5 Ways to Hide Your Outdoor AC Unit So It Blends In Beautifully, According to Designers

Radiators, while efficient heating sources, are often considered aesthetically unpleasing and can pose burn hazards. However, specialized companies offer solutions to transform these utilitarian devices into attractive and functional elements of a room through custom enclosures. These enclosures not only improve the visual appeal of radiators but can also enhance their heating efficiency and safety. SMK Enterprises, based in Leola, Lancaster County, offers custom-made radiator covers in both wood and metal. Owner Frank Werts, who founded the company in 2000, highlights the dual benefits of these enclosures: beautification and safety. His products, crafted by a Lancaster County Amish man for wooden designs and a Philadelphia-area company for metal ones, feature rounded corners and welded construction for durability and safety. Werts, operating within a 100-mile radius, measures, delivers, and installs these custom covers for various heating units, including traditional radiators, baseboards, convectors, and even air-conditioners. Metal covers typically cost between $200 and $250, while wooden options range from $500 to $550. Werts notes that an enclosed radiator can serve as a functional piece of furniture, adding utility beyond just providing heat. Monarch Products, a radiator-enclosure company from Carlstadt, N.J., emphasizes the efficiency benefits of their enclosures. Their products, covered in a factory electrostatic baked enamel, are designed to reflect heat more effectively and feature a dustproof steel back for improved energy efficiency. The strategically designed grilles on the front of Monarch's enclosures direct warm air into the living space, preventing heat from rising directly to the ceiling. Monarch offers a wide array of styles, from basic grillwork to elaborate designs with integrated shelves, all constructed from steel. These models are available in multiple colors and a wood-grain finish, with prices starting around $60. The company ships products nationwide and to Canada for self-installation, and also provides custom, pre-welded models that simply sit over the radiator. Edward D. Hemmert, product manager for Arsco Manufacturing Co., based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and operating through Beautiful Radiators, explains the historical context of radiator use. Radiator heating systems were prevalent in residential, commercial, public, and institutional buildings, peaking in the 1920s and 1930s. Despite their efficiency, high initial installation costs led to a decline in their popularity after World War II. However, homeowners with existing radiator systems often seek enclosures for both aesthetic enhancement and safety concerns. Arsco, established in 1934, offers nine basic enclosure models, including square, round, and mitered corners, with three grille patterns: Grecian, octagonal cane, and cloverleaf. Their steel covers, available in various finishes like white, soft white, antique, gray, brown, and black, range in price from $72 to $374 depending on the size of the radiator. Even homeowners with baseboard radiant heating can benefit from specialized coverings, as offered by Radiant Wraps. Patricia Paddy, office manager for the Cedar Grove, N.J.-based company, states that Radiant Wraps transform conventional baseboard heating units into decorative architectural accessories, eliminating the need to conceal unsightly baseboards. These steel covers are constructed in one piece with adjustable interlocking connectors and feature an electrostatically applied and baked-on powder-coated finish for superior durability compared to conventional wet-painted units. Radiant Wraps' products vary in price from just over $100 for in-stock panels to upwards of $3,000 for custom models, promising durability and a long lifespan while adding beauty to the living space. #RadiatorEnclosures #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #HeatingSystems #HomeSafety #CustomFurniture #HomeRemodeling #EnergyEfficiency

As summer temperatures rise, creating a comfortable and cool backyard space becomes a priority for homeowners. Many strategies exist to achieve this, ranging from structural additions and landscaping choices to material selections and water features. Implementing these ideas can significantly reduce heat buildup and enhance outdoor living experiences. One of the most effective methods for combating direct sunlight is the installation of physical structures. Options such as pergolas, gazebos, or retractable awnings block solar radiation, preventing surfaces from overheating and creating shaded areas below. For those with a larger budget, custom pergolas can be designed with integrated fans, lighting, speakers, and retractable canopies, offering versatile comfort and control over the environment. These structures not only provide shade but also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the outdoor space. Landscaping plays a crucial role in natural cooling. Incorporating taller trees with large leaves or evergreen shrubs strategically positioned to the west of the yard can block the harshest afternoon sun. This creates a microclimate, a localized area with cooler temperatures, making the space more livable even on hot days. Living walls, or vertical gardens, offer another natural cooling solution. These green installations act as insulators, cooling the wall behind them and potentially lowering temperatures on surrounding patios when placed thoughtfully. They can be built DIY using various plants like moss, succulents, ferns, and vines, or professionally installed. Water features are highly effective in reducing ambient temperatures. Fountains, misting systems, and even larger elements like pools or splash pads utilize evaporation to absorb heat from the air. Combining a misting system with a fan essentially creates an evaporative cooler, particularly beneficial in dry climates. These features also add a calming aesthetic and the soothing sound of water to the backyard. Material choices for outdoor furniture, ground coverings, and paths also influence heat absorption. Darker materials absorb and retain more heat, leading to uncomfortable surfaces. Opting for light-colored or natural-toned furniture can significantly improve comfort, preventing surfaces from becoming too hot to touch. Similarly, certain ground coverings like pea gravel or decomposed granite remain cooler underfoot compared to darker alternatives such as black lava rock or basalt. Even simple solutions like outdoor fans promote air movement, enhancing evaporative cooling on the skin and dispersing heat, available in permanent or portable options. For those considering more significant investments, an outdoor kitchen or bar area can be designed with strategic shading to allow for comfortable outdoor dining and cooking. Alternatively, adding weather-resistant patio umbrellas or flowy, sun-resistant sails can provide immediate relief. Finally, bamboo screens or walls serve multiple purposes: they add style, enhance privacy, and act as natural cooling barriers by diffusing sunlight. These eco-friendly and often budget-friendly options can be installed relatively quickly, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits to a backyard aiming to stay cool throughout the summer. #BackyardCooling #OutdoorLiving #ShadeStructures #LandscapingDesign #WaterFeatures #LivingWalls #OutdoorFurniture #SummerPrep #HomeImprovement

