Upgrade Landscaping Around Your AC System with These Seven Tips

Many homeowners prefer central air conditioning for their HVAC system, but the AC’s outdoor cabinet isn’t exactly the decorative centerpiece people enjoy having in their yard. Are you looking for a better sense of comfort indoors without ruining the yard’s look with a big metal eyesore? Thoughtful landscaping makes a big difference.

With the right plants or hardscaping, you can cover your AC unit and enhance your yard’s curb appeal. But don’t forget that there’s a right way and a wrong way to handle AC unit landscaping. Understanding the difference is crucial to ensure efficient AC operation.

Implement Windbreaks for AC Protection

Adding windbreaks into the AC system landscaping strategy protects the AC against harsh weather and storms. Evergreens work best since they stay green through the winter. A few popular choices for evergreen windbreaks include boxwood, junipers and Arborvitae.

If you take care to plant them a safe distance apart, these plants combine into a dense barrier that protects the AC from high winds and flying debris. Just double check that your windbreak is planted far enough away to maintain the necessary 2 to 3 feet of clearance as the shrubs grow.

Ensure Shade

Even the high summer temperatures feel tolerable when you step into the shade. You’re not the only one who appreciates the relief—your air conditioner also appreciates being out of the sun.

Whenever possible, place the AC on the north side of your home so it’s in constant shadow. If that’s not an option, use tall trees to your advantage. Just avoid placing plants directly over the unit. Maintaining vertical clearance of 5 to 6 feet prevents blocking air circulation. Then, remember to regularly rake leaves to keep debris from clogging the condenser.

Maintain Proper Plant Spacing

You’ll first want to ensure adequate spacing from the unit itself. Keeping plants at least 2 to 3 feet away from the AC is particularly important. Remember, plants grow larger each year, so you should place shrubs 2 to 3 feet away as soon as they are fully grown.

Spacing plants 2 to 3 feet away ensures the AC has sufficient clearance for air circulation, a requirement for effective heat exhaust and efficient operation. Sufficient spacing also avoids the risk of stressing your AC, which could lead to more breakdowns and a shorter service life.

Enhance Flexibility with Movable Potted Plants

If you’re worried about shrubs encroaching on the AC unit as they mature, try an alternative approach with large container plants. As long as they’re large enough, the pots and plants should hide your AC unit while still ensuring a cooler yard. These attractive, easily rearranged elements help you to modify the surroundings based on the time of year or as your preferences change. It’s also easy to shift the pots slightly if the plants are getting especially full or keep them out of the way during servicing.

Implement a Gravel Garden

For a more manageable landscape solution, a gravel garden might be perfect. This approach involves keeping the AC unit on a raised concrete platform surrounded by gravel interspersed with gardens of resilient, drought-resistant plants for added color and life. The benefits are clear: less lawn to mow, fewer weeds and plants to control and an enhanced look that makes garden care easier all year.

Ensure Easy Access

Whatever landscaping choices you make, easy access to your AC unit must remain unblocked. After all, regular maintenance and repairs foster HVAC longevity and efficiency. Design your landscaping so maintenance technicians can easily reach the unit, which means not planting anything on one or two sides. This thoughtful detail will help your air conditioner operate efficiently for as long as possible.

Incorporate a Trellis, Screen or Lattice

Not all solutions for hiding your AC unit need to be entirely from Mother Nature herself. If you lack space or are concerned about maintaining plants, try these other options:

• Install a portable screen to hide your AC while preserving necessary airflow. Double check it has a door or easily removed part for quick access.

• Build a trellis around the outdoor cabinet and grow vines for a natural screen that adds beauty and shade. Just make sure the vegetation doesn’t block airflow.

• Put in a lattice enclosure for a decorative solution that can blend the aesthetics of a trellis with the functionality of a screen. Refrain from adding a top cover, or that will impede airflow.

Request Fast, Expert AC Services

With your landscaping plans figured out, you can prioritize the air conditioner itself. If the unit is acting up or it’s been a while since your last maintenance visit, call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our ACE-certified technicians provide prompt, effective and lasting results to all your comfort challenges. For Expert service that matches our reputation, please contact us today.