Fitting an aircon cover is a job you can do yourself in about 20 minutes. Your Komposite air conditioner cover arrives flat-packed, so the work comes in two parts: bend and rivet four panels into a box, then hang it on the wall over your outdoor unit. Below you get the installation video, the tools you need and all 9 steps in order, so you can fit your aircon cover with confidence.
Aircon cover installation at a glance
- Time: about 20 minutes.
- Skill level: basic DIY. No special skills needed.
- Tools: pop rivet gun, power drill with a masonry bit, pencil or marker, spirit level and measuring tape.
- In the box: four panels, plus pop rivets, wall plugs and screws.
Watch the aircon cover installation video
What you need before you start
What is in the box
- Front panel (large pattern, 1)
- Left panel (small pattern, 1)
- Right panel (small pattern, 1)
- Top panel (small solid, 1)
- Pop rivets, wall plugs and screws
Inspect every panel for transit damage before you start. If anything looks damaged, contact us before you go any further.
Tools you will need
- Pop rivet gun
- Power drill with a masonry bit
- Pencil or marker
- Spirit level (recommended, for a straight hang)
- Measuring tape
Read the steps through once before you begin and follow them in order. Switch the aircon off while you work around the outdoor unit. Not sure your cover is the right size for your unit? Check our AC cover sizing guide first.
Part 1: Assemble the aircon cover (steps 1 to 4)
The sequence matters here, so do not skip ahead.
Step 1: Identify your panels
Lay all four panels out on a clean, flat surface. The large pattern panel is your front, the two smaller pattern panels are your left and right sides, and the small solid panel is the top.
Step 2: Lay the panels face down
Lay each panel face down with the decorative (wrapped) side facing the surface. You will bend inward, away from the face. Never bend toward the face.
Important: Always bend the fold lines inward, away from the decorative face. Bending toward the face will permanently damage the panel surface and the pattern.
Step 3: Bend the panels up
Using the pre-scored fold lines, bend all four panels upward into their 3D shape. Work on one panel at a time and apply firm, even pressure along the full fold line for a clean, square corner.
Tip: Take your time with each corner. A crisp, square corner makes riveting much easier and gives a cleaner finished result.
Step 4: Join the panels with pop rivets
Align the pre-drilled holes at each corner joint. Feed a pop rivet through each hole and secure it firmly with the rivet gun. Work your way around all the joints until the box is fully assembled.
Tip: Start at one corner and rivet your way around in sequence. This keeps the structure square while you work.
Part 2: Fix the cover to the wall (steps 5 to 9)
Five more steps and your air conditioner cover is up.
Step 5: Mark your fixing points
Hold the assembled cover against the wall, in position over the air conditioner. Use a pencil to mark the screw hole positions on the wall through the fixing slots on the panel.
Tip: Use a spirit level when positioning the cover so your marks, and the final hang, are perfectly level.
Step 6: Drill the holes
Fit your drill with a masonry bit sized for your wall plugs. Drill a hole at each marked point, then blow or brush the dust out of each hole before the next step.
Step 7: Insert the wall plugs
Press a wall plug firmly into each drilled hole until it sits flush with the wall surface. Tap gently with a hammer if needed.
Step 8: Drive in the screws
Drive a screw into each wall plug, leaving the screw head slightly proud of the wall surface. You want just enough for the cover slots to hook onto securely.
Step 9: Hang the cover
Hook the cover over the protruding screw heads by lining the fixing slots up with each screw. The cover should sit flush and feel stable against the wall.
Common aircon cover installation mistakes
- Bending toward the decorative face. Always fold inward, away from the face, or the surface and pattern will be damaged for good.
- Skipping the spirit level. A level on your marks gives a straight, professional-looking hang.
- Driving the screws all the way in. Leave the heads slightly proud so the cover slots can hook onto them.
- Leaving dust in the drilled holes. Blow or brush each hole clean so the wall plugs seat properly.
Care and maintenance
- Wash with warm water, a little Sunlight liquid and a soft cloth. Once a year is usually enough, and more often in coastal or dusty areas.
- Remove bird droppings and other organic matter as soon as you can.
- Do not use abrasive scrubbers, harsh chemicals or pressure washers. They can damage the powder-coat finish.
- Check the rivets and wall fixings once a year to confirm everything is still secure.
Curious why aluminium composite beats painted steel on the coast? Read Aluminium vs Steel: What Actually Lasts on the Cape Town Coast.
Aircon cover installation FAQ
How long does it take to install an aircon cover?
About 20 minutes. Allow a little longer if it is your first time using a pop rivet gun.
Can I install an air conditioner cover myself?
Yes. The cover is designed for self-installation with basic tools: a pop rivet gun, a drill and a spirit level. If you would rather not do it yourself, ask us and we can point you to an installer.
What tools do I need?
A pop rivet gun, a power drill with a masonry bit, a pencil or marker, a spirit level and a measuring tape. The pop rivets, wall plugs and screws are in the box.
Can I get the cover pre-assembled?
Yes. Collect from our Cape Town workshop and we will build it for you.
Which aircon cover size do I need?
It depends on the width, depth and height of your outdoor unit. Our sizing guide shows how to measure. We make the Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large aircon covers.
What if a panel arrives damaged?
Do not start assembly. WhatsApp or email us a photo within 48 hours of delivery and we will sort it out.
Need a hand with your aircon cover?
If you run into any issues during assembly or installation, WhatsApp us on 067 987 1330, email info@komposite.co.za or use our contact page. You can also browse the full aircon cover range.
