7 Giant-Sized Classic Games to Play Outside Whether it's a bulky box in your backyard or jammed into your window, this summer staple just isn't that pretty. Pop of PatternPop of PatternThis cover gets pizzazz from a bit of decorative paper, which makes the AC unit blend seamless into this blogger's gallery wall.See more at Adventures Of a 40-Year-Old Intern » Lovely LatticeLovely LatticeHidden behind screens easily connected with zip ties, this air conditioner can hides well in this home's garden.See more at First Home Love Life » What the Color of Your Bedroom Says About YouThe less blocked your air conditioner, the more efficiently it runs. Air conditioners cool your home’s interior, but outside, they give off hot air and need a few feet of open space to work properly. Hiding them can be a tricky business. An outdoor space with a good-looking layout and hidden utilities is a joy to hang out or entertain in. Perform a “disappearing act” with your AC unit to make it less visible.

Layout Illusion Your yard’s layout is about more than creating shady relaxation nooks and sunny garden plots. Placement of the garden shed, for example, can aid in hiding an air conditioner. A smartly positioned lattice-wall-backed sitting area could conceal it, or you can use a barbecue, raised deck or gazebo to block the unwanted sight. Not only does a strategically positioned yard structure effectively hide the muddy-colored AC hippo, but it can also reduce the unit’s noise. how does portable ac units workRegardless of how you hide it, give the air conditioner at least a few feet of airflow space. how much is a two ton ac unitOne, Two, Tree Air conditioners and greenery don’t go well together, at least not in close proximity. cost to run air conditioning unit

Falling leaves or debris can clog the AC’s motor and reduce airflow, and the unit’s heat output can adversely affect plants. In a large yard, plant trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses or flowers to hide the unit, but from a tactful distance. The round-leaf evergreen, Pearl acacia, for example, grows up to 20 feet tall and almost as wide. Other evergreen trees of similar size include the weeping blue Atlas cedar and California privet; all three grow up to 36 inches per season. Plant an eye-catching tree or evergreen shrubbery, such as Ebbinge’s silverberry, which quickly grows up to 10 feet wide and tall, at least 1.5 times its width in feet out from your air conditioner. Plant it at an angle that strategically hides the unit from a deck or the yard’s main hangout area. Even if an interesting plant or group of plants doesn’t actually “hide” the appliance, it’ll direct attention away from it. Mirror, Mirror in the Yard Mirrors aren’t just for indoors, some are designed for outdoor use.

They reflect light and any attractive view -- mountains, trees, a flowerbed or water feature -- that's in front of them. And in feng shui, they sometimes are used to hide or block unwanted sights. Bring illumination and good chi or natural energy to your outside space by building a one- or two-sided frame on which to secure outdoor mirrors. Fence Facts Not just any fence will do when you want to hide an air conditioner. Of course, you should erect it far enough away for repair or maintenance access, and no higher than necessary, but certain fencing materials allow for increased airflow, as well. Use attractive lattice or a good-looking open-slat design for more "breathing room" and style. From even just a few feet away, the fence as a whole is more noticeable than its holes. Refer to the owner’s manual for airflow particulars before starting any air-conditioner-hiding project. References Red Lotus Letter: Reflections on Feng Shui – 10 Mirror Do’s and Don’tsAn Energy Vanguard: Easy Way to Save Money -- Let Your Air Conditioner Breathe!

: How to Hide Garden EyesoresU.S. : How to Use Mirrors in the GardenLas Virgenes Municipal Water District: A California-Friendly Guide to Native and Drought Tolerant GardensCalifornia Polytechnic State University: Pearl Acacia Acacia podalyriifoliaCalifornia Polytechnic State University: California PrivetCalifornia Polytechnic State University: Weeping Blue Atlas CedarMonrovia: Ebbinge's Silverberry Photo Credits Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionHow do you aesthetically hide an air conditioner unit? Hide an outdoor air conditioning unit with fences and landscaping designed to draw the eye away from the large unit. It is also fairly easy to hide a window air conditioning unit with curtains, a picture or a chalkboard cover. How do you replace an air conditioner compressor? What information is included on an air conditioner BTU chart? Landscaping Network points out that air conditioning units need 2 to 3 feet of room around them to allow air to circulate and to provide space for any servicing that's required.

Because they send out a constant stream of hot air while working, there are limitations on the plants that can be planted around them. Building a fence around the unit, then landscaping around the fence is also a good option. A focal point should be created a distance from the unit to draw the eye away from it. How do you recycle an air conditioner? To recycle an air conditioner, find an air conditioner recycling program or contact a local waste disposal provider. Never throw away an air conditioner.... What causes an AC unit to freeze up outside? In most cases, an air conditioner freezes because the refrigerant expands more than it should or because the air conditioner can't draw enough warm air fro... Why does my air conditioner keep blowing fuses? , if your air conditioner keeps blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers, it is because the appliance is trying to draw more curren... What are some highly rated, heavy-duty, commercial vacuum cleaners?