How Much Space Should Stay Open Around My Air Conditioner?

You most likely don’t think too much about your air conditioner until it’s not working right. Or until your energy bills are suddenly climbing, even though you haven’t touched the thermostat.

Your air conditioner draws in outdoor air to cool and lets out warm air as it function. But it can easily overheat if it can’t get enough surrounding air or flush out hot air.

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

Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling can help when your air AC isn’t working properly. Or keeping your Columbus house comfortable enough.

Space Guidelines for Air Conditioners

So how much space does your air conditioner really need?

Here’s what we recommend:

• 1-foot minimum on all sides, including the back. 
• 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 free of grass clippings and leaves. Yard scraps can congest 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 614-451-0846 for a helping hand or schedule an appointment online.

How Much Space Does a Heat Pump Need?

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

It needs open space all year, especially if it snows. Get rid of 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 some time to drain before putting your system back on.

Schedule Annual Maintenance with Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling

Overdue for yearly air conditioner maintenance? Give us a call at 614-451-0846 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.