On Thu 30 Jul 2009 04:08:06p, told us...

On Jul 30, 5:56*pm, Red Green wrote:
Wayne Boatwright wrote
innews:Xns9C5899
:





Our A/C Compressor/Condenser is only shaded by the shadow of our house
until about mid-morning. *The rest of the day it sits in direct
sunlight. *We live in the AZ desert where our summer temperatures are
typically 110°F and above by early afternoon.

Natural shade from trees or shrubs are not a practical solution, both
due to the location of the unit and the time it would take for the
plants to grow to a useful size.

I would like to construct something that would shield the unit from
the intense sun, yet also provide adequate air flow *for the unit.
Air is drawn in through all 4 sides and exits through the top.

I would like to do this as economically as possible, but I don't even
have a clue where to start.

All ideas welcome...

TIA

How about putting a lattice enclosure around it on 2 or 3 sides?

You can get lattice sheets and construct something to your liking or you
can get sections or fencing with lattice. Not sure about the sections
type but I've see a very dense lattice in sheets at Lowes.

Go to Lowes webside and search Lattice for some ideas.

Of course when the sun is directly overhead it's still an issue but
possibly can minimize with lattice.

Keep in mind to construct it so the HVAC service people can get at it
easily. Consider somewhat removable panel(s) by using screws in key
access areas or maybe hinges.ha

Just some initial thoughts...- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

BINGO on the lattice suggestion ; it will be the lowest cost
solution, easy to assemble and install, and effective . Dont put it
too close to the condensor coils...leave at least 6 inches clearance.
Make sure there is no obstruction on the a/c discharge ; most
manufacturers suggest at least 8 ' . If youre interested in getting
a bit more capacity out of your a/c unit during scorcher days and at
the same time drop the amp draw of the unit...consider spraying a fine
mist of water over as much of the condensor coil area as practical ;
but run the water thru an inline filter so you dont get alot of
sediment and scale buildup on the condensor. If you go online, you
can find ready-made systems that you simply hang on the side of the a/
c unit and water sprays out thru small holes in tubing. It really
works good in hot and dry climates as you get evaporative cooling of
the air air entering the condensor coils in addition to cooling of
the freon in the tubes directly from conduction. Just use an inline
water filter if you choose to go this route. Good luck.


Thanks, yes I was thinking about 6" clearance from each side of the unit.
Since the latice panels are usually 8' tall, I might just forego putting
any top on it and depend on the height of the latice panels.

As to using a mist on the coils, unfortunately it would be very impractical
here in AZ. We have some of the hardest water in the country where I live
and without a water softener in addition to the filters, the mineral
buildup would quickly clog the fins on the coils.

--
Wayne Boatwright
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Avoid fruit and nuts. You are what you eat. Jim Davis