Create Great Landscaping Around Your AC System with These Seven Tips

Most homeowners are looking for the best central air conditioning these days, but the AC’s outdoor cabinet isn’t exactly the decorative centerpiece people enjoy having in their backyard. Do you want a cool, comfortable interior without ruining the yard’s look with a big metal eyesore? Proper landscaping should do the trick.

With the right visual barriers, you can tuck away 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. Recognizing the special considerations is crucial to keep your air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently.

Implement Windbreaks for AC Protection

Placing windbreaks into your AC unit landscaping strategy protects the AC against harsh weather and storms. Evergreens are particularly effective as they keep their leaves through the winter. Some excellent species for evergreen windbreaks include boxwood, junipers and Arborvitae.

If planted the right distance apart, the shrubs form a dense barrier that protects the AC from high winds and flying debris. Just make sure your windbreak is planted far enough away to maintain the 2 to 3 feet of clearance as the plants grow.

Create Shaded Areas

Even the high summer temperatures feel tolerable when you step into the shade. You’re not the only one who feels the change—your air conditioner also benefits from shade.

Whenever possible, place the AC on the north side of your home so it’s in perpetual shade. 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 impeding ventilation. Then, remember to regularly trim branches to keep debris from clogging the condenser.

Maintain Proper Plant Spacing

It’s a good start to maintain proper clearance from the unit itself. Keeping plants at least 2 to 3 feet away from the cabinet is particularly important. As you know, plants continue to grow each year, so you should position shrubs to be 2 to 3 feet away when they are fully grown.

Keeping plants 2 to 3 feet away ensures your AC system has enough clearance for air circulation, a requirement for proper exhaust of heat and efficient operation. Sufficient spacing also prevents overworking your unit, which could lead to more failures and a shorter service life.

Enhance Flexibility with Movable Potted Plants

If you don’t want the bushes and shrubs getting too close to the AC as get bigger, pivot to large container plants. As long as they are big enough, the pots and plants can easily hide your AC unit while still ensuring a cooler yard. These attractive, easily rearranged elements allow you to adapt the landscaping around your AC unit seasonally or as your aesthetic changes. It’s also easy to shift the pots slightly if the plants are getting especially full or relocate them while maintenance is being done.

Implement a Gravel Garden

For a simple, easy-care landscape solution, a gravel garden could be ideal. This kind of garden involves leaving your AC unit on a raised concrete platform surrounded by gravel interspersed with mulched beds of hardy, drought-resistant plants for extra color and life. The benefits for your yard are clear: less lawn to mow, fewer weeds to manage and an attractive finished look that makes garden care easier all year.

Ensure Easy Access

Whatever landscaping choices you make, easy access to your air conditioning unit must remain clear. After all, preventive maintenance and repairs encourage HVAC longevity and efficiency. Design your landscaping so service technicians can easily get to the air conditioner, which means not planting anything on a couple of sides. Taking this care will help your air conditioner perform optimally for years longer.

Use a Trellis, Screen or Lattice Cover

Not all solutions for concealing your air conditioner need to be entirely green. If you are short on space or are concerned about maintaining plants, try these other options:

• Place a portable screen to cover up your air conditioner while ensuring the necessary airflow. Check it has a gate or easily removed part for convenient access.

• Install a trellis around the unit and grow climbing or vining plants for a natural screen that enhances aesthetics and provides shade. Just make sure the vegetation doesn’t restrict airflow.

• Add a decorative lattice for a decorative solution that blends the aesthetics of a trellis with the functionality of a screen. Refrain from adding a top cover, or that will restrict circulation.

Schedule Your Professional Air Conditioning Services

With your landscaping plans sorted, you can focus on the air conditioner itself. If the unit is malfunctioning or it’s been a while since your last maintenance visit, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. 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.