HVAC Disguises

Hide that HVAC Equipment!

Hide that HVAC Equipment!

I was at a networking event recently and a young lady asked me “do you have any Ideas on how I can hide my window air conditioning unit”?  As I was giving her a few ideas, It suddenly dawned on me – this is a very popular question. I have been asked this question several times – so, I decided to scour the internet on your behalf and give you what I think are some of some of the best disguises I’ve seen so far.

    1. Use drapes to hide an AC unit, especially if it is mounted below a window. Please remember that when the AC unit is running, the airflow must not be impeded so the unit can maintain its efficiency and cooling attributes.
    2. Place dressing panels in front of the Air Conditioning unit. Dressing panels can be easily put into place and easily moved when the unit is running. They can be folded up and placed off to the side without taking up much space.
    3. Place potted plants around the unit to hide it. Tall or short plants can be put into place, and you can arrange a few smaller plants along the top of the cover, which then acts like a shelf. Add enough foliage to make it blend in or hide it completely.
    4. Interior designer Kyle Schuneman (from the LA Times’ “The Apt. Life” series) shows us how to build a simple enclosure around an AC unit using four pieces of wood and a small MDF panel.

      Hide an AC Unit with Removable DIY Shelf

      Hide an AC Unit with Removable DIY Shelf

    5. You can’t get rid of bulky and unsightly air conditioning units and utility meters, but you can hide them. Keep these out of view with short sections of fencing or evergreen shrubs.

      Conceal the Air-Conditioner

      Conceal the Air-Conditioner (Source: BHG)

    6. Use doormats and spray paint to make a decorative vent or electrical box cover like this blogger did here

      Repurposed Door Mat

      Repurposed Door Mat

    7. The folks over at Design Evolving used a book case to camouflage their Air Conditioning Unit.

      IKEA Hack

      IKEA Hack

    8. Check out how Bliss Bloom Blog disguised their thermostat. Of course if you have a super cool, ultra modern thermostat, then you might want to leave it exposed – but that’s just my opinion:)hinged wall art - before + after
    9. Use removable wall paper to ‘upgrade’ your refrigerator, washer/dryer and other household appliances. Check out this beaut from Aunt Peaches.

      Wall paper the frige

      Wall paper the fridge

    10. How about hiding it in plain sight? – For those creative and not so creative types among us here are a few photos to inspire you.

Enhance it

Enhance it!