How Much Space Should I Keep Open Surrounding My Air Conditioner?

You probably don’t think too much about your air conditioner until it’s not working correctly. Or until your energy bills are suddenly sky-high, even though you haven’t moved the thermostat.

Your air conditioner draws in the surrounding air to cool and lets out warm air as it runs. But it can promptly overheat if it can’t pull in 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 Pacheco home.

Clean Air HVAC can help when your air AC isn’t working correctly. Or keeping your Pacheco house cold 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 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 obstructions, like a deck or roof overhang.

While doing yardwork, keep your unit free of grass clippings and leaves. Yard debris 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 hotter near the coil, your system may have a problem. Call us at 925-233-6238 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 instead of an air conditioner. This outdoor unit gives both heat and air conditioning for your space.

It needs open space at all times, especially if it snows. Remove snow that gathers on the top and near the sides of the unit.

If your heat pump fills with wintry precipitation, switch 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 Clean Air HVAC

Overdue for annual air conditioner maintenance? Give us a call at 925-233-6238 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 pinpoint small issues before they become expensive problems.