How Much Space Should I Keep 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 electric 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 runs. But it can promptly overheat if it can’t draw in enough surrounding air or flush out hot air.

An AC system that runs hot normally doesn’t last as long. And it probably will cost more to cool your Lincoln home.

AW Heating & Air Conditioning can help when your air AC isn’t functioning right. Or keeping your Lincoln house comfortable 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 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 blockage, like a deck or roof overhang.

While doing yardwork, keep your unit clear of grass clippings and leaves. Yard debris can obstruct 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 warmer near the coil, your system may have something wrong with it. Call us at 402-438-7992 for a helping hand or request 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 creates both heat and air conditioning for your space.

It needs open space all year, especially if it snows. Clear away snow that builds up 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 some time to drain before turning your system back on.

Schedule Annual Maintenance with AW Heating & Air Conditioning

Overdue for regular air conditioner maintenance? Give us a call at 402-438-7992 today!

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