How Much Space Should Stay 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 electric bills are suddenly climbing, even though you haven’t touched the thermostat.

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

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

Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can help when your air AC isn’t running properly. Or keeping your Northglenn house cool enough.

Space Guidelines for Air Conditioners

So how much space does your air conditioner really require?

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 thick 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 waste can obstruct 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 warmer near the coil, your system may have an issue. Call us at 303-452-4146 for help or make an appointment online.

How Much Space Does a Heat Pump Require?

If you live in a mild 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 all year, especially if it snows. Get rid of snow that accumulates on the top and near the sides of the unit.

If your heat pump fills with wintry precipitation, shut it off. Use warm water to melt snow and ice and give the water some time to drain before putting your system back on.

Schedule Annual Maintenance with Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

Overdue for annual air conditioner maintenance? Give us a call at 303-452-4146 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 pricier problems.