In areas experiencing extreme heat, such as Dallas, Texas, where temperatures consistently reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, an efficient air conditioning system is essential. While window units offer a basic cooling solution, central air conditioning systems provide superior ease of use, energy efficiency, and quiet operation. This article, penned by an experienced electrician, delves into the critical considerations for homeowners looking to invest in or upgrade their central air conditioning, drawing insights from HVAC experts Micah Sherman and Jay Kline. The article begins by outlining the two primary types of central air conditioning systems: split systems and package systems. A split system, the more common of the two, consists of an outdoor condensing unit and an indoor air handler or furnace. These systems are generally more efficient and offer greater flexibility in outdoor unit placement due to their smaller external footprint. Conversely, package systems integrate all components into a single cabinet, typically installed outdoors on a slab or roof. While easier to install and service, requiring no indoor access for technicians, package systems can be noisier as all mechanical parts are housed together. Energy efficiency is a paramount concern for air conditioners, given their significant energy consumption. Homeowners are advised to prioritize the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) when selecting a system. A higher SEER rating indicates greater cooling capacity relative to energy usage, translating to lower utility bills. The U.S. Department of Energy sets minimum SEER standards, which vary by region. For warmer climates where ACs run frequently, a high SEER-rated system offers substantial benefits, while in cooler regions, its value might be less pronounced. Proper sizing of the air conditioner is crucial for optimal performance and comfort. The article stresses that a larger unit is not always better. An oversized system can cool a home too rapidly, leading to poor humidity control and discomfort. Conversely, an undersized system will struggle to maintain desired temperatures, resulting in increased energy costs and premature system wear. To determine the correct size, HVAC contractors perform a “Manual J” load calculation. This comprehensive assessment considers various factors, including a home's square footage, local climate, insulation type, window and door characteristics, and the number of occupants, to accurately ascertain the British Thermal Units (BTU) needed for effective cooling. This complex calculation is best left to professionals. Ductwork also plays a significant role in a central AC's efficiency. Ducts that are too small can create static pressure, overworking the unit and generating noise. Oversized ductwork can lead to inefficient airflow, particularly to rooms further from the unit. Generally, existing ducts are adequate if correctly sized, though a new transition duct might be needed to connect to a new system. Homeowners are advised to ensure their ductwork is in good condition, as damaged ducts can compromise system performance. Selecting the right outdoor placement for the condenser unit is another important consideration. HVAC contractors determine the ideal spot based on system design, building codes, and safety. A location that avoids constant direct sunlight and water runoff is preferable. Placing the unit on the north side of a home, where it receives the least direct sun, helps keep it cooler. Additionally, sufficient clearance around the unit (two to three feet on each side) is necessary to prevent obstructions that can hinder cooling efficiency and impede technician access for maintenance. Finally, regular maintenance is vital for prolonging the life and efficiency of an air conditioner. Experts recommend at least one, and preferably two, maintenance checks annually—before the major heating and cooling seasons. Routine tasks such as changing air filters every three months (or more frequently if needed) and clearing debris like leaves and branches from around the outdoor unit can be done by homeowners. Monitoring energy bills for unusual spikes and listening for loud noises can signal potential issues that require professional attention. While some minor repairs can be guided by experts, complex tasks should be handled by HVAC professionals. #AirConditioningInstallation #HVACMaintenance #HomeCooling #EnergyEfficiency #SplitSystem #PackageSystem #SEERRating #DuctworkSizing #CondenserUnitPlacement

