During the peak summer months, many people rely on their air conditioners to keep their homes cool and dry, but a visible condenser unit can be unsightly. Landscaping around your air conditioning unit is one of the best ways to hide it from view, but there are guidelines to follow. Aside from the visual aesthetics, the landscape around your air conditioning unit can affect your home’s energy output. In this blog, we address why proper landscaping around your HVAC system is important.
Provide Plenty of Shade
When condensing units are situated in direct sunlight it is harder to dissipate heat that has been removed from the house. This makes the air conditioner work harder and less efficiently. Planting a tree, especially one that does not lose leaves in the fall, will provide sufficient shade and require minimal maintenance. It is important to note that there should be at least a 5-6 foot clearance above the unit to ensure proper air flow.
Keep Plants 2-3 Feet Away from Condenser
When plants are too close to the condenser it affects the air flow, resulting in higher repair costs and reducing the life of the air conditioner. It is important to maintain 2-3 feet of clear space around your AC unit.
When choosing plants to use in your landscaping, it is recommended to avoid plants that create a lot of debris (such as azaleas or any fruiting or pod-forming trees). Also, plants with thorns or sharp leaves (such as roses and holly) can make it difficult and uncomfortable for HVAC technicians when working on the condenser.
A few other landscaping options include:
- Potted plants (ideally ones that can be moved easily). They can keep the AC unit out of sight, be moved as needed and that allows you to plant different things each year.
- Trees (preferably with leaves that won’t fall on the unit) *Note: Evergreen trees make an excellent windbreak.
- Gravel garden (great for those who want a low maintenance option). You can incorporate mulched plant beds if you choose too.
- Consider using decorative fencing, a trellis or lattice to hide your condenser. These options allow airflow to the unit while also preventing unwanted yard debris from collecting around the base.
Regardless of your taste and priorities, there’s a landscaping option for everyone to keep their AC unit running efficiently, safely, and beautifully. To learn about how homeowners can be prepared for every season read our blog here.
There are many more tips and tricks for landscaping around your AC unit that one of our trusted HVAC technicianscan share with you when you book a consultation or tune-up. If you have questions regarding your home’s HVAC system, we are always here to help answer your questions, evaluate your current system, and advise how best to approach maintenance, repairs, or replacement.
Phil
CPS Heating and Cooling
You can always call on your extended family of dependable heating, cooling, and air quality experts at CPS Heating & Cooling.
Contact us anytime to set up a consultation or call us at 508-460-6691.
