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

You more than likely don’t think too much about your air conditioner until it’s not working suddenly. Or until your electric bills are suddenly skyrocketing, even though you haven’t moved the thermostat.

Your air conditioner draws in outdoor air to cool and expels warm air as it works. But it can easily overheat if it can’t draw in enough surrounding air or flush out hot air.

An AC system that runs hot normally can’t last as long. And it probably will cost more to cool your Chelan and Wenatchee home.

Lakeside Heating & Air can help when your air AC isn’t running correctly. Or keeping your Chelan and Wenatchee house comfortable enough.

Space Guidelines for Air Conditioners

So how much space does your air conditioner really call for?

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 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 obstructions, like a deck or roof overhang.

While doing yardwork, keep your unit out of contact with grass clippings and leaves. Yard scraps can congest 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 509-284-4265 for a helping hand or schedule an appointment online.

How Much Space Does a Heat Pump Require?

If you live in a temperate climate, you may have a heat pump instead of an air conditioner. This outdoor unit provides both heat and air conditioning for your space.

It needs open space at all times, especially if it snows. Remove snow that accumulates 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 Lakeside Heating & Air

Overdue for regular air conditioner maintenance? Give us a call at 509-284-4265 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 locate small issues before they become costly problems.