How to Hide AC Unit, Electrical Boxes, and Ugly Trash Bins from View

A large air conditioning unit or ugly electric meter can detract from the outside beauty of your home. Here’s how to hide an ugly AC unit, trash bin, or other mechanical ‘monstrosity’ from guests or street view.

Disguise Unsightly Outdoor Trash and Recycle Bins

DIY a 3-sided wood fence to hide ‘unmentionables’. You’ll need several 2x4s, 1x6s, or sections of wood fencing, a drill, and wood screws. See the how-to at Theartofdoingstuff.com.

Hide your trash bins behind greenery

Plant shrubs in front of the bins. Leave enough room between the shrubs and bins to move the bins when needed. For more privacy, add a lattice garden panel.

Or, create a screen with large planter pots. Then, fill them with shrubs, flowers, or tall greenery.

Hide Homely Electric and Gas Meters

This attractive DIY slatted screen can be made with plywood, a brad nailer, and 2×4 boards. Add your home address number onto the screen for extra appeal. Learn how at Remodelaholic.com.

Note: Before you begin, check with your local utility company for recommended clearance and required access to air conditioner equipment.

Paint your electric meter box

Choose a paint color that matches your home’s exterior. All you need is a test pot of paint and a paintbrush. Apply two coats of paint. Your meter box will magically ‘disappear’.

Hide an Unattractive AC Unit

An air conditioning unit is a large, mechanical ‘necessity’ that usually sits near your foundation. Just their hulky size can make them an eyesore. Here are three ways to hide your AC unit from view.

Home repair expert, Bob Vila, says, “A creative use of segmented wood slats creates a truly eye-pleasing screened cover for the AC unit. Steel rods at each corner allow the screen to hinge and fold away for winter storage.” Visit the HousePet blog for ideas and inspiration.

DIY a slatted outdoor AC cover from cedar wood planks and weatherproof adhesive. A wooden screen is easy to make and can be completed in a weekend. Visit UglyDucklingHouse.com for the how-to.

Consider disguising the air conditioner with a pool pump cover. Air conditioning units are approximately the same size as pre-made pool pump covers. And there’s a wide variety of designs available.

Make sure the pump cover you buy is durable and leaves plenty of room for adequate airflow.

Two important rules to keep in mind when hiding your AC unit:

1. Do not block the flow of air around the air conditioning unit. If you do, then it will interfere with its operation or can cause overheating.
2. Ensure your cover or ‘camouflage’ allows easy access to the air conditioner unit for professional service and repairs.

Hide Outdoor Lighting Cords and Wiring

Guests are less likely to trip and fall when your outdoor wiring is hidden or buried. Plus, concealing wires and cords creates a more attractive outdoor space.

Hide wires or cords for outdoor lighting by burying them underground.

Here’s how:

1. Bundle the wires together with zip ties.
2. Run the wires through a section of PVC pipe.
3. Dig a narrow trench approximately 6 to 12 inches deep.
4. Place the PVC pipe in the trench. Cover it with soil and replace the sod.

Did you know? Garden hoses are wonderful garden helpers, but they can create a trip hazard if not stored properly. To store your garden hose, buy a large galvanized metal washtub at a farm supply store. Coil your hose and store it inside.