Shading a Window AC Unit

Haven · #1 05/30/12, 09:07 AM

I have a large window ac unit on the south side of the building I work in and it gets hammered by full sun. I need a way to shade it, any ideas?

I am in growing zone 5b. If it is a plant or tree, I don't want anything that will grow too huge to pose a threat to the building in a bad storm, or clog gutters with leaves. It also needs to provide shade in a semi circle radius when the sun moves from east to west.

How do you shade your window ac?

foxtrapper · #2 05/30/12, 10:34 AM

If it's ground level, two simple fence panels will suffice. Angle them a bit to compensate for the east west sun angles.

Very crude but often surprisingly effective, a piece of cardboard and two bricks. Piece of cardboard from a box laid on top, extending out over the coils. Two bricks on top of that to hold it in place.

DebM · #3 05/30/12, 06:16 PM

We have a similar situation and did some research - want to make sure airflow is not impeded in any way. We are contemplating lattice but most sites are saying 6' away.

rags57078 · #4 05/30/12, 06:38 PM

why not build an arbor over it and let the moisture from the ac water a grapevine

Haven · #5 05/31/12, 06:22 AM

I tried the cardboard idea temporarily, but there are vents on the top of the unit so it was a no-go. I guess I will lean some scrap wooden fence near it temporarily.

||Downhome|| · #6 05/31/12, 08:24 AM

paint it reflective.

Common Tator · #7 05/31/12, 09:00 AM

I like the idea of a latticework trellis of some type with a growing vine.

meanwhile · #8 05/31/12, 10:27 AM

A lattice with quick growing vine would work great. Morning Glory grow fast and you could plant peas or a fast growing bean vine. All would be pretty plus if you plant beans in there too then you get beans!