How Much Space Should Stay Open Near My Air Conditioner?

You more than likely 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 touched the thermostat.

Your air conditioner draws in the surrounding air to cool and expels warm air as it function. But it can quickly 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 the Rio Grande Valley home.

Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. can help when your air AC isn’t functioning right. Or keeping your the Rio Grande Valley house cold 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 the back. 
• 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 interference, like a deck or roof overhang.

While doing yardwork, keep your unit free of grass clippings and leaves. Yard waste 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 956-630-3522 for assistance or request an appointment online.

How Much Space Does a Heat Pump Have to Have?

If you live in a temperate climate, you may have a heat pump rather than 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. Clear away 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 putting your system back on.

Schedule Annual Maintenance with Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.

Overdue for regular air conditioner maintenance? Give us a call at 956-630-3522 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 find small issues before they become pricier problems.