10 Best Air Conditioner Covers and Fences

Give your outdoor AC unit a cool facelift with these top-rated air conditioner covers and privacy screens.

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April 17, 2023

Air conditioner units are large, loud and often installed in the least convenient locale in your yard. And we can agree that nothing takes away from the splendor of your lush landscaping or well-appointed outdoor entertainment space like the robust humming of a clunky machine. We are here with solutions: air conditioner covers.

How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover

Air conditioner covers are a practical investment that will disguise your unsightly unit and extend its life in one fell swoop. These hardworking covers come in two categories: privacy screen kits and fabric covers. Both options provide unique benefits, so the first step towards finding the best air conditioner cover for you is determining your goals. If you seek to strictly minimize the visual impact of your air conditioner on your outdoor space — a privacy screen kit is a fantastic route. But if you are in the market for an AC cover that will extend the life of your unit by guarding it against extreme elements, a fabric cover is a more cost-effective way to go.

What to Look for in an Air Conditioner Cover

MATERIALS: Selecting the proper materials for your air conditioner cover is critical. When shopping for a fabric cover, it's best to avoid plastic at all costs, as it can suffocate your unit and result in pricey repairs (or worse, replacement.) Instead, look for breathable, weather-resistant fabrics and covers with mesh ventilation to ensure optimum airflow. For air conditioner privacy screens, choose weather-resistant materials such as PVC or rot-resistant woods like cedar and acacia.

SIZE: Take the time to measure your unit before investing in a pricey cover. Fabric covers come in endless dimensions and often feature straps and elastic hems to ensure the perfect fit. It’s important not to suffocate your unit with a cover that is too small, and equally critical that you don't drown your AC in one that is too large. Oversized fabric covers that graze the ground create an inviting environment for rodents and pests to nest. Use your AC unit's general height and width measurements and your desired privacy level as a guide when selecting a privacy screen kit.

WEATHERPROOF: Whether purchasing an air conditioner cover for looks or element protection, one thing remains true: you want it to be weather-resistant. Air conditioner covers are exposed to wind, rain, snow and sweltering sunny days, so be sure you select one that is prepared to withstand the extremes without falling apart after a few seasons.

WARRANTY: Now, some of the budget-friendly air conditioner covers may not include a warranty. However, if you are investing in a more expensive air conditioner cover or privacy screen, it’s prudent that you purchase one with a solid warranty. These warranties can range between two to twenty years and will grant you peace of mind with your purchase.

Ready to invest in a cover for your AC unit? Read on to get the breakdown on the 10 best air conditioner covers and privacy screen kits, and shop our favorites in the links below.

$163.99

Disguise your unsightly backyard AC unit with the help of this sleek cedar privacy screen. The freestanding design includes three slatted panels forged from rot and insect-resistant North American cedar and features a solid dovetail construction for lasting quality. Better still, this handsome privacy screen is easy to assemble at home with no tools required. Shop the cedar set in two sizes to ensure the best fit for your air conditioning unit.

$27.99

Keep your air conditioner dry throughout the year with this budget-friendly pick. The LBH Products Air Conditioner Cover is heavy-duty 600D Oxford fabric that holds up against the elements and works to extend the life of your trusty unit. Each cover features an integrated mesh vent to prevent humidity build-up on the machine, plus elastic skirting for a flush fit along the base of the air conditioner. Fasten the cover in place with Velcro panels and achieve a custom fit with the exterior buckle strap.

$369.99 $300

Is your clunky, bulky and generally awkward air conditioner ruining the vibe in your manicured backyard or garden? Then you need the Florence Freestanding Privacy Screen. The stately tri-panel screen will work overtime, shielding your humming AC unit from sight and giving you another reason to jet off to your local nursery for some new plants and posies. Each panel measures six feet tall, four feet wide and features an integrated flowerbox perfect for climbing vines and seasonal blooms. The Florence screen is forged from weather-resistant, wood-inspired PVC and comes in two finishes: cedar or ash.

$170.47 $138

Skip the slatted look and keep your air conditioner unit out of sight with this solid Enclo wood screen kit. The Richmond Privacy Screen Kit includes two double-sided panels forged from naturally weather-resistant FSC-certified cedar lumber. The opaque panels anchor into the ground with contrasting powder-coated aluminum posts and are easily customized to fit the angles of your space. All you need to install this top-rated kit is a couple of free hours, a cordless drill, a level and a hammer.

$199.99 $138.99

If you love the idea of an opaque air conditioner screen but aren’t crazy about the wood finish showcased above, add this solid Garpans Enclosure Outdoor Privacy Screen Panel kit to your cart. The crisp-white design is forged from wind-proof PVC that pairs seamlessly with snowy exterior trim and is easy to install in a flash. Just punch the stakes around 16 inches into the ground, slide the screen panels into place and use an electric drill to fasten pieces into place.

$85.89

No need to break a sweat setting up this top-rated air conditioner privacy screen set! The water and weather-resistant Wilmington vinyl privacy screen set features integrated stakes, requiring zero digging for installation. Each kit includes two elegant double-sided screens designed to wrap around your unit at a right angle.

$198

In the market for an air conditioner cover that will last you 20 years, guaranteed? The SugarHouse Ultimate Sunbrella Canvas cover will do the trick. The heavy-duty design is a sought-after Sunbrella canvas that’s waterproof, snow-proof and rip- and fade-resistant. The hardworking design promises your satisfaction or you get your money back and includes a generous 20-year warranty. Even better? The SugarHouse cover comes in six classic colors and 30 unique size options to ensure you get the perfect fit for your unit.

From $21.99

Give your AC unit a streamlined facelift with the help of the BOLTLINK air conditioning cover. The water-resistant polyester design is our pick for the best adjustable cover due to its elastic drawstring hem and custom-fit buckle straps. This Amazon’s Choice AC cover has a minimalist look that blends into the backdrop, allowing your landscape and gardening ventures to shine in your backyard. Snag the top-rated cover in 11 unique sizes to get a tailored fit for your air conditioner.

$185 $137

Shield your out-of-place air conditioner unit with timeless garden charm using the Enclo Liberty Lattice Privacy Screen set. The freestanding vinyl set features three slatted panels to conceal your unit from all sides while allowing ample, open airflow. The crisp-white panels boast decorative finial toppers that lend them a traditional appeal ideal for colonial or cottage exteriors. Beauty aside, we love that each Liberty Lattice kit includes a 10-year warranty for any splintering, cracking or yellowing due to element exposure.

$30.47

Protect your air conditioner unit from problematic mildew and other water damage with this customer-favorite cover from Wayfair. The Khomo Gear Heavy-Duty Air Conditioning Cover is a practical, wallet-friendly tool to shield your AC unit from the elements year-round. The woven polyester cover is weather-resistant, creating a barrier between the machine and the elements. And no need to worry about the breeze whisking it away – each Khomo Gear cover has a drawstring hem that secures it in place on even this windiest of days. Grab the 4.7-star design for your unit in one of three colors: gray, beige or black.

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