How Much Space Should I Leave Around My Air Conditioner in Bozeman, MT?

Warm summer days are a common occurrence in the Bozeman community, which means many of us rely on our AC systems to keep us cool. However, many of us don't think about our AC units until there is a problem. If you run into issues and notice that your AC unit is dirty or cluttered, you may wonder, "How much space should I leave around my air conditioner?" 

If you are looking for reliable HVAC services in Bozeman, MT, or are simply looking for more information to support your AC unit, Premier Systems is here to help. 

WHY AIRFLOW IS IMPORTANT IN Bozeman

The main job of your HVAC unit is to move and condition air. To do this, your system needs space!

While a trusted HVAC contractor may have originally installed your air conditioner in the right place, your property and landscaping can change over time. Vegetation and shrubs can become overgrown or a new landscaping project may surround your system in obstructive ways.

If your AC unit can't pull in air effectively, it will start to impact your home in multiple ways: 

• Reduced energy efficiency: If your system can't function smoothly, it will work harder to move your air around. This will require more power and will also cause greater strain on your unit. 
• Poor cooling capabilities: Less efficient cooling methods will ultimately lead to a warmer or more uncomfortable home. 
• Possible overheating: As warmer air continually passes through the unit, overheating becomes a concern, and system failures are more common. 

COMMON OBSTRUCTIONS

During the initial installation process, Bozeman HVAC installers typically understand the space requirements for the outdoor unit and will make adjustments accordingly. Solid structures like walls and fences cannot be moved, so the AC unit is placed in a spot that is close to the home, but far enough away for the unit and the compressor to pull air in more effectively. Proper placement is essential to avoid future complications, such as the need for AC compressor replacement due to restricted airflow or improper ventilation. 

In addition to construction considerations, landscaping also plays a big part in AC unit placement. It is common for homeowners to want to hide or disguise their AC units, but doing so can hinder their ability to work properly. 

Overgrowth from shrubs and plants will eventually cause issues for your system if they encroach over the fan or get too close to the compressor. Even something simple, like a potted plant located too close to the unit, is troublesome.

Keep your AC unit far away from these potential hazards: 

• Appliance vents
• Kitchen exhaust 
• Clothes dryers
• Gas vents
• Outdoor fireplaces

Placing your unit too close to these vents or appliances can impact airflow and can even be hazardous if carbon monoxide and exhaust are pulled into the AC unit.

So you are probably asking, "How much space should I leave around my air conditioner?"

CLEARANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR AC UNITS IN Bozeman

Proper clearance for your AC unit requires at least two feet of space on all sides from solid obstructions or dense shrubs, and between five and eight feet of clearance above the unit. While you can certainly have landscaping around your unit, be mindful that leaves and grass will grow and eventually encroach on your unit. 

Keep bushes and shrubs trimmed and pruned as you do routine yardwork. Try to keep their leaves or branches at least six inches away from the base of the unit. 

TAKE CARE OF YOUR AC UNIT

HVAC systems are reliable, but only if you treat them with the proper care and attention they deserve! Routine maintenance and cleaning help support the longevity of your equipment.

Add these cleaning tasks to your routine to help ensure your AC unit has what it needs to keep you cool: 

• Remove debris from the interior by hand or with a vacuum 
• Clean the fins and fan blades 
• Clean up the area around the unit, removing dead vegetation and cutting back overgrowth
• Wipe down the evaporator coil and evaporator drain
• Swap out the air filter 

PREMIER AC UNIT INSTALLATION SERVICES IN Bozeman

Whether you need a new AC unit installed or have concerns that your unit is in the wrong place on your Bozeman property, Premier Systems is here to help. 

Your home and your family's comfort matters, and the team at Premier Systems will not be comfortable until you are. 

Do you need an answer to the question, "How much space should I leave around my air conditioner?" Contact  Premier Systems today at  (406) 823-3602; we can help you stay safe and cool this season. We can also help with simple tasks like helping to  unclog an AC drain line.