How Much Space Should Stay 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 electric bills are suddenly skyrocketing, even though you haven’t changed the thermostat.

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

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

Central Heating & Plumbing can help when your air AC isn’t working properly. Or keeping your New Castle house cool enough.

Space Guidelines for Air Conditioners

So how much space does your air conditioner really call for?

Here’s what we recommend:

• 1-foot minimum on all sides, including behind the unit. 
• 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 interference, like a deck or roof overhang.

While doing yardwork, keep your unit out of contact with grass clippings and leaves. Yard debris can clog your air conditioner and cause it to overheat.

How to Find Out 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 724-401-1843 for assistance or make an appointment online.

How Much Space Does a Heat Pump Require?

If you live in a temperate climate, you may have a heat pump in place of an air conditioner. This outdoor unit creates both heat and air conditioning for your space.

It needs open space at all times, especially if it snows. Clear away snow that gathers 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 a little while to drain before turning your system back on.

Schedule Annual Maintenance with Central Heating & Plumbing

Overdue for regular air conditioner maintenance? Give us a call at 724-401-1843 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 find small issues before they become pricier problems.