You probably don’t think too much about your air conditioner until it’s not working suddenly. Or until your electric bills are suddenly climbing, even though you haven’t moved the thermostat.
Your air conditioner draws in the surrounding air to cool and lets out warm air as it runs. But it can quickly 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 Kirbyville and the Branson area home.
Branson HVAC, LLC can help when your air AC isn’t running correctly. Or keeping your Kirbyville and the Branson area house cold 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 rear.
- 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 interference, like a deck or roof overhang.
While doing yardwork, keep your unit free of grass clippings and leaves. Yard waste can clog your air conditioner and cause it to overheat.
How to Check if Your Air Conditioner is Overheating
- Turn the air conditioner on.
- Check the temperature a few inches from the coil. This is the metallic grate that surrounds your unit.
- 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 (417) 544-4430 for help or request an appointment online.
How Much Space Does a Heat Pump Have to Have?
If you live in a temperate climate, you may have a heat pump in place of an air conditioner. This outdoor unit gives both heat and air conditioning for your house.
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 a few minutes to drain before turning your system back on.
Schedule Annual Maintenance with Branson HVAC, LLC
Overdue for regular air conditioner maintenance? Give us a call at (417) 544-4430 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 pricier problems.
