Can I Build a Cabinet to Hide a Wall Air Conditioner?

How a Wall Air Conditioner Works

• A wall air conditioner works in much the same way a window or central unit does. The fan pulls in air from inside the room, and blows it across cold copper coils filled with refrigerant. These coils absorb the heat in the air, thereby reducing the temperature, and also "sweat" the condensation from the air, which serves to reduce indoor humidity. The hot air and waste water is disposed of outside the unit, and the cooler, drier air is returned to the room.

Air Flow

• A wall air conditioner requires sufficient air flow to function properly. If your cabinet reduces the amount of air made available to the unit, it can drastically reduce the efficiency of the air conditioner and even lead to component burn out. The cabinet should always be open while the unit is running, and it should be build large enough so as to provide plenty of room for air circulation.

Issues With The Thermostat

• Most wall air conditioners have thermostats built directly in to their case. This can present a problem if your cabinet holds the cold air that emerges from the unit. The thermostat will sense the reduced air temperature, and shut off the compressor to save energy. This can lead to the unit cycling rapidly, and drastically reduce the efficiency of the unit.

Alternatives

• An alternative to a cabinet is a simple curtain rod and some decorative curtains, or an opaque screen. The curtains can easily be opened when the unit is running, and closed the rest of the time. If you place the rod and curtains properly, it will give the illusion that the wall air conditioner is actually a window. Experiment with different patterns and colors of curtains or decorative screens until you find something that suits you.