HVAC screen

Total cost of completed base and wood screen = $292.
Free design and labor by owner.

HVAC screen design

The objectives were:

1. Solar shading as required by the manufacturer
2. Open ventilation as required for any outdoors condenser unit
3. Rain water drainage to protect the material
4. Easy and cheap to build as a DIY project
5. Removable for access, cleaning and maintenance
6. Attractive appearance

Here's the current design with June sun. It'll probably be redwood.

(see previous post)

HVAC base

Concrete is now in place. The two short pieces of wood near the middle are for attachment of the HVAC equipment, which will just screw down. I used deck screws spaced about 12 inches apart as anchoring studs for all embedded redwood.

Formwork for HVAC base

Flatwise 2x4 starts at the high end on the sloping existing concrete (far right above), anchored with double 16d nails hammered into drilled 1/4-inch holes. Tapered formwork was then attached to it for a level top. 2x12's continue over dirt, anchored with standard steel stakes. The 2x4 redwood is just sitting for a dry fit (the sections clamped for glue to dry). It will embed in the new concrete during the pour as a sill plate for some type of screen fence.

Soffit at bay

Floor insulation also goes in the cantilevered bay section. The soffit gets the same excellent vinyl material that I installed in the entry roof extension. Outlet boxes are adjustable for depth. One is dedicated for the mini-split heat exchanger, the other for general backyard use.