Do you own a split system air conditioner but want to make sure its design fits in with the rest of your home’s look? Or, perhaps you are concerned that the outdoor unit affects your home’s overall visual appeal. If so, the good news is that there are several ways to deal with the situation.
You can conceal an outdoor air conditioning unit with a large planter, a metal “balcony,” or a sturdy sleeve that protects and covers it up during months when it’s not in use.
As for the indoor portion of your split system air conditioner, enlist your creative skills and make an art box to enclose it when it’s not on. Or, use curtains or a false cabinet that matches the color scheme of whatever room the unit is in.
Here are a few ideas for balancing your home’s interior or outdoor design when you own a split system air conditioner.
Table of Contents
Outside: Planters
Put one or two of your favorite plants in pots in front of outdoor units to conceal them from view.
Outside: Sleeves
You can buy or make fabric sleeves to cover the outdoor unit of a split system air conditioner. These items are ideal for protecting the AC unit from cold, wind, and rain.
Inside: Art Box
Build a recessed art box that fits around an indoor unit. Use hinges to open the box like a door when you want to use the AC.
Inside: Curtains
Buy a small rod and a set of cafe curtains that hang just above indoor AC blowers. When the air conditioner is not in use, close the curtains.
Inside: Faux Cabinet
Build a false cabinet, remembering to leave plenty of room for slats so air can flow out of the AC unit during operation.
Tips For All AC Designs
- 1. Let Outdoor Units “Breathe”
Never enclose an outdoor unit completely with fabric, wood, or any substance that prevents it from getting an ample supply of air. - 2. Be Careful With Plants
Make sure that plants are far enough away from an outdoor unit that they don’t interfere with its operation. Likewise, remember that a split system air conditioner can become damaged if plants, weeds, or leaves get inside its components. - 3. Allow For Easy Maintenance
If you put a semi-permanent covering or enclosure around either the indoor or outdoor unit, keep in mind that you’ll need to remove the coverings during maintenance. Workers need to get full access to both units for annual cleaning and servicing. - 4. Paint the Line-Hides
If there are connector wires or ductwork along the exterior of your home, use line-hider (plastic) covers to conceal them. Sometimes, installers will provide the covers. You can paint the line-hides to match your home’s color. - 5. Never Obstruct Air Flow
Whether for indoor or outdoor units of a split system air conditioner, never conceal the device with anything that blocks proper airflow. This is particularly important for the proper indoor operation and a good cooling effect.
It’s easy and fun to get creative and design a covering for indoor and outdoor split system air conditioner units. Just be sure to abide by the guidelines above and aim to blend the unit’s appearance with your home’s interior or exterior appearance.
