As you work to produce the most beautiful lawn possible around your home in Anderson, SC, you need to be careful not to damage your outdoor air conditioning unit. Here are five tips on how best to do landscaping that won’t prevent your AC system from performing its best:
Create a Clearing Around the Outdoor AC Unit
Perhaps the single most important thing to remember when trying to do landscaping without harming your AC system is that you should strive not to crowd the equipment. Wind can blow dirt, dust, leaves, twigs, acorns, and other debris around your yard and into the condenser unit. The more trees and other plants that crowd the unit, the easier it’ll usually be for such debris to fly into it and hamper its functioning.
Also, the more things are in close proximity to this unit that contains the system’s condenser and compressor, the more difficult it’ll be for HVAC service technicians to access it when the time comes to perform repairs or preventive maintenance. Clearing a path to the outdoor unit and giving service technicians the room they need to work is essential. As a rule, about 3 feet of lateral space and 8–10 feet of vertical space are ideal. But you need to clear at least 1 foot of open space in all directions.
Use and Create Shade Over the Outdoor AC Unit
Sunlight can also damage your outdoor unit because overheating may cause it to malfunction and shut down. If you can, try have the unit installed in a shaded area. Otherwise, you may need to create additional shade by installing some kind of awning to shield it from the sun.
Choose Your Plants Carefully
If you’re thinking of allowing the plants in your yard to provide natural shade for your unit, think carefully before deciding. Since debris can fall from tall trees and land directly on your outdoor AC unit, tumbling into its interior, many trees would be more trouble than they’re worth under such circumstances.
If debris enters the outdoor unit, your entire AC system could take a serious hit. If the system’s compressor and condenser can’t perform, the system as a whole won’t function at all. Plus, since cleaning debris out of the outdoor AC unit can be difficult, it would be wise to prevent it from getting in there in the first place.
Build a Fence Around Your Outdoor AC Unit
A fence is an obvious option to protect your outdoor AC unit from flying projectiles. If an enclosure blocks off the unit, wind won’t be able to push dirt and leaves into it nearly as easily. It can also provide a barrier to discourage pets or pests from getting too close to the outdoor AC unit.
While a wooden fence can provide decent protection, it would be even better to have a stone barrier. Provided there’s sufficient space to allow for airflow and easy access, stone or cinderblock walls are often sturdier and provide a more secure barrier. They can also help defend against rainwater better than wooden fences.
Put Up a Windbreak Using Plants
If, for one reason or another, building a fence around your outdoor AC unit proves impossible, there’s another option. Under the right circumstances, you can create a windbreak using a few plants. Make sure to leave a good amount of clearance, and consider plants that shed the least amount of leaves or needles.
The same rules we discussed above about ensuring easy access also still apply. It may also be possible to use large potted plants for this purpose.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your outdoor AC unit safe and maintain a gorgeous yard at the same time. For additional help keeping your air conditioner in top shape, call McGee Heating & Air Inc. to ask for our AC repair services today.
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