Another way to design an efficient system is to make sure that your unit has a cool, shady spot in which to work. Place it on the side of the house with the most protection from the sun, so that it doesn’t heat up too much. This will keep it running more efficiently (which is great for the wallet) and can help avoid noises and malfunctioning associated with overheating.
1. Fence It In
One of the most common approaches is to simply hide the air conditioner from view. For ideas on fences and screens that could work for your garden, take cues from elements you already have in your garden to maintain an integrated look. This contemporary design by
Landscape East & Westcomplements the rest of the backyard’s style. You can also check out some of the great ideas on Houzz for fencing.
2. Build a Dedicated Structure
Keeping space for ventilation in mind, consider creating a dedicated structure to offer shade to a machine that may not be located in the best spot. Depending on your garden needs, this could even be incorporated with a place to store the lawnmower, hose, pool care supplies or other stuff. In this example by Art | Harrison Interiors & Collection, a structure built on to the side of the house disguises the unit while also providing a spot for garden tools.
If you’re considering a garden makeover anyway, this may be a good opportunity to design a system of utility spaces that are closed off from view. In this example by
Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design, a relatively small courtyard in Boston has been optimized for some garden storage solutions, as well as for a utility closet that houses the A/C unit, seen at the bottom left portion of the rendering.
4. Add Structural and Vegetation Screens
A custom cover or integrated patio furniture may be a little expensive for some; a plant screen is a good budget alternative. This simple trellis covers the air conditioner, leaving access to it from behind and adding a vertical element to the garden design. You could even integrate this with your veggie garden to allow climbing plants, like beans, to grow vertically. Some premade trellis systems, like this one, also have an access door from the front.
5. Guide the View and Distract
Savvy landscape designers will tell you that the key to a beautiful garden, even one with a large air conditioner in the corner, is to direct the eye to a beautiful framed view. In this garden by Great Lakes Landscape Design, the unit on the right behind the low fence is hardly noticeable, because our eyes are drawn down the path, while the matching fences become backgrounds to lush vegetation.
Your turn: How do you disguise your air conditioner? Tell us in the Comments.
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