For window air conditioners that you're not removing for winter, you can buy covers for them. Try Walmart or Amazon. For a central AC unit outside, they do not need to be covered.
Hi Suzanne: If it's a whole house air conditioner that sits outside on a slab, what I was told by my AC guy was to clean it off with a spray of water and get all of the fuzz and whatnot that's stuck to the fins, being careful not to bend them. Then he said to cover the top and about 6 to 8 inches down the sides, not the entire thing. He said if you cover it all, rodents and whatever can get in there, make nests and eat the wires. By covering only the top 1/3, it will still be too cold in there for them to hide out.
If you are referring to a window unit, I purchased drapes that fall to the floor. In the summer, I added velcro to the hem and folded up. When the unit was no longer in use, I dropped them back to the floor.
If you are referring to an HVAC unit outside, make sure to allow at least 3' for ventilation and work room. You can do removable lattice panels attached to posts, similar to a fence and that will help to allow a work area. Once we had a central unit installed, I took an old bicycle and put in front of it, filling the basket with flowers. I also have a bird bath and some potted lavender. That way it is isn't noticeable. One day, I hope to build a removable panel.
Hi! When I had window air conditioners, I made little quilts to cover them on the inside, making them snug using tension rods. They weren't fancy, just pretty material with batting layered in the middle. I had a simple hem at the top and bottom for the rods, and sewed a vertical and horizontal stitch (top to bottom and side to side). I put some foam board over the side louver before covering it with the quilt. In the summer I would leave the foam board in place, because it kept our bedroom darker. Good luck and I hope you find your answer!
My outside unit is a heat pump, so it doesn't get covered. If your unit is an actual AC unit, then you can get a cheap tarp at Harbor Freight or elsewhere. The tarp can cover the unit and bungee cords (or rope) can pull it tight around the bottom.
Hi Suzanne, it's not a good idea to cover air conditioners, since you'll be blocking the air flow and they won't work anymore. You can hide it using one of these methods - https://hvac.ninja/articles/hide-outdoor-ac/
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Hi Suzanne, here are a few that people have made to make covers. Hope they give you some ideas... https://www.hometalk.com/search/all?filter=air%20condition%20cover%20
For window air conditioners that you're not removing for winter, you can buy covers for them. Try Walmart or Amazon. For a central AC unit outside, they do not need to be covered.
Here you go:
https://www.hunker.com/12000636/how-to-make-an-indoor-window-air-conditioner-cover
Hi Suzanne, I love this idea, hope you do too!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gizvlKbo-lM
We did this for our trash cans outside but it would work for an AC unit too https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/simple-diy-way-to-hide-your-trash-cans/
Hi Suzanne: If it's a whole house air conditioner that sits outside on a slab, what I was told by my AC guy was to clean it off with a spray of water and get all of the fuzz and whatnot that's stuck to the fins, being careful not to bend them. Then he said to cover the top and about 6 to 8 inches down the sides, not the entire thing. He said if you cover it all, rodents and whatever can get in there, make nests and eat the wires. By covering only the top 1/3, it will still be too cold in there for them to hide out.
If you are referring to a window unit, I purchased drapes that fall to the floor. In the summer, I added velcro to the hem and folded up. When the unit was no longer in use, I dropped them back to the floor.
If you are referring to an HVAC unit outside, make sure to allow at least 3' for ventilation and work room. You can do removable lattice panels attached to posts, similar to a fence and that will help to allow a work area. Once we had a central unit installed, I took an old bicycle and put in front of it, filling the basket with flowers. I also have a bird bath and some potted lavender. That way it is isn't noticeable. One day, I hope to build a removable panel.
Hi! When I had window air conditioners, I made little quilts to cover them on the inside, making them snug using tension rods. They weren't fancy, just pretty material with batting layered in the middle. I had a simple hem at the top and bottom for the rods, and sewed a vertical and horizontal stitch (top to bottom and side to side). I put some foam board over the side louver before covering it with the quilt. In the summer I would leave the foam board in place, because it kept our bedroom darker. Good luck and I hope you find your answer!
Here is a tutorial from a home talker:
https://www.hometalk.com/21952730/diy-pallet-a-c-cover
DIY Pallet A/C Cover
Hello Suzanne,
You must let air to circulate, but you can direct the air up or down, or hide it with a Screen. Best of luck
Here's a post that might help - https://www.homedepot.com/c/ai/how-to-hide-an-ac-unit-outside/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9014e2d1e81#:~:text=Create%20a%20wood%20box%20with,just%20inside%20the%20top%20edge.
Depending on the type of system You can purchased some covers https://amzn.to/36osJXr
are you talking about an AC unit outside or window units?
they make covers for window units and the outside unit should not be covered but you could put up a vinyl fence around it
My outside unit is a heat pump, so it doesn't get covered. If your unit is an actual AC unit, then you can get a cheap tarp at Harbor Freight or elsewhere. The tarp can cover the unit and bungee cords (or rope) can pull it tight around the bottom.
Hi Suzanne, it's not a good idea to cover air conditioners, since you'll be blocking the air flow and they won't work anymore. You can hide it using one of these methods - https://hvac.ninja/articles/hide-outdoor-ac/
Here is how to make a fence around it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EscXQnBpnCc&t=172s
Heres a link that may help you out https://www.coversandall.ca/outdoor-air-conditioner-covers.html?ef_id=Cj0KCQiAnb79BRDgARIsAOVbhRqG1cxZIztW9mtWJSaV5eLPbKtqftHADLt3SHC_t9rIlBDFdSiA5pgaAo9REALw_wcB:G:s&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnb79BRDgARIsAOVbhRqG1cxZIztW9mtWJSaV5eLPbKtqftHADLt3SHC_t9rIlBDFdSiA5pgaAo9REALw_wcB
Is it a window unit? A larger outdoor unit? If its a window unity - try one of these: https://amzn.to/35uBmk0