How to Measure Your AC for an Air Bender (Sizing Guide)
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How to Measure Your Air Conditioner for an Air Bender (Sizing Guide)
Getting air conditioner deflector sizing right takes one measurement: the internal width across the top of your outdoor unit where the fan grille sits. Match that width to one of the four Aussie Air Bender sizes, check the unit is not a twin-fan model (those need two deflectors), and you are set. This guide walks you through it step by step.
A correctly sized deflector sits cleanly over the discharge airflow and redirects it properly. The wrong size can sit awkwardly or fail to cover the airflow path, so a couple of careful measurements now save hassle later.
What you need
- A tape measureĀ
- A pen and paper or your phone notes
- A clear view of the front of the outdoor condenser unit
Step-by-step: how to measure your outdoor unit
Lead with the key number first, then add the detail.
The most important measurement is the internal width across the top of the unit, where the hot air discharges through the fan grille. That single figure decides your size.
- Find the discharge face. This is the side with the large fan grille/shroud that blows air out. On most home units this is the front face.
- Measure the fan grille width. Measure straight across the grille, left to right, not the full outside cabinet. This shroud width is the number you match to a size.
- Measure the length. Measure the length of the same grille, at right angles to the width. Use this to confirm if you need 1 large, 1 medium or 2 joined together
- Count the fans. Look at how many fan grilles the unit has. One fan means one deflector. Two fans (a twin-fan unit) means you need two deflectors, one for each fan.
- Write it all down. Note width, length and fan count together so you can compare against the table below.
The four Aussie Air Bender sizes
Match your width measurement to the closest size. All models are 108mm deep.
| Size | Internal width | Length | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 500mm | 425mm | 108mm |
| Medium | 605mm | 510mm | 108mm |
| Large | 605mm | 595mm | 108mm |
| Extra Large | 650mm | 595mm | 108mm |
A few things to note when reading the table:
- Internal width of the air bender is the distance inside edge to edge. Example if you fan shroud is 498mm, a small will fit over it.
- Medium and Large share the same internal width (605mm) but differ in length. Use your length measurement to choose between them.
- Extra Large is the widest at 650mm internal width, for larger residential condensers.
- The 108mm depth is constant across every model.
- We can custom make any size Airbender on request.
How to choose the right size
Start with internal width, then confirm with length.
- Width first. Find the size whose internal width best matches your measured opening. The deflector needs to fit overt he grille, so width is the primary driver.
- Length to confirm. If your width matches two options (for example 605mm matches both Medium and Large), use your length measurement to pick. Shorter opening leans Medium, longer leans Large. Length is not as important as Width.
- Twin-fan units. If your unit has two fans, order two deflectors. Each fan has its own discharge path and needs its own deflector to redirect the airflow.
What if I am between sizes?
If your measurement falls between two sizes, do not guess. Take both your width and length figures and contact us for sizing advice before ordering.
A deflector that is slightly too small may not fully cover the discharge airflow. It too large, it can overhang without an issue as the magnets will secure to any metal surface. A quick check against your exact measurements means you get a clean fit the first time. Have a photo of the unit and its grille handy too, as it often helps confirm the right size and whether you are dealing with a single or twin-fan model.
How the Aussie Air Bender helps
The Aussie Air Bender is a patented (Patent 2024333298), Australian-made magnetic air deflector built in Adelaide, South Australia. Once you have your size, it attaches magnetically to the metal casing of your outdoor unit, with no drilling required.
It redirects the exhaust air upward or sideways at 45 degrees, steering hot discharge away from fences, walls, plants, balconies and entertaining areas. That is what prevents hot-air recirculation, which can reduce a unit's performance by up to about 50% when an obstruction sits within about 1.5m. Because it is magnetic, it is a simple DIY install, easily removable for servicing, and reusable if you change units later. The right size makes all of that work as intended.
Frequently asked questions
Which measurement matters most for sizing?
The internal width across the fan grille of your outdoor unit, measure the grille frame rather than the outer cabinet. Match that figure to one of the four sizes, then use the length measurement to confirm if you are near a boundary. If you need a custom Airbender, we can happily make to order.
How do I know if I have a twin-fan unit?
Look at the discharge face of the outdoor unit. If you can see two separate fan grilles, it is a twin-fan unit and you will need two deflectors, one for each fan.
What do all the deflectors have in common?
Every Aussie Air Bender model is 108mm deep. The sizes differ in internal width (500mm to 650mm) and length (425mm to 595mm), so you choose based on the opening of your particular unit. All Airbenders come with 12-14 independant, fully sealed magnets for strong connection to the unit without damaging the outer casing.
What should I do if I fall between two sizes?
Do not guess. Note both your width and length measurements, take a photo of the unit, and contact us for sizing advice so you get a clean, correct fit before ordering.
Do I measure the outside of the cabinet or the grille opening?
Measure the grille edge to edge, not the full outer cabinet. The deflector needs to span the actual discharge airflow path, which is the grille opening.
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Sources
- 14 Things to Consider Before Installing a Split System Air Conditioner (Aust Climate)
- Air Deflectors - Air Conditioner near a Fence or Obstruction (Clean Air Living)
- AC Unit Clearance: Guidelines and Tips for Optimal Performance (Accurate Air)