can I put a wooden blind around my air conditioning unit?
Answers:
As long as it doesn't interupt the air flow. I have a latticework screen around my central a/c unit.
Other answers:
If you are using the blinds to shade the system ... Studies have show that shading air conditioners and especially just shading condensing sections is of little value. In fact, improper installation can actually cause restricted airflow to the unit resulting in increased run time and higher operating costs.
however, if you are using it to camouflage the system, just remember to keep a good amount of spacing around the system - If you restrict the air flow around the unit, you'll almost certainly reduce its efficiency; you may even cause it to fail prematurely as well. Also remember that access to the system will be needed for servicing and repairs.
If you are using the blinds to shade the system ... Studies have show that shading air conditioners and especially just shading condensing sections is of little value. In fact, improper installation can actually cause restricted airflow to the unit resulting in increased run time and higher operating costs.
however, if you are using it to camouflage the system, just remember to keep a good amount of spacing around the system - If you restrict the air flow around the unit, you'll almost certainly reduce its efficiency; you may even cause it to fail prematurely as well. Also remember that access to the system will be needed for servicing and repairs.
You might try what we did earlier in the spring and it seems to serve the purpose and enhance that area of our yard as well. The area where the unit sits is pretty nondescript as far as architectural enhancements. You can, however, see the unit from the parking area of our yard and it's an eyesore. Beyond the unit, you can see part of the back deck which my husband had built a "paned" lattice screen for privacy and afternoon shade. It's very open as each square is 10x10, but we planted bougainvilla to climb on it and this adds color as well. Rather than fight with visual effects, we decided to make a three sided standing screen in the same design to go around the ac unit. It doesn't constrict the airflow, is easily removed to access the unit, and with the same plantings around it, it looks like we planned it that way! This particular screen works with our house design, but if you go online to outdoors fence and screen project sites you can find designs in keeping with your own home.