The article discusses creative methods interior designers use to conceal kitchen appliances, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a kitchen while maintaining functionality. It emphasizes that while kitchens are inherently utilitarian, they can also be attractive spaces. Designers consider various factors, including how frequently appliances are used, the kitchen's layout, the homeowner's lifestyle, and budget constraints, when determining the best concealment strategies. One prominent method highlighted is the use of appliance garages. These integrated storage solutions are described as offering the best of both worlds, effectively hiding bulky tabletop appliances while keeping them easily accessible. Designers Chelsey Cox and Rachel Rector of Chinotto House explain that by incorporating these garages into cabinetry, appliances become part of the kitchen's architecture rather than looking like add-ons. Heidi Feliz-Grimm, a senior designer at O’Hara Interiors, particularly favors retractable doors for appliance garages. She notes that these doors allow appliances to remain within easy reach and, unlike traditional cabinet doors, do not obstruct the kitchen's design or take up valuable space when open. Another strategy involves utilizing standalone furniture pieces to hide less frequently used appliances. Liz Fraser Wooten of Ashdown Studio suggests using a hutch or similar furniture to fill an unused wall or an awkward corner in the kitchen or dining room. This approach not only adds to the design but also increases functionality without requiring extensive renovation, making it a budget-friendly option accessible to anyone looking to conceal their appliances. The article also details the use of paneling for larger appliances like refrigerators and freezers. Sarah Scott, owner and principal designer at Sarah Scott Designs, advocates for paneling these appliances to make them blend seamlessly with the surrounding cabinetry. This technique eliminates the visual impact of stainless steel, creating a more cohesive and calming atmosphere in the kitchen. For wine refrigerators, Feliz-Grimm recommends panel-ready models with glass inserts, allowing for display when desired while still concealing the stainless steel. Paneling is particularly effective in smaller kitchens, as it creates an uninterrupted visual line, making the space appear larger. Some designers, however, prefer to avoid paneling in larger kitchens to introduce visual breaks. Finally, the article explores the benefits of walk-in pantries for appliance storage. Feliz-Grimm encourages clients to place appliances in walk-in pantries, reasoning that all necessary ingredients are already stored there. Betsey Mosby, founder of Betsey Mosby Interior Design, takes this concept further by incorporating 'secret' pantries into her designs. These pantries appear as regular cabinet doors but open to reveal versatile working spaces. Such pantries can house extra ovens, microwaves, warming drawers, water bottle fillers, and other specialty appliances, effectively moving them out of the main kitchen area. Mosby's personal experience with a secret pantry in her own home demonstrates its practicality, as it remains her family's most used room. #KitchenDesign #ApplianceStorage #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #KitchenOrganization #SpaceSaving #Cabinetry #DesignTips

The article details a simple yet effective DIY project to conceal unsightly household elements, such as a cat's litter box or cleaning supplies, particularly in homes lacking built-in storage. Breanna Young, a designer and content creator based in Brooklyn, developed this solution for her industrial bathroom, which had an open-concept sink area leaving her cat's litter box fully exposed. Her innovative approach involved creating a low-commitment sink skirt that not only hides these items but also adds texture and a sophisticated, boutique-hotel aesthetic to the bathroom. The project is designed to be accessible to both experienced DIYers and beginners, requiring minimal materials: short 30-inch curtains, hook and loop tape, and a handheld steamer. The first step involves precise measurement of the under-sink space, including the full width of the opening and the desired curtain height. Young advises selecting enough curtain panels to allow for slight overlap, ensuring a full and finished appearance. This initial measurement is crucial for the overall success and aesthetic appeal of the sink skirt. Following the measurements, the next stage focuses on preparing and attaching the hook-and-loop tape to the curtains. Equal pieces of both the rough (hook) and soft (loop) sides of the tape are cut to span the top of each curtain panel. The rough (hook) side is then firmly pressed onto the top backside of each curtain panel, just beneath where the curtain loops would typically be, ensuring it lies flat and adheres securely. This method allows for even distribution and hanging of the curtain panels. Once the tape is attached to the curtains, the corresponding soft (loop) pieces are applied directly underneath the sink where the curtain will hang. This setup facilitates a secure yet easily removable attachment. The curtain panels are then snapped into place, aligning each panel and pressing the hook and loop pieces together. Young suggests working from one side to the other to maintain even spacing. Overlapping the panels, if space permits, contributes to a fuller, more refined look and effectively conceals any gaps. The final step involves neatening the curtains by using a steamer or iron to remove wrinkles, ensuring the fabric hangs smoothly and enhances the overall polished appearance. For practicality, Young also suggests incorporating a removable tieback or Velcro tabs on one panel to allow quick access to the hidden items. This DIY solution offers significant functional and aesthetic improvements. For Young, it transformed her rental bathroom, providing much-needed hidden storage for cleaning supplies and privacy for her cat's litter box. The outcome is a more elevated and organized bathroom that evokes the ambiance of a boutique hotel, demonstrating how a simple, creative project can drastically enhance the comfort and visual appeal of a living space. The project effectively addresses common household eyesores, contributing to a tidier and more stylish home environment. #DIYHomeDecor #HomeOrganization #SpaceSavingSolutions #BathroomDesign #CreativeStorage #RentalFriendlyDIY #BreannaYoung