An air conditioner screen may refer to the LCD or LED screen of your modern AC unit, but it more commonly refers to the fencing placed outside, around the outdoor unit. In this article, we'll discuss the importance of the air conditioner screen, where you can shop for one for your air conditioner, and common problems with an AC screen.
What is an Air Conditioner Screen?
An air conditioner screen is a piece of fencing that encloses the outdoor unit of your air conditioner. It is often made of wood, metal, or acrylic, and is used to mask the outdoor AC unit for aesthetic purposes.
An AC unit screen also serves as a protector for the AC vents outside, preventing large pieces of debris, leaves, and other outdoor obstructions. These screens span several feet wide, and can prevent animals, pests, and large insects from making a home out of your outdoor unit, particularly during the cold winter months.
Depending on the location of your house, as well as your neighborhood, the air conditioner screen may also prevent theft and vandalization of our outdoor unit. Screens perfectly cover up the outdoor unit, leaving a moderate amount of space around it to provide proper air circulation to the vents.
The Importance of Air Conditioner Screens
1. Blocks Debris
One of the main reasons homeowners purchase screens for their air conditioning units is to prevent large pieces of debris, pests, and animals from getting into the vents, particularly during winter when animals tend to stay in outdoor units of unused air conditioners for warmth. Having an AC fence will keep out debris and animals from obstructing the unit.
2. Prevents Theft and Vandalism
If your area is prone to theft and vandalism, an air conditioner screen may help prevent damages to your outdoor unit, as well as loss of the unit and its parts. Most homeowners who purchase screens for protection tend to purchase metal screens with locks for security.
3. Hides the AC Unit
The most common reason homeowners purchase an air conditioner screen for their AC unit is for aesthetic purposes. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner can be an eyesore, and it may stick out like a sore thumb in an otherwise natural and organic garden. Covering the outdoor unit with a lattice fencing helps mask the industrial look of the unit.
Where to Purchase an Air Conditioner Screen
Not every air conditioner and hardware store would have an air conditioner screen, but you can create one using wooden planks or lattice fencing. You can find ideas online on how to hide your outside unit using a DIY louvered screen, and you can also find deals online for customizable air conditioner screens you can slide over your outdoor unit to cover it.
Alternatively, you can find stores that offer AC screens and covers for your indoor and outdoor units. There are numerous options on Amazon, as well as Wayfair. Shopee Singapore also has a wide selection of air conditioner outdoor covers for your cooling system to keep dirt and debris away from the vents while you're not using the unit.
Other options include Target, Ace Hardware, and Home Depot, which carry lattice fencing that can fit into air conditioner screens. When purchasing an air conditioner screen, make sure you leave ample space between the unit and the fencing to allow proper airflow around the unit.
Diagnosing a Faulty Aircon Screen
#1 Screen is Too Small
One common problem with air conditioner screens is when the screen is too small for the size of the unit. Screens should have space between the AC and the fencing for proper air circulation, and screens too close to the vents may obstruct the airflow around the unit.
Always measure the size of your air conditioner before you purchase a screen, and be sure to allot extra space around the outdoor unit before building or buying the screen.
#2 Screen Does Not Have Proper Ventilation
AC screens with a fine mesh may be helpful in filtering out most debris, but they can restrict ventilation for the outdoor unit. This will create an obstruction around your AC vents, causing your unit to overwork, overheat, and possibly break down. Go for mesh screens with large holes for proper ventilation instead.
Luce Aircon Services
Unsure of your AC screen? Our technicians at Luce will be able to give recommendations on the material and size of the screen you can use on your AC unit depending on your area, and the model of your air conditioner!
Give us a call today, and we can discuss maintenance routines to keep your air conditioner in good shape!
