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AC Unit Clearance: Secondary Considerations for Homeowners

In part one of this two-part blog series, we discussed some basics on clearance around your home’s outdoor air conditioning unit. Clearance for this unit is important for several reasons, including keeping your cooling bills low, and you should usually leave at least a foot or more of clearance on all four sides of (and above) the unit.

At FLAME Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, we’re happy to offer a wide range of heating and cooling services, including everything from simple HVAC maintenance through repairs and full-scale replacements. What are some other important considerations to keep in mind when it comes to clearance around your outdoor unit? Here are a few.

HVAC Units and Property Lines

When it comes to an AC unit that’s close to your property lines, the same general clearance needs apply with regard to unit operations — at least a foot of clearance on all sides, and more if possible. If you have any questions about this, or your municipality has specific setback requirements, it’s always best to check with a professional before making any changes.

Your municipality may also have setback requirements from other objects on your property. For example, many towns require a certain amount of space between a home and a septic tank, well, or other utility. These requirements are generally in place to protect both your home and the object in question, so it’s important to be aware of them before making any changes.

Fences and Decks

Fences are another common issue when it comes to HVAC unit clearance. In many cases, a few inches of clearance is all that’s needed on either side of the unit. However, if you have a solid fence (such as a privacy fence), you’ll want to make sure there’s enough airflow around the unit. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and give the unit more clearance than you think it needs.

What about if your unit sits under a deck? In this case, you’ll want to make sure there’s enough clearance for both the unit and any ductwork that runs under the deck. Ductwork generally needs at least a few inches of clearance on all sides, so keep this in mind when planning your deck design.

Other Considerations

Here are some other themes to be thinking about if a new AC unit is being installed:

  • Plants nearby: If you have any plants near your unit, it’s important to make sure they’re not blocking airflow. In some cases, you may need to trim back or remove plants that are too close to the unit.
  • Unit support: Most units come with built-in supports, but in some cases (such as on a second story), you may need to add additional supports.
  • Shade: If possible, it’s always best to place your unit in a shady spot. This helps keep the unit from overworking itself, and can also help prevent ice buildup on the unit during winter operation.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your AC unit has the clearance it needs to operate properly — and save money on your cooling costs in the process.

For more on this, or to learn about any of our AC service or furnace solutions, speak with the staff at FLAME Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical today.

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