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 suddenly. 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 expels warm air as it function. But it can quickly overheat if it can’t draw in enough surrounding air or flush out hot air.

An AC system that runs hot normally can’t last as long. And it likely will cost more to cool your Pella home.

Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating can help when your air AC isn’t functioning correctly. Or keeping your Pella house cool enough.

Space Guidelines for Air Conditioners

So how much room 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 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 interference, like a deck or roof overhang.

While doing yardwork, keep your unit out of contact with grass clippings and leaves. Yard scraps can clog 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 higher near the coil, your system may have something wrong with it. Call us at 641-628-3621 for a helping hand or make an appointment online.

How Much Space Does a Heat Pump Have to Have?

If you live in a moderate 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 all year, especially if it snows. Clear away snow that accumulates 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 Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating

Overdue for yearly air conditioner maintenance? Give us a call at 641-628-3621 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 pricier problems.