If your neighbors installed the AC at a higher point, you might ask yourself why you haven’t done the same. Whether installing a new or existing outdoor air conditioner, elevating your AC unit can be beneficial. The benefits are clear: reducing debris buildup that can clog the system and improving airflow.
Why Placement Matters?
Placing your condenser unit correctly is more important than you might think. Why?
The outdoor condenser plays a pivotal role by taking the heat from your indoor air conditioner and expelling it outside. If this unit isn’t placed correctly, it can’t do its job.
Unfortunately, this misplacement makes your home uncomfortable with a spike in your energy bills. It can also contribute to system breakage. I learned this when a poorly placed unit led to constant repairs. Trust me, ensuring that your air flows freely without obstruction is not just about comfort but also about keeping those repair costs down,
7 Reasons to Elevate Your AC Unit
Reason # 1: Oil Flow and Efficiency
First, elevating the air conditioner helps maintain the level necessary for optimal oil flow within the compressor. If your unit isn’t level, the oil can separate from the refrigerant, circling through the coils. This separation leads to poor lubrication and can damage your system. That’s why proper orientation ensures the oil flows back where needed.
Reason # 2: Water 💧 Drainage Control
Secondly, placing AC at a level avoids water pooling in the drain pan. If your unit tilts, this tilt can prevent water from draining properly, which increases the humidity inside the unit. Yet, this humidity can cause mold growth and rust, damaging the coils and leading to unexpected expensive repairs. When you elevate it from a surface level, you eliminate all of these water-related headaches.
Reason # 3: Reduced Vibration & Wear
Suppose you’re stressed out by noises coming from the AC unit. Then it’s because of the vibration it produces while running. These vibrations can loosen refrigerant lines and cause connectors to pull away. Additionally, too much vibration can damage the coil and compressor, shortening your unit’s lifespan. Thus, when you keep it at a height and not in direct contact with the ground you experience, these problems will be resolved automatically.
Reason # 4: Enhanced Air Circulation
Raising your AC unit off the ground improves airflow around the condenser coils and fins. This allows the unit to release heat better. Better airflow prevents overheating and contributes to lower energy consumption.
Reason # 5: Simplified Maintenance 🍂
Since most units are placed on the lawn ground, leaves and grass particles can quickly enter the unit. The regular maintenance tasks, such as trimming the garden, get disturbed.
Lawn equipment can easily harm exposed refrigerant lines and condenser fins if too close to the ground. However, after elevating them into a concrete shelter, things become easier for you, as you no longer need to worry about the damage from weed trimmers and mowers.
Reason # 6: Protection from Flooding
During monsoon or heavy rainy season, it’s normal for the water level to rise and damage many things inside and outside your home. Water can clog the drainage holes and stand in the cabinet. When you keep the unit above ground level, you protect it from flooding. An elevated position prevents standing water and minimizes the risks associated with prolonged exposure to moisture.
Reason # 7: Safety from Critters
Lastly, raising your AC unit deters critters from taking shelter underneath or within it. Animals can chew on wires and build nests, which can cause extensive damage to the system. Likewise, animal urine and other waste products can also corrode the exterior of your unit. Keeping it elevated minimizes these encounters and protects your investment from wildlife-induced wear and tear.
How to Elevate Your AC Unit? – 4 Simple Steps
To keep your AC in top shape, where it sits can make a big difference. Most air conditioning units rest on a concrete slab at ground level. While this is a solid choice. Here’s a straightforward guide for you:
Step 1: Choose the Right Platforms
First things first, you need a sturdy platform that elevates your AC above the ground. It can be a slab or a stainless steel mount structure. These platforms are essential for protecting your unit from all the dirt and debris that can accumulate. It’s not just about keeping it clean; it’s about ensuring that your air conditioner doesn’t have to work harder than it should.
Step 2: Opt for Bracket Mounts
Bracket mounts are your best friend. They are easy to install and can support even the heaviest units. The idea here is to attach these brackets to the side of your home.
Step 3: Seek Professional Help
Even though installing brackets sounds simple, we always recommend you get a professional technician to do the job. Companies like Ventiluxes are known for their reliable service.
Step 4: Evaluate Performance
Once your AC is securely in place, it’s a good practice to have it evaluated. Look at how well it cools your home and listen for any unusual noises that could suggest a problem.
3 Tips for Unit Placement & What to Avoid?
Tip # 1: Optimal Placement for Your AC Unit
When choosing a location for your condenser unit, always prioritize an outdoor setting. This allows unlimited access to outdoor air. A common mistake is placing the unit in an attic or garage. While this might shield it from the elements or hide it from view, it significantly limits the heat the system can remove from your home.
Tip # 2: Ensuring Adequate Airflow
It’s vital to ensure that there is adequate airflow around your unit. This means keeping the area free of obstructions within at least three to four feet of the unit. If you have multiple units, they should be spaced far enough apart not to hinder each other’s airflow. Structures like fences or decks surrounding the unit should have sufficient openings to facilitate unrestricted airflow.
Tip # 3: Protection from the Sun ☀️
Although not as critical as the first two considerations, protecting your unit from the sun can prevent overheating and extend its operational life. Positioning the unit on your house’s east or north side can help limit its exposure to the sun. In areas lacking natural shade, consider planting a tree or building an awning over the unit to provide the necessary shade.
The Bottom Line
We hope you’ll find this knowledge helpful and implement it in your home. If you need help raising your AC unit or moving into a new facility, Ventiluxes is here to assist you.
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