Your backyard doesn’t gain much from air conditioning. It’s a bulky eyesore that we put up with because it keeps our home cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. But just because your AC unit has to be there doesn’t mean it can’t blend in with its surroundings. However, landscaping around AC unit can significantly improve their efficiency.
By taking a few minutes to understand how your AC system works, you can ensure that your landscaping is helping and not hindering its performance.
Air conditioners pull heat out of the air inside your home and circulate it outside. For this to happen effectively, there needs to be a clear path for the air to flow. If your AC unit is blocked by landscaping, it has to work harder to do its job, which costs you more money in energy bills.
You can do a few things to ensure your landscaping is helping your AC unit, not hindering it.
Use Evergreen Shrubs to Create A Natural Barrier
One way to downplay the appearance of your AC unit is to surround it with evergreen shrubs or other plants that will remain green year-round. It will create a natural barrier that will help conceal the AC unit and make it less noticeable. You can also use this opportunity to add privacy to your yard by planting tall evergreens along the property line.
Plant Climbing Vines Around the AC Unit
Another way to disguise your AC unit is to plant climbing vines around it. Vines like ivy or morning glories will quickly grow up and around the AC unit, providing coverage from all sides. Just be sure to train the vines on a trellis or other support so they don’t damage the unit. And, as always, make sure to consult your owner’s manual before making any changes to ensure voiding your warranty.
Add A Decorative Fence or Screen
If you’re not a fan of plants, you can still use landscaping to downplay the appearance of your AC unit. If you’re handy with a hammer and saw, you can build a simple wooden screen to conceal your AC unit from view. It is an excellent option if you don’t want to deal with the maintenance of living plants, and it can be as simple or elaborate as you like.
Just build a frame around the unit and attach whatever material you like—bamboo fencing, lattice, slats of wood—to create a screen that blends with your other landscaping features. It will help break up the sightline and make the AC unit less noticeable. Just be sure not to block airflow by putting anything too close to the unit itself.
Use Potted Plants for Instant Results
If you want an instant solution, you can simply place potted plants around your AC unit. It is an easy technique to add some colour and interest without having to do any major landscaping work. Plus, potted plants are easy to move around if you need access to the AC unit for maintenance or repairs.
Create a Focal Point
One of the best ways to disguise an AC unit is to create a focal point nearby that will draw the eye away from the unit itself. It can be anything from a beautiful flower bed to a small water feature. If you have a large AC unit, you may even want to consider building a pergola or gazebo next to it. It will provide much-needed shade for your AC unit and give you a lovely relaxing spot during those hot summer days.
Use Mulch or Stones
Another way to make your AC unit blend in with its surroundings is to use mulch or stones to create a border around it. It is especially effective if you have a small central AC unit close to your house. By using mulch or stones, you can help the AC unit blend in with your home’s foundation and make it less noticeable. Plus, this is a quick and easy way to spruce up the area around your AC unit without spending much money.
Conclusion
Landscaping is a great way to improve the look of your home and yard, but it’s essential to consider how your landscaping will impact your AC unit. By following these tips, you can ensure your landscaping is helping your AC unit, not hindering it. With a little planning and forethought, you can have a beautiful yard and a well-functioning AC unit.
