Create Great Landscaping Around Your AC System with These Seven Tips

Most homeowners prefer central air conditioning for their HVAC system, but the AC’s outdoor cabinet isn’t exactly the decorative centerpiece people like having in their yard. Do you need a more comfortable home without spoiling the backyard with a big metal box? Thoughtful landscaping has an immediate impact.

With the right plants or hardscaping, you can hide your AC unit and improve your yard’s curb appeal. But don’t forget that there’s a right way and a wrong way to tackle AC unit landscaping. Understanding the difference is crucial to maintain optimal AC performance.

Shield Your AC with Windbreaks

Incorporating windbreaks into the AC system landscaping strategy protects the AC against harsh weather and storms. Evergreens work best since they stay green all year-round. Some excellent shrubs for evergreen windbreaks include boxwood, junipers and Arborvitae.

If you take care to plant them a safe distance apart, your shrubs create a dense barrier that blocks wind gusts carrying debris from reaching your AC. Just make sure your windbreak sits far enough back to maintain the necessary 2 to 3 feet of clearance as the hedgerow matures.

Create Shaded Areas

Even the hottest summer weather feels tolerable when you step into the shade. You’re not the only one who notices this difference—your air conditioner also appreciates being out of the sun.

If you can, situate the air conditioner on the north side of your home so it’s in constant shadow. If that’s not an option, use large shrubs to your advantage. Just avoid placing plants directly over the unit. Maintaining vertical clearance of 5 to 6 feet prevents restricting airflow. Then, remember to regularly clear debris to keep debris from clogging the condenser.

Arrange Plants Correctly

It’s a good start to ensure adequate spacing from the unit itself. Keeping plants at least 2 to 3 feet away from your unit is particularly important. Remember, plants grow larger every summer, so you should position shrubs to be 2 to 3 feet away when they reach maturity.

Keeping plants 2 to 3 feet away ensures your air conditioner has enough clearance for air circulation, a requirement for effective heat exhaust and optimal climate control. Ample clearance also limits stressing your AC, which could lead to more failures and a shorter service life.

Use Large Potted Plants for Adaptability

If you’re concerned about these bushes getting too close to the AC as get bigger, opt for large plants in containers. As long as they are big enough, the pots and plants will easily hide your AC unit while contributing to a cooler yard. These stylish, modular elements allow you to change the landscaping according to the season or as you try new looks. It’s equally convenient to adjust the placement if the plants are getting especially full or relocate them while maintenance is being done.

Create a Gravel Garden

For a simple, easy-care landscape solution, a gravel garden is another great choice. This kind of garden involves placing your AC unit on a concrete base that’s elevated surrounded by gravel and mulched beds of hardy, drought-tolerant plants for extra color and life. The benefits are clear: less lawn to mow, fewer weeds to pull and a stylish look that makes garden care easier all year.

Keep Access Unobstructed

Whatever landscaping choices you make, easy access to your outdoor AC cabinet must remain unobstructed. After all, preventive maintenance and repairs foster HVAC longevity and efficiency. Build up your home’s landscaping so maintenance technicians can easily access the AC, which means not planting anything on a couple of sides. Keeping this in mind will help your air conditioner perform optimally 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 don’t have much room to work with or worry about plants dying, try these alternatives:

• Set up a movable screen to cover up your air conditioner while ensuring the necessary airflow. Double check it has a door or easily removed part for quick access.

• Install a trellis around the unit and grow vines for a natural screen that adds beauty and shade. Just make sure the vegetation doesn’t overcrowd airflow.

• Add a lattice enclosure 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 block ventilation.

Request Fast, Expert AC Services

With your landscaping plans sorted, you can turn your attention to the air conditioner itself. If the unit is not performing well 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 HVAC issues. For Expert service that meets our high standards, please contact us today.