[JGibson]

My condenser faces the west and the sun beats on it during the hot afternoons and I'm looking for ideas of what type of shade barrier I can put near the condenser.

I was thinking of some type of plastic/PVC vented fence just to cover the two sides that is exposed to sun.

If you can keep your condenser shaded it will be more efficient and not work as hard.

Not interested in bushes.

I know villagetinker has an idea.

[JohnN]

interesting article - I dunno, UF study says it's negligible

Does Your Air Conditioner Need Shade? – Energy Efficiency Myths

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by JGibson

My condenser faces the west and the sun beats on it during the hot afternoons and I'm looking for ideas of what type of shade barrier I can put near the condenser.

I was thinking of some type of plastic/PVC vented fence just to cover the two sides that is exposed to sun.

If you can keep your condenser shaded it will be more efficient and not work as hard.

Not interested in bushes.

I know villagetinker has an idea.

Neighbor put up white vinyl fencing about 3.5 feet tall. Looks good and cut down the noise some.

[Altavia]

The compressor has an sound insulating blanket over it. The coolent lines cool the device

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Altavia

Your condenser has an insulating blanket over it. The coolent lines cool the device

Huh? The entire outside unit is called the condensing unit. It consists of a heat transfer coil, the cooling fan, and the compresser. When in the cooling mode, the refrigerant is piped through the coil and the fan moves air across the coil to remove heat from the refrigerant. I don't know what blanket you are referring to. But, I don't think it makes sense to shade the condensing unit. It will have minimal effect on the unit's efficiency.

[JGibson]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Huh? The entire outside unit is called the condensing unit. It consists of a heat transfer coil, the cooling fan, and the compresser. When in the cooling mode, the refrigerant is piped through the coil and the fan moves air across the coil to remove heat from the refrigerant. I don't know what blanket you are referring to. But, I don't think it makes sense to shade the condensing unit. It will have minimal effect on the unit's efficiency.

The cooler the area around the condenser the easier the heat transfers to atmosphere.

Service man from Munn's suggested it when he saw my condenser baking in the westward sun. I agree with his suggestion but for each their own.

[JGibson]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Neighbor put up white vinyl fencing about 3.5 feet tall. Looks good and cut down the noise some.

Any chance you know where he bought it? Ace, Home Depot, Lowes? Thanks.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by JGibson

The cooler the area around the condenser the easier the heat transfers to atmosphere.

Service man from Munn's suggested it when he saw my condenser baking in the westward sun. I agree with his suggestion but for each their own.

According to the Florida Solar Energy Center:

"We conclude that any savings produced by localized AC condenser shading are quite modest (<3%) and that the risk of interrupting air flow to the condenser may outweigh shading considerations. The preferred strategy may be a long-term one: locating AC condensers in an unobstructed location on the shaded north side of buildings and depending on extensive site and neighborhood-level landscaping to lower localized air temperatures."

I would also point out that a 3.5 foot high fence will not provide much shading during the hottest part of the day. The fence would need to be higher and far enough away from the condenser to prevent air flow restrictions. Air flow is more important than shading.

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by JGibson

Any chance you know where he bought it? Ace, Home Depot, Lowes? Thanks.

Sorry, no additional info and the neighbor has moved out of state. As I recall all of the big box stores carry vinyl fencing and the materials needed to install. Just be sure to check with ARC some fences are not allowed, or not allowed in all CDDs.

[Michael G.]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Neighbor put up white vinyl fencing about 3.5 feet tall. Looks good and cut down the noise some.

A friend of mine bought a deluxe Carrier condenser from Munn's that is
so quiet, you actually need to look inside at the fan blades to tell if it's running.

[Altavia]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Huh? The entire outside unit is called the condensing unit. It consists of a heat transfer coil, the cooling fan, and the compresser. When in the cooling mode, the refrigerant is piped through the coil and the fan moves air across the coil to remove heat from the refrigerant. I don't know what blanket you are referring to. But, I don't think it makes sense to shade the condensing unit. It will have minimal effect on the unit's efficiency.

Sorry, pushed send too soon...

The newer compressors have a sound insulating blanket over it. The coolent lines cool the compressor

[Pondboy]

Our AC guy says it’s not needed.

[Worldseries27]

Where's a tree when you need one

[jimbo2012]

I use a fine water mister on very hot days, it appears to work well.

If it overheats the AC repairman runs a hose on it, which is what gave me the idea.

[baustgen]

Better check your deed. Fences are generally not allowed.