How do I shade an outdoor AC unit inexpensively?
by
Laurel Smith
+2
We have a free standing air conditioning unit next to our back patio. It doesn't look awful but I would like to place something there to hide it while still allowing good airflow. It needs to be very inexpensive as our budget is very tight. From about 1 p.m. till sunset, the unit is in full sun. Shading it would probably help it be more efficient too. Thanks! Laurel
Related Discussions
Suggested Project Book
You could use pallet wood to create a box around your unit. You can find them free everywhere. Paint it to match your house or get creative with fun colors!
it doesn't have to be this fancy but here is a visual for you. you can pick up old shutters or pallets.
The flexible vinyl lattice they sell at DIY centers would be easy to make a surround with to hide it without blocking its air flow. It looks great and you can even use zip ties to attach the pieces to each other. Done in fifteen minutes!
Get some lattice from the local garden center (reasonably priced), and stake it into the ground. You can then grow something climbing over the lattice like a climbing rose or clematis. Air will be able to move around the unit and it will be shaded from the sun.