We live up on the normally frozen solid tundra of Upstate NY. That black shroud, while as far as a/c operation will probably never make a noticeable difference. What concerned me was that heat (sun) would deteriorate that shroud itself plus work against the longevity of the component parts under that cover. A four buck can of white Krylon Fusion paint, 10 minutes with some 320 wet and dry sandpaper cured my angst. I then when I ordered the second a/c went with a shiny white shroud. The MAXXvent covers were also ordered in white rather then smoke. Every little bit helps
Now, if I could only get rid of the black slide end wall as easily ..........