Planning your next summer landscaping project? Gearing up to beautify and start enjoying your outdoor space? While perennials, decorative screens, and flowing grass can do wonders for your curb appeal, it’s important to also consider how your air conditioning unit may be affected by landscaping.
Below, let’s explore some of our favourite tips for landscaping around outdoor condenser units. Read on!
#1: Skip AC Covers & Lattices
Just as we do, air conditioning units need space to breathe. While it may be tempting to add a decorative cover to your condenser unit, it’s not recommended. While an AC unit may not be the most stunning part of your outdoor space, it shouldn’t be covered up. Adding a decorative cover of any kind, even one with a wide opening, restricts essential airflow and risks the need for an air conditioner repair in Edmonton.
Instead, opt to improve the surrounding green space a few feet away. For example, while a lattice cover may not work for the unit, a tall lattice panel or trellis decorated with flowers several feet away can maintain the look without sacrificing airflow. Your air conditioner will thank you!
#2: Prioritize Shade
A little strategic shade goes a long way with condenser units, as long as it’s done properly. A tree or natural shrubbery can help provide natural cover and shade the unit against harsh summer sun. When an AC unit sits directly in sunlight, it must work harder to undergo the heat transfer process. Over time, this extra stain may cause wear on the system and even lead to an air conditioner repair in Edmonton earlier than necessary.
If you’re looking to add shade to your green space, make sure it’s at least 2 to 3 feet away to keep foliage from getting into the condensers. For example, a small deciduous tree planted on the sun-facing side of your home can provide valuable shade in the warmer months.
#3: Consider Low-Maintenance Decor
Not all decor makes a good neighbour for your AC unit. Tall grass, dense shrubs, and ornamental flowers can crowd the unit and spread fast in the summer. Once roots reach the pad or branches brush the housing, you’re looking at extra trimming every few weeks just to keep airflow clear.
If you’re looking for lower-maintenance alternatives, consider hardscaping. Natural stone, interlock, gravel, and other non-growing features nearby can look stunning while also helping partition the area to keep greenery from encroaching on the unit. Gravel and river rock are particularly easy options because they don’t shift in heavy rain, and they don’t hold moisture against the base.
#4: Keep Enough Space For Servicing
If your technician needs to use hedge trimmers just to reach your AC unit, the surrounding landscaping may need to be trimmed back slightly. Ensure there’s a 2-3 foot clearance around the unit, along with a clear path to and from it. Air conditioning technicians may need to carry several items to and from the area, such as a service kit, replacement filters, and sometimes even a vacuum pump—none of which will fit easily through a narrow gap in a hedge.
Air conditioner maintenance and repairs in Edmonton aren’t optional—they’re essential for system longevity. The easier the access, the faster the service call, and the lower the chance your technician runs into issues during the appointment.
Keep Cooling Strong with Weiss-Johnson
For nearly 50 years, Weiss-Johnson has helped Edmonton homeowners keep their cooling systems running strong.
Get in touch with our team today to learn more about how we can help keep your cooling system in top shape—from installations to servicing and air conditioner repairs in Edmonton.
