Your home’s AC unit is key to keeping your home comfortable, and regular maintenance helps keep it working as it should. An aspect of HVAC upkeep to not overlook is your home’s landscaping, as an external unit can be affected by the environment you place it in. Here are four landscaping tips to keep your AC unit running at its best.
1. Place it in the Shade
Proper shade over your air conditioner unit helps protect it from direct sunlight and keep it cool. This can improve overall performance, as the unit doesn’t have to work as hard to produce cold air.
2. Don’t Crowd Your AC Unit
Your AC unit should have a clear area around it protecting the unit from any obstruction such as plants, trees, or yard decorations. In general, your unit should have 3 feet of space surrounding it and a clearance of 5 feet above the unit as it relates to trees and taller plants.
3. Proper Plant Selection
A way to help your AC unit is to make sure the plants growing near it don’t lose their leaves in the colder months. This reduces cleanup needs and can help prevent blockages to your unit’s venting system due to dead leaves collecting in it.
4. Use A Stone Border
Placing a border around your AC unit can also keep it free of debris. A stone border allows for rainwater runoff and also reduces the chance that mud, yard debris, and grass clippings from everyday mowing blocks the vents on your unit.
Conclusion
As these landscaping tips show, the environment around your air conditioning unit is an important consideration and one you should not ignore. At Arpi’s, we serve residents of Calgary and can help with all your heating, cooling and plumbing needs. Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.
