How Much Space Should I Leave Open Around My Air Conditioner?

You probably 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 changed the thermostat.

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

An AC system that runs hot generally doesn’t last as long. And it doubtlessly will cost more to cool your Siloam Springs home.

Siloam Springs Heating & AC can help when your air AC isn’t functioning properly. Or keeping your Siloam Springs house comfortable 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 thick 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 debris can congest your air conditioner and cause it to overheat.

How to See 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 479-308-8176 for a helping hand or schedule an appointment online.

How Much Space Does a Heat Pump Require?

If you live in a mild climate, you may have a heat pump in place of an air conditioner. This outdoor unit provides 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 putting your system back on.

Schedule Annual Maintenance with Siloam Springs Heating & AC

Overdue for annual air conditioner maintenance? Give us a call at 479-308-8176 today!

A routine AC tune-up means your air conditioner is likely more efficient—and less likely to overheat. And it also helps our skilled technicians to locate small issues before they become costly problems.