I have 2 window air conditioners to supplement the building's AC and sortof have to deal with that sort of thing myself with respect to hot air exhaust.

To be honest, I don't think there is much that would like to be in the direct path of hot dry air. I know that I've had to move things away from the path of the AC exhaust because it would dessicate the leaves on the plants near it.

You might consider placing a piece of lattice or other fencing material up against the unit to direct some of the hot air upwards and reduce what's left of the total volume that blows towards the rest of the balcony. Then perhaps you can put some plants in front of the lattice or fence where they can get some sun. Maybe even put some white plastic on the back of the lattice to seal out any air at all blowing towards the balcony and force it all upwards.

Thanks for taking the time to reply; think that you and I are on the same page. The heat pump is round, stands about 30" high, and is maybe 24" diameter--standard unit. I'm considering having a sheet metal type of "chimney" fabricated for the top, which would funnel the air into a smaller diameter and then i can direct it off the balcony. I would paint the sheet metal unit some bright color, so that it would appear as some sort of decoration. That will then let me hang baskets above the unit, which is my goal. Like the trellis idea....not too much heat comes out the sides or from the bottom. Again, appreciate you taking the time to respond.

No problem. One of my sisters used to live in an apartment with one of those units on her balcony except hers was enclosed in a little outside closet with a door (where she could also store a few things inside the closet too). In the interim, you could maybe create an enclosure for it, leaving about 2ft open above it before topping off with a solid board - ie., make a tall shelf to go over it and the air would hit the bottom of the shelf and be redirected forward and to the sides. Then hang the plants above the shelf.

In any case, wish you luck!

The place I lived in last summer also had one of those darn things right on the balcony, and ill tell you what, i HATED IT! There are however a few options for you. One would be as jenny suggested, creating a shelf or "table like" structure over top if it..a bout a foot above it. That will really diffuse the hot air and redirect it.

Also, another option, would be to put some sort of patio table over top of the unit, such as one of those round plastic patio tables you get at walmart or target. That also gives you the funcionality of having a table, while also diffusing/ deflecting the hot air. The only draw back would be youd need to make sure you A/C is OFF when you want to use the table for eating outsite or entertaining.

Y ou could also place something on one half of the top of it.. so only the half that is nearest a wall or area where there are no plants would be open. THis wont affect the unit, but it will cause the open portion of the unit to blow air out at a higher speed.

Just a few suggestions. Hope they help! Good Luck!