The required distance from obstacles depends on the unit’s location. Typically, less space is required around the unit if it is surrounded by more porous material like shrubbery through which air can easily move. If, on the other hand, the wall surrounding the unit is solid, additional space will be required.
Keep reading for some additional information and things to think about about air conditioner clearance before you go planting shrubs or building a wall around your air conditioner.
General Guidelines:
Air conditioning experts advise leaving at least a foot of space around the entire unit. A higher clearance may be recommended by the manufacturer for some devices, but unless you’ve bought a very unusual or specialised model, it won’t be more than two feet.
However, you must also account for headroom above the unit. All air conditioners require a minimum of 60 inches of vertical clearance above the compressor, as this is where cold air is drawn from. If this space is blocked, the air conditioner will instead draw in warm air, reducing its efficiency.
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Verification Prior to Setup:
Because of the foregoing, it is recommended that you request a basic site examination from your HVAC specialist prior to having a new air conditioner installed.
They’ll check that the environment is conducive to safe operation of your device, make note of any potential obstacles, and take preventative measures as needed. That way, there won’t be any issues with space or anything else during the actual installation of the device.
Space Required Above Your Air Conditioner:
You need to give your air conditioner not only side clearance, but also adequate vertical space to let air in and out. The likelihood of needing air conditioner repair rises if the unit isn’t given at least 60 inches of vertical clearance to operate without being overworked.
In addition, if there isn’t enough space above the air conditioner, it will have to draw in warmer air, reducing its efficiency. This causes more stress on your air conditioner and raises your monthly cooling costs.
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Why Distance Is Crucial:
AC unit spacing, or distance from your condenser, is crucial for several reasons. What matters most is straightforward: When the unit is blocked by furniture or curtains, for example, it cannot release the heated air it has extracted from the house. If you let this happen, it could have the following knock-on effects:
- There won’t be enough air conditioning to cool the house.
- Utility costs may significantly increase because of the increased energy consumption required by the air conditioner to achieve the same level of cooling.
- The internal heat of the condenser and compressor won’t be able to escape the system to the fullest extent.
- This often leads to permanent damage to internal components and shortens the condenser unit’s useful lifespan.
Common Obstructions:
A variety of regular obstacles can get in the way of air conditioners and must be taken into mind. The minimum distance your AC unit needs to operate well is also affected by the materials these obstacles are composed of.
1. Boundaries, Walls, and Other Fixed Structures:
It’s more practical and visually pleasant to have outside units closer to the house in a more hidden or unobtrusive place, which is why walls and fences are nearly always involved in some way during an AC unit installation.
Wooden fences and walls allow for very little airflow, so much more clearance is required between the two. It will not be able to draw in enough air or expel enough heat if it is placed too close to a solid wall or other object. This is less of an issue, though, with a chain-link fence, as airflow is not much impeded.
It’s also important to keep the unit far enough away from any windows or doors so that the exhaust doesn’t seep inside and lower the quality of the air you breathe at home.
2. Bushes and Landscaping:
Landscaping around your outdoor air conditioner can make it more aesthetically pleasing and boost the value of your home. While this is true, landscaping impediments also cause less airflow around your outdoor AC unit, reducing its efficiency.
Keep your outside HVAC unit at least two feet (24″) away from any dense shrubbery or trees if you must landscape around it. You can place your A/C closer to airy plants, but you should still keep your landscaping well-managed and cut down to prevent overgrowth on your unit.
3. Mechanical Objects:
If you plan on installing an outdoor AC unit, your HVAC technician will need to take into account any mechanical obstacles that may be in the way. It’s important to leave some space around your dryer outlet and kitchen exhaust vents, for example, because placing them too close to your air conditioner will cause it to draw in damp air from these sources.