When Portland summers strike, we all rely on our central air conditioners to help keep us cool and comfortable. The outdoor A/C component, however, is bulky and can be an eyesore. As a result, homeowners try to conceal it with landscaping. This actually does a lot more than simply beautify your property; it can also improve the efficiency of your cooling system by as much as 10 percent, but only if it’s done with care. Here are some tips for maintaining the area around your outdoor A/C unit in such a way that you can save money and improve efficiency.
Choosing Vegetation
Strategically planting around outdoor A/C equipment will create a shady area that can help prevent the system from overworking. This can help increase its lifespan and reduce cooling bills.
When selecting vegetation, it’s a good idea to avoid plants that shed leaves seasonally. This will reduce the amount of effort required for maintaining the area around your outdoor A/C unit. Hedges are a great option, and some homeowners erect latticework and climbing plants.
Appropriate Clearance
Clearance is an important consideration, both when initially planting and while maintaining your vegetation. If plants are too close to the unit, they may restrict airflow around the coils. Vegetation should be at least two to three feet from the outdoor component on all sides. Plants should be regularly trimmed in order to give the unit ample room to operate efficiently. Overhanging trees should be trimmed to allow for 5 feet of clearance above the equipment.
Clearing Debris
Keeping your equipment free and clear of debris is an essential part of properly maintaining the area around your outdoor A/C unit. Over time, leaves, grass, sticks and other debris can accumulate around the unit and cause problems with performance efficiency. For best results, take the time to regularly sweep debris away and hose down the equipment.
The professionals at Roth Heating & Cooling are happy to provide you with more advice on maintaining the area around your outdoor A/C Unit. Contact us to learn more.
