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

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

Your air conditioner draws in the surrounding air to cool and expels warm air as it works. 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 probably will cost more to cool your Lodi home.

Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning can help when your air AC isn’t working correctly. Or keeping your Lodi house cold enough.

Space Guidelines for Air Conditioners

So how large of an area does your air conditioner really call for?

Here’s what we recommend:

• 1-foot minimum on all sides, including the rear. 
• 1.5-foot minimum for the sides and an alcove or adjacent wall. 
• 2 feet between the sides of the unit and tight 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 free of grass clippings and leaves. Yard scraps 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 209-257-3156 for help or make an appointment online.

How Much Space Does a Heat Pump Require?

If you live in a temperate climate, you may have a heat pump rather than an air conditioner. This outdoor unit creates both heat and air conditioning for your home.

It needs open space at all times, especially if it snows. Get rid of snow that builds up on the top and near the sides of the unit.

If your heat pump fills with wintry precipitation, turn it off. Use warm water to melt snow and ice and give the water a little while to drain before turning your system back on.

Schedule Annual Maintenance with Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning

Overdue for regular air conditioner maintenance? Give us a call at 209-257-3156 today!

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