AC Unit

Here is the project with the shade cloth on it.

The top and sides are covered, the back is wide open to allow better exhaust flow.

For the time being I just used A LOT of zip ties to attach the cloth. I have ordered some 80% and some new fittings and will re-do this in the future. But for now I figured the zip ties were a little less redneck than using duct tape!

Remember I only had 40% shade cloth? Well I doubled it up on the top and on the LEFT half of the front (notice the difference on how much darker it is on the left).
As the sun sets I get some sun from the neighbors house, but as luck would have it, it only hits the unit to the right which is NOT the unit I am really concerned with as it is the downstairs AC and not having a problem with it.

This is why I suggested getting the 80% shade. It will allow good ventilation and still provide excellent shade.

AC Unit

On a side note. I am also experimenting with water misters around the AC units for extra "evaporative" cooling. From everything I have read it can help reduce head pressure which in turn reduces the load on the unit.

MORE to come on this little experiment....

Additional research on the concept can be found on sites like this:

http://www.cloudmister.com/p-148-ac-pre-cool-mist-system-residential-free-shipping.aspx

Or just do some Google searches on 'AC Precooling' or 'AC Misting'.

Few things you will find. Misting is only effective when the temp is high enough and the humidity is low enough. BOTH must happen to allow evaporation to create a cooling effect.

Also, a water filter on the line (which I have not done yet) to prevent scaling on the unit from the tap water...

I plan on incorporating a booster pump along with a water filter.

Again, more to come on the project as a whole...

AC Unit

Close up of the corner posts. *Note* bolts are set to the INSIDE of the framework. This is so the bolts don't hang up the shadecloth (you'll see..).

Also, note the screws on the caps. Being that I did not set the corner posts in concrete, I chose to drill and use small screws as "set-screws" to keep everything anchored together.

FYI during assembly BEFORE the set screws, horizontal pieces were falling on the ground EVERYWHERE! I would do this even if I had set the posts in concrete.

AC Unit

After driving corner posts (and, NO, I did not anchor these into the ground with concrete) with a fencepost driver. I started measuring and cutting horizontal posts and attaching with corner brackets.

I also have some shade cloth from: http://www.catalogclearance.com/
I have 40% shade, but (*Spoiler*) I would go ahead and get 70%-80% instead....

AC Unit

OK... So, it is always a good idea to have your home AC unit located in the shade. Whether it is on the shady side of the house, or in the shade of a nice tree.

Well, our builder decided to do neither. So, taking matters into my own hands... build a shade enclosure for our AC units. One that will put them in the shade, BUT still allow proper ventilation.

I am using standard galvanized fencing from Lowe's (I can't remember what I paid for this stuff, so don't ask). The plan is to build a durable, decent looking shade solution.

Our units sit on the WEST side of the house. When the sun hits about 12:30 P.M. they are in direct sun until about 5:30 in the evening. Sucks, huh?