Privacy Screen around AC Unit

[jashgtp]

Not really sure where to post this but maybe here???

Anyway wanted to see if anyone has built a screen / fence around their AC units. I was thinking just a simple post and lattice design, but maybe you guys came up with something more exciting.

I was also thinking about incorporating a small weatherproof area to put a push lawnmower and a few outdoor tools?

Thanks.

 

[rodnok1]

I've done post and lattice many times, I make the panels lift off for maintenance. I put a top on a couple because of the amount of pinestraw that fell in and used screen on the lattice. Mainly I put something around them to keep the dogs from wizzin on them. I have also used chain link and built a small shadow box style fence around a unit so to hid it from the street.

 

[jashgtp]

well not really any trees around for debris or anything but mostly want to hide it.

Oh yeah also I'm thinking i will put the trashcan behind it as well.

 

[Jack Olsen]

The trick is to not reduce the unit's ability to shed heat.

 

[pst496]

Usually the manufacture will have recommendations as to how close objects can be to the unit. Be mindful of that. Like Jack says, make sure you do not restrict airflow into or out of the unit.

 

[reinhardt]

some pics of a fenced ac unit would be awesome! i have been thinking of doing the same. my unit is in the backyard near the house. i hate cutting the grass around it and getting grass all over it. it seems that would be bad for dissipating heat. i was thinking gravel inside a fence would solve the problem.

ben

 

[2chipped]

As a fence installer I have installed many enclosures to hide the copper from thieves, and general aesthetics. The air gap varies by manufacturer but most ac installers say 28in with a solid fence . By making a removable section in the back side (if you do removable on the back it doesn't show) usually allows 90% of service work or sometimes leave back open. IMHO

 

[jashgtp]

I like the stone idea. I might just go with mulch to keep the cost a little lower.

 

[Torque1st]

Make the fence an open style for proper ventilation. You want air entering from down low and blowing out the top. You do NOT want to recycle any of the hot air blowing out the top back through the coils. I keep the vegetation problem away with Roundup.

 

[reinhardt]

i figure on using stone because i have a ton of it beside the house. previous owner's answer to poor grading of the soil.

 

[Jack90210]

I always thought it would be cool to do a job like this with perforated aluminum.

 

[T-MAN]

Not only the proper ventilation is needed but keep in mind the room to work on the unit.

 

[bonneyman]

As an HVAC contractor, I appreciate customers who leave enough room for servicing (or have the panels removable).
As stated earlier, anyhting you do should be an open enough design to allow proper air flow, but dense enough to reduce the sun beating down on the unit. Less sun = less heat on the coil = lower pressure = less electric usage. You won't get rich off of the savings, but every little bit helps. Off course, the top should remain clear.