FAQ

Yes—wind resistance was one of the top priorities during development. AC Shade is engineered to stay secure in extreme weather conditions, safely releasing pressure in high winds.

Here’s how it works:

• Canopy design is only attached in a way which allows it to lift slightly and release wind pressure, rather than fighting it like a sail.
  
• permeable and UV-stabilized, reducing drag and preventing buildup of wind force underneath.
  

It’s been tested through strong storms and rooftop winds without issue. That said, for severe storms, we recommend removing it temporarily—a process that takes under 30 seconds with no tools.

Yes. The 3/4" UV stabilized, Furniture Grade PVC and the high-tensile fabric flexes under pressure without tearing. We do recommend removing for severe storms like tropical and hurricanes, simply remove the shade in under 30 seconds and reinstall once conditions improve.

AC Shade attaches using weather-rated bungee cords that hook directly onto your condenser—no tools, drilling, or permanent modifications required.

After testing a wide range of fasteners (including clips, straps, and brackets), bungee cords proved to be the most universally compatible, durable, and wind-tolerant solution across all major condenser designs.

The result? A tight, secure fit that installs in under 30 seconds, stays in place during storms, and can be removed just as easily when needed—like before extreme weather or for seasonal storage.

What's in the box:

• 1x AC Shade Canvas
• 4x Frame Poles (modular, snap-fit)
• 4x Corner Connectors
• 2x Middle Support Connector (T-style)
• 4x High-tech elastic securement devices (commonly referred to as bungee cords)
• 1x Quick Start Guide
• 6x Canvas Support Ribs

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🧩 Step-by-Step Assembly

Step 1: Frame the Shade

• Connect the poles into a square using the corner connectors
• The 4 (A) posts form the inner frame
• Use the T-connectors on one side and the X connectors on the opposite side.

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Step 2: Attach the Canvas

• Lay the canvas flat on the ground and place the inner frame inside the opening 

 

• Align the sleeves with the poles
• Slide 2 (B) poles through the canvas sleeves and then push them firmly into the "T" connector.

• Insert the remaining four (B) poles into the corner canvas pockets, then slide them into the X-connector slots.

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Step 3: Installation

For Square Units:

• Center the AC Shade on top of the unit so the open center aligns directly above the exhaust fan.
• Ensure the shade covers as much of the condenser’s top surface and coil area as possible without obstructing airflow.

For Non-Square Units:

• Center the shade over the exhaust fan, keeping overlap to a minimum. It’s not recommended to overlap the fan area by more than 1 inch on each side.
• Adjust position to provide maximum shade for the intake louvers or coil sections while maintaining fan clearance.

For Larger or Package Units:

• Set the AC Shade on top of the condenser so the open center section sits directly around the exhaust fan (the upward-blowing discharge).
• Adjust to shade as much of the cooling coils and intake louvers as possible without blocking airflow.
• Some larger rooftop or side-discharge units may require creative placement — the goal is always to provide shade while allowing clear air movement.

Tip: For most homes, aligning the main shaded area toward the south or west side will block the most intense afternoon sunlight.

Once positioned properly, continue to the next step to secure your AC Shade in place.

If you have any questions about how to best install or secure your AC Shade, feel free to reach out to us — see our Contact Us page.

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Step 4: Secure it your way

Every installation will look a little different — and that’s perfectly fine. The AC Shade was designed to adapt. The goal is simple: keep it stable while letting your unit breathe.

• Use the included bungees or any equivalent outdoor straps.
• Corners usually work best, but you can also hook to the frame, grille, or nearby anchor points.
• Use at least three secure points for balance.
• Keep the shade taut but not over-stretched — a little flexibility helps in strong gusts.
• If one corner doesn’t cooperate, move the anchor point. There’s no single “right” setup — only what fits your unit best.

If it feels stable and your fan breathes freely, you did it right.

AC Shade is designed to fit nearly every unit type — no two installations are exactly the same, and that’s by design.

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Stretch the bungee across the corner.

Hook the other end into the grate on the opposite side.

Tip: Stretch to about 90% of the cord’s maximum length for optimal tension.

Repeat for all four corners.

Note: If any corner cannot be spanned, you can secure the bungee over the nearby PVC frame instead.

Seasonal & Weather Notes

AC Shade is designed for outdoor, year-round use. 

• However, for severe weather (winds above 65 mph), we recommend removing the shade temporarily to avoid stress on the unit or frame.
• Reinstall easily after conditions stabilize.
• It’s recommended to remove the AC Shade during months when air conditioning isn’t in use, so it’s ready to protect your system for many years.
• For heat pumps, removing it in colder months is recommended, as sunlight can assist system efficiency.

 

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🛠 Need Help?

Email: support@cooleriscooler.com

The frame is constructed from 3/4-inch UV-stabilized furniture-grade PVC, which is thicker, stronger, and more weather-resistant than standard hardware store PVC.

Why we chose it:

• Rated for outdoor use, with UV inhibitors to prevent sun damage or brittleness
  
• Resilient in heat and cold—it holds its shape without sagging or warping
  
• Smooth, clean finish that looks sharp and won’t yellow or chalk over time
  

We tested metal and other materials too, but this PVC gave us the best balance of strength, weight, cost, and long-term durability. It also allows us to maintain a modular design that can fit most units—and be installed or removed in seconds.

The canopy is made from heavy-duty, UV-stabilized mesh fabric designed specifically for long-term outdoor exposure. It’s the same class of material used in high-end patio furniture and commercial shade structures.

It’s:

• So it doesn’t trap heat or moisture
  
• With a 10-year UV warranty from the manufacturer
  
• Sun, rain, wind, and debris for years
  

We chose this fabric after extensive testing to make sure it would hold up under intense summer conditions without sagging, stretching, or breaking down over time.