Where Should an Outside AC Unit Be Installed?
A central air conditioner (AC) is a luxury that many homeowners enjoy year-round. That sounds like a pretty sweet deal. You get to stay calm and comfortable all summer long and then warm and cozy during winter. But before you start celebrating, it’s essential to make sure your AC unit will work as productively as possible for as long as possible. The best way to do this is by getting your outside condenser installed correctly in the ground or on the roof of your home.
When your AC unit is installed outside, it’s able to emit heat more quickly because the exterior walls of your home are not blocking the way. The hot air can travel outside, where it will dissipate into the atmosphere. There’s usually an electrical cord with central AC that connects to an indoor-mounted compressor and emits cool air throughout the system. This setup works well for inside installation, but this might be a problem if you want to go with an outdoor structure.
An air conditioning system could still function properly if mounted on top of your house or in your attic, but these locations won’t allow for much airflow because they’re enclosed spaces. Also, you probably don’t want all of that noise emitting from inside your house, and the hot air would just get trapped inside. It’s not that an AC system shouldn’t be mounted in your attic or on your roof; it just shouldn’t be its permanent place of residence.
Instead, try taking advantage of outdoor installation to ensure your central air conditioner is effective year-round. Your unit will run more efficiently when it’s placed on a flat surface with enough room for airflow around it. This means you can mount the unit underneath an overhang, but only if the compressor has some ventilation available at all times. You’ll want to be certain that there are no plants or bushes directly under the unit where they might block airflow or provide a hiding spot for critters who might chew through wires.
The best place to set up your AC unit is just above the roofline of your home. A short, non-slanted roof overhang can help protect it from sun exposure and reduce noise output. If you’re building a new house or planning some renovations, consider making an overhang into your designs if you want to take advantage of outdoor installation.