How Much Space Should Stay Open Near My Air Conditioner?

You most 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 moved the thermostat.

Your air conditioner draws in the surrounding air to cool and expels warm air as it runs. But it can promptly overheat if it can’t get enough surrounding air or flush out hot air.

An AC system that runs hot generally doesn’t last as long. And it likely will cost more to cool your Lexington home.

James Heating & A/C, Inc can help when your air AC isn’t working right. Or keeping your Lexington house cool enough.

Space Guidelines for Air Conditioners

So how much space does your air conditioner really require?

Here’s what we recommend:

• 1-foot minimum on all sides, including the rear. 
• 1.5-foot minimum for the sides and an alcove or adjacent wall. 
• 2 feet between the sides of the unit and thick 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 out of contact with grass clippings and leaves. Yard waste can congest 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 something wrong with it. Call us at 336-853-6070 for a helping hand or make an appointment online.

How Much Space Does a Heat Pump Need?

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

It needs open space at all times, 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, shut it off. Use warm water to melt snow and ice and give the water some time to drain before switching your system back on.

Schedule Annual Maintenance with James Heating & A/C, Inc

Overdue for yearly air conditioner maintenance? Give us a call at 336-853-6070 today!

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