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

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

Your air conditioner draws in ambient air to cool and forces out warm air as it runs. But it can easily 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 doubtlessly will cost more to cool your York home.

Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning can help when your air AC isn’t functioning right. Or keeping your York house cool enough.

Space Guidelines for Air Conditioners

So how much room does your air conditioner really need?

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 dense 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 clear of grass clippings and leaves. Yard waste can clog your air conditioner and cause it to overheat.

How to Find Out 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 717-383-4479 for assistance or schedule an appointment online.

How Much Space Does a Heat Pump Require?

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

It needs open space all year, especially if it snows. Remove snow that builds up 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 switching your system back on.

Schedule Annual Maintenance with Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning

Overdue for annual air conditioner maintenance? Give us a call at 717-383-4479 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 expensive problems.