Would adding plexiglass walls to our screened patio overheat the HVAC system, or is there a better solution to keep the heat out and still enjoy our outdoor space?
Asked by Sarah Chow 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 14, 2024
Hey, so we have this screened patio next to our HVAC unit and it gets super hot there, like unbearable. We used to let our dogs and toddler play there, but now that it’s summer, it’s just not doable. Do you think if we put up walls, like plexiglass, on that side of the patio, it would trap all the heat from the HVAC unit? Or do you have any other suggestions on how we can still enjoy our patio without overheating?
Wait, so this is a patio? I’m a bit confused. Could you provide photos from different angles? Is there direct access from the house? Is it completely surrounded by buildings? This space seems quite small.
Actually, this isn’t a patio. It’s facing a screened-in patio directly in front of it, so not the brick or vinyl, but the other side.
Oh, my bad! I just went back and read your post again.
‘s patio might be on the right side. You can kinda see the patio wall from here.
So, are you saying that the hot air from the HVAC system is blowing into the screen porch? Maybe we could create a surround for the HVAC unit but make sure to leave enough clearance as recommended by the manufacturer.
Paul uerrero Yeah, that’s exactly what’s going on. I’ll check out any recommendations from the manufacturer; it’s a brand called ‘Mr Cool’.
It’s pretty easy to build a two-post fence divider, and if it’s tall enough, it should be helpful.
Paul uerrero Sure, I’ll take that into consideration. Thanks!
It might cost some money, but turning the unit 90 degrees to blow out towards the cul-de-sac could cool down that whole area and potentially lower your cooling costs. It seems like the unit could easily start recirculating exhaust air and increase your bill.
Absolutely! It gets incredibly hot, and the house hardly has any insulation except in the attic, so it’s definitely absorbing all that heat.
I’ll definitely look into making a turn!
Can you turn the unit in the direction where the photo was taken? Like, rotate it 90 degrees clockwise? You might need an HVAC professional to check if there’s enough pipe for that. It could be your best bet since the unit needs some clearance to function properly or else it will recirculate hot air and not work efficiently.
Now that I have a better understanding of the situation, what if we turn the condenser 90° clockwise (horizontally, of course 🤣)? We will probably need to extend the refrigerant lines and electrical. It would be great to have the warm air blowing out in the direction you are facing in the photo.
That seems like the best choice. Thanks a lot!
That system is meant for outdoor use. Any system can also be used indoors. Air conditioning systems rely on pressure to function in some way. The behavior of liquids and gases is impacted by the surrounding environment.
We have almost unlimited options. How much do you know about doing it yourself? If you transition from an uncontrolled environment to a controlled one, adjustments to the system will be necessary. The specific modifications required depend on your end goal and adapting the system to suit the environmental conditions. It could be as simple as releasing or adding gas – it could also involve a different compressor.
Steve lus that’s not the main issue, take a closer look at the picture. Currently, the unit is blowing hot air towards the patio on the right. They just want to know how to prevent that air from heating up the patio area.
Steve lus what do you mean by that?
I’ve read it multiple times and I’m still confused.
I went back and read it again. I think I understand now. I initially thought they were asking about enclosing the unit to trap the heat.
If the screened-in patio allows a lot of air, even though it was installed after the patio was already there, it raises questions about whether the unit was installed in the right direction. However, it seems like maybe it was the best option considering budget constraints. Judging by the picture, a 90° turn would block the view from the window, which the installer may have taken into account.
So, before, it was about half the size and not raised on blocks, just on the slab. However, when we moved in, we had significant heating and cooling issues, so buying a new HVAC system was a top priority as it was long overdue.
Brantley Heating and Air Conditioning
That’s a Mr. Cool unit. These are marketed as DIY systems. Many HVAC companies avoid them for this reason. However, they come with pre-vacuumed and pre-charged linesets. Usually, there is extra lineset coiled near the system or potentially behind the indoor unit. If there are additional loops, you can simply rotate it 90° to face the direction of the picture. If not, you will need to hire a professional, and it might require contacting multiple companies once they are aware of the task. Personally, I am not allowed to work on them due to insurance reasons. Best of luck, and if you have spare lineset coiled up, I can guide you through the process of relocating it safely without causing any damage; it will need to be done carefully.
That’s the most practical and considerate suggestion!
I strongly dislike those… Those systems are terrible… Opt for a conventional HVAC system with an outdoor condenser unit, etc…
Could you install a baffle pointing upwards like this?
There is an option available for mounting them on the roof.
Simply close the window, and everything will be okay.
I am a Mr. Cool dealer. There are overly complicated responses here. Just close the windows. There is over 4 feet of space between the unit and the window. It should be fine.