How Much Space Should I Leave Open Surrounding My Air Conditioner?

You more than likely don’t think too much about your air conditioner until it’s not working right. Or until your energy bills are suddenly sky-high, even though you haven’t touched the thermostat.

Your air conditioner draws in ambient air to cool and lets out warm air as it function. But it can promptly overheat if it can’t pull in enough surrounding air or flush out hot air.

An AC system that runs hot generally won’t last as long. And it probably will cost more to cool your Dresden home.

McFadden Heating & Cooling can help when your air AC isn’t running right. Or keeping your Dresden house cool enough.

Space Guidelines for Air Conditioners

So how much space does your air conditioner really need?

Here’s what we recommend:

• 1-foot minimum on all sides, including the back. 
• 1.5-foot minimum for the sides and an alcove or adjacent wall. 
• 2 feet between the sides of the unit and dense shrubs or solid fences. 
• 6 inches between the sides and leafy plants, with a few extra inches left for growth.
• 8 feet between the top and obstructions, like a deck or roof overhang.

While doing yardwork, keep your unit free of grass clippings and leaves. Yard scraps can obstruct your air conditioner and cause it to overheat.

How to Check if Your Air Conditioner is Overheating

1. Turn the air conditioner on.
2. Check the temperature a few inches from the coil. This is the metallic grate that surrounds your unit.
3. Measure the temperature 10 feet away.

If the temperatures are the same, your system is working properly.

If the temperature is hotter near the coil, your system may have an issue. Call us at 1-866-781-0111 for a helping hand or make an appointment online.

How Much Space Does a Heat Pump Require?

If you live in a mild climate, you may have a heat pump rather than an air conditioner. This outdoor unit provides both heat and air conditioning for your house.

It needs open space year round, especially if it snows. Get rid of snow that builds up on the top and near the sides of the unit.

If your heat pump fills with wintry precipitation, switch it off. Use warm water to melt snow and ice and give the water some time to drain before putting your system back on.

Schedule Annual Maintenance with McFadden Heating & Cooling

Overdue for annual air conditioner maintenance? Give us a call at 1-866-781-0111 today!

A routine AC tune-up means your air conditioner is likely more efficient—and less likely to overheat. And it also allows our skilled technicians to locate small issues before they become expensive problems.