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

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

Your air conditioner draws in ambient air to cool and lets out warm air as it function. But it can promptly overheat if it can’t get enough surrounding air or flush out hot air.

An AC system that runs hot usually doesn’t last as long. And it likely will cost more to cool your Moline home.

J.L. Brady Company LLC can help when your air AC isn’t running correctly. Or keeping your Moline house comfortable enough.

Space Guidelines for Air Conditioners

So how much space does your air conditioner really need?

Here’s what we recommend:

• 1-foot minimum on all sides, including the back. 
• 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 free of grass clippings and leaves. Yard scraps can obstruct your air conditioner and cause it to overheat.

How to See 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 something wrong with it. Call us at 309-517-7511 for help 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 in place of an air conditioner. This outdoor unit provides both heat and air conditioning for your home.

It needs open space all year, especially if it snows. Get rid of snow that gathers 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 turning your system back on.

Schedule Annual Maintenance with J.L. Brady Company LLC

Overdue for yearly air conditioner maintenance? Give us a call at 309-517-7511 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 find small issues before they become costly problems.