If you are building a new home or renovating your existing home, you’ll have to buy a new air conditioner. Besides finding the right size and power output, you’ll also need to decide where to put your air conditioner.
Eastern Shores Heating and Air Conditioning, Howell’s trusted HVAC experts, will highlight the factors to consider when picking an air conditioner location.
Contact us today for trusted HVAC service experts in Howell, NJ!
Does AC Unit Location Matter?
Yes, the air conditioner location does matter. The location of your air conditioner affects its optimal performance and efficiency. Finding the right location also makes your AC or heat pump more accessible for repairs and maintenance.
Factors That Should Influence Air Conditioner Location
Below are important factors to consider when deciding on your air conditioner location.
Shade for Outdoor Units
Outdoor AC units can be prone to overheating in hot climates. Make sure you pick a shaded location that is out of direct sunlight. If your AC gets too hot, it starts to work harder, putting it at a higher risk of breaking down.
Ideally, you should place the outdoor unit on either the east or north sides of your home. These positions allow it to avoid the brunt of the sunlight during the hottest times of the day. Another option is to place the AC unit near larger trees that can shelter it from the sun’s rays.
Ductwork Location
No matter where you put your AC, it must connect to ductwork. Picking a place for an AC is most convenient for new constructions because you can build the ductwork system around it.
If you want to change the air conditioner location in an existing home, you may have to rework the duct system to find the optimal space. In many cases, redoing ductwork just to move the AC is not cost-effective.
Heat Sources
Thermostats monitor temperatures near your AC unit to adjust its performance. If you place your AC unit near a heat source, your unit will have to draw more power to keep temperatures low.
Common heat sources in the home that can negatively affect AC performance include:
- Fridges
- Televisions
- Lamps
- Dryers
- Washing machines
- Space heaters
Ideally, store your AC as far away from other electronic appliances as possible. Many homeowners store their indoor AC units in a separate supply closet.
Avoid Foliage
Foliage around an outdoor unit provides shade, but don’t place your AC near trees that produce pollen or coniferous needles. These two plant materials can clog and damage your condenser unit, hampering its energy efficiency.
If you place the unit near trees, make sure you regularly remove fallen leaves and debris from the top grate. Leaves can clog the intake valves and make your system work harder, increasing the chance of a breakdown.
Keep Pets Away
Wherever you put your AC, place it in a spot far away from your pets. Pet dander and hair can clog heating and cooling units, just like leaves and foliage from trees. Pets may also try to chew through coolant and supply lines or urinate on hardware.
One way to block off pets is to place an indoor unit in a separate storage closet closed off from the rest of the house. For outdoor units, you can construct a small fence or line of shrubs to block the unit off from the rest of the yard.
Make Sure Your Unit Is at the Right Height
Cold air is denser than hot air, so it sinks to the bottom of your house. Condenser units take in hot air to produce cold air. So, they need to be high enough off the ground to avoid recycling the same cold air.
Ideally, the main cooling unit should be about five to six feet off the ground. This height gives it enough room to cool its surroundings efficiently. If you don’t place it high enough, you will end up wasting energy and overworking your unit.
Talk to Professionals
If you still can’t decide on an air conditioner location, talk to an HVAC professional. Expert HVAC contractors will not only help you choose the right location for your unit but also walk you through models, sizes, and types of heating/cooling systems.
Contact Us Today!
Feel free to read our blog to discover the most common repairs of a heat furnace. If you would like a free estimate, contact Eastern Shores Heating and Air Conditioning online or call today at (732) 800-9416!