How Much Space Should I Leave 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 electric bills are suddenly sky-high, even though you haven’t changed 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 draw in enough surrounding air or flush out hot air.

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

North Mechanical Heating and Cooling can help when your air AC isn’t functioning correctly. Or keeping your Payson 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 tight 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 clear of grass clippings and leaves. Yard waste can obstruct 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 928-263-8570 for assistance or request an appointment online.

How Much Space Does a Heat Pump Have to Have?

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

It needs open space year round, especially if it snows. Remove 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 a few minutes to drain before turning your system back on.

Schedule Annual Maintenance with North Mechanical Heating and Cooling

Overdue for yearly air conditioner maintenance? Give us a call at 928-263-8570 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 costly problems.