Air conditioning condenser screen

[homeinmelbourne]

Adhering to the airflow requirements for the air conditioning condenser, this screening solution includes a hinge so the screen can be opened when the air conditioner is in use for added piece of mind.  

• The project
• Before and after
• Advice from the Bunnings team
• More screening inspiration for your home

The project

I was inspired by Rufaro (@Chaks_DIY)'s Enclosure to screen hot water tank and wanted to do a similar screening on a condenser unit in our backyard.

We installed a new unit and had it raised off the ground.

We started by measuring around the a/c condenser unit to make sure there was plenty of clearance in front for ventilation and air flow as well as space to accommodate some planter boxes up top.

To ensure airflow, there is:

• 250mm clearance between the condenser unit and the screening.

• Screening slats have 30mm spacings.

• Clearance above the condenser unit is open and not enclosed - the planter boxes do not have contact with the condenser unit.

• The condenser unit is away from direct sun all day and all year and in a shaded area of the backyard.

We concreted in the corner post and fixed two treated pine lengths to the brick.

We then created 3 holders on the top for the 3 planter boxes to drop into (we used the Whites 495mm Charcoal Outdoor Garden Up Classic Pot).

We attached the Merbau screening to the posts and for the bottom section, we used treated timber fence palings.

We sanded with 120 grit and cleaned to prep for painting.

To finish, we painted everything in Dulux Monument.

(Buxus placed in front of screening for the photo only. It will be moved so as not to block air flow)

We saw a lot of discussion and feedback regarding this a/c condenser screening project and later made a change to the screening accordingly for added peace of mind.

We installed a magnetic catcher and hinges to allow for improved heat exchange when the air conditioner is in use.

Before and after

Advice from the Bunnings team

Air conditioning condensers typically will have specifications on how close objects like screening can be placed.

The first thing to do is look up your model's installation instructions and determine the setback required for anything that might block airflow.

The unit in this post has exceptionally minimal setbacks, so it's important to check your model. Installing Merbau screening panels to block the view of your unit could be a more feasible option than a cover.

Once you've established the minimum distance requirements of the screening, you can begin sketching out how you'll build the cover.

We have created a rendering below how you could build a similar screening cover. 90 x 45mm treated Pine can be used for the framing uprights, treated Pine pailings for the skirting boards and Merbau screening for the slats. Climacoat screws can be used to join the skirting boards and slats to the frame timbers.

At a minimum, you'll need a handsaw or, preferably, a circular saw and a drill driver.

Please make sure to wear appropriate PPE whilst constructing the project, like safety glasses and follow the manufacturer's directions on tool use.

More screening inspiration for your home

Wanting to hide an unsightly air conditioning unit, community member DoSimpleBetter built a custom air conditioner cover and barbecue stand for their apartment balcony. 

Hot water systems can also be an eyesore, so experienced creator ProjectPete utilised a pre-made panel and planted a climbing Ficus as an attractive screen to hide his hot water system.

More ideas can be found in our Top 10 most popular screening projects. 

[mich1972]

@homeinmelbourne  Now that’s amazing !!!! Absolutely love it 😊 Not just the screen BUT the whole area looks sensational, so clever and the floor !!!! WOW 

[homeinmelbourne]

Thank you so much @mich1972. The ground in this area of the garden is no longer pebbles but instead crushed compacted rock (a compromise to keep our dog's paws happy). 🙂

[MikeTNZ]

Hi @homeinmelbourne,

I for one really like the concept and the finish on your project, top marks!! 😎

I work on Aircon units quite frequently and personally, unless you're experiencing 30-35°C days, I don't see an issue with you having to remove the grille on the front.

The worst thing that will happen is that the condenser unit will "go out" on High Pressure, due to lack of airflow, should this occur, take the grille off.

I can't see that happening to be honest, I've worked with this sort of gear for 20 years and what usually happens is people cover the condenser unit with a large box (out of sight, out of mind), the fan cannot move enough air to transfer heat from the coils in the evaporator unit (in the house) and the whole thing turns to custard.

My advice would be to keep the grille on there and see if it works correctly.

If the unit should fault, switch off the circuit breaker at the switchboard, remove the grille and try again.

I don't think you'll have to do that though, there is more than enough space between the timber slats to allow decent airflow around the condenser.

Thanks for posting this project, it looks great!

Cheers,

Mike T.

[Caron]

Love this idea!