During the summer months, your central AC system is likely your favorite major appliance. For a day or two, you could live with a busted fridge – put some ice in the cooler to keep important stuff cold, place a few more take-out orders – but if your AC shuts down for even a couple of days, you can feel downright miserable.

Which means, of course, you want to take the best possible care of your system, which includes scheduling annual preventive maintenance. But there’s also an aesthetic issue, for some, about the outdoor condensing unit of an AC system – its appearance. To some, it looks like someone just dropped a metal box in their yard and they won’t be happy until the issue is resolved.

If you’re among that group of homeowners, here are some ways to enjoy cool, refreshing air all summer long without an outdoor eyesore for you and others to be distracted by.

Fence it In

One of the easiest ways to hide a condenser from view is to put a fence or screen around it. Choose a material and style that works with the rest of your property for an integrated look.

House it in a Dedicated Structure

Create a well ventilated structure to house the condenser and keep it out of the sun. The same shed, for example, can be used to store lawn equipment and supplies, provided you don’t store them close to the condenser.

Rethink Your Backyard Design

If your yard or garden could use a facelift anyway, this might be the perfect time to implement a clever disguise for your AC unit. A privacy or boundary wall, for example, can keep the condenser out of view while providing a backdrop for a sitting area.

Add a Vegetation Screen

If you’re looking for a more wallet-friendly option, a plant screen or trellis is a good alternative. Just be sure to allow proper spacing between the screen and condenser and choose vegetation that won’t creep onto or around the unit.

Offer a Distraction

The key to any design, indoors or out, is to guide the eye to a focal point of view. While a condenser can certainly be hidden behind a low fence or structure, drawing the eye towards a winding path, toward a cozy gathering area, or to lush vegetation will have greater visual impact.

So yes, while back- or side-yard duty are worthy considerations, ongoing AC maintenance is even more important. If your system has not been tuned up or inspected in a year or more, contact C&D Cooling & Heating today to schedule service.