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 skyrocketing, even though you haven’t changed the thermostat.
Your air conditioner draws in ambient air to cool and expels warm air as it runs. But it can promptly overheat if it can’t draw in enough surrounding air or flush out hot air.
An AC system that runs hot usually can’t last as long. And it doubtlessly will cost more to cool your Williamsport home.
Lycoming Heating Company can help when your air AC isn’t functioning correctly. Or keeping your Williamsport house cold enough.
Space Guidelines for Air Conditioners
So how much room does your air conditioner really call for?
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 blockage, like a deck or roof overhang.
While doing yardwork, keep your unit clear of grass clippings and leaves. Yard scraps can congest your air conditioner and cause it to overheat.
How to Find Out 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 higher near the coil, your system may have something wrong with it. Call us at 570-326-4450 for help or make an appointment online.
How Much Space Does a Heat Pump Need?
If you live in a moderate climate, you may have a heat pump in place of an air conditioner. This outdoor unit creates both heat and air conditioning for your house.
It needs open space at all times, especially if it snows. Clear away 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 switching your system back on.
Schedule Annual Maintenance with Lycoming Heating Company
Overdue for yearly air conditioner maintenance? Give us a call at 570-326-4450 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 find small issues before they become pricier problems.