you do not need to cover your air conditioning unit during the winter season.