Upgrade Landscaping Around Your AC System with These Seven Tips

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

With the right visual barriers, you can conceal your AC unit and improve your yard’s curb appeal. Just be aware 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

Incorporating windbreaks into your AC unit landscaping strategy protects the air conditioner from severe weather. Evergreens work best because they stay green all year-round. A few popular species for evergreen windbreaks include boxwood, junipers and Arborvitae.

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

Provide Shade

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

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

Space Plants Properly

The first rule is to maintain proper clearance from the unit itself. Keeping plants at least 2 to 3 feet away from the AC is essential. Remember, plants grow larger every year, so you should arrange shrubs to be 2 to 3 feet away when they mature.

Keeping plants 2 to 3 feet away ensures your AC system has sufficient clearance for air circulation, a requirement for effective heat exhaust and efficient operation. Sufficient spacing also avoids the risk of straining your system, which could lead to more failures and a shorter life span.

Enhance Flexibility with Movable Potted Plants

If you don’t want the bushes and shrubs getting too close to the AC as they mature, try an alternative approach with large potted plants. As long as the pot is big enough, the pots and plants can easily hide your AC unit while contributing to a cooler yard. These stylish, modular elements allow you to adapt the landscaping around your AC unit seasonally or as your preferences change. It’s equally convenient to move the pots a bit if the plants are getting big or keep them out of the way during servicing.

Implement a Gravel Garden

For a low-maintenance landscape solution, a gravel garden might be perfect. This kind of garden involves keeping the AC unit on a concrete base that’s elevated surrounded by gravel interspersed with plant beds of hardy, drought-resistant plants for added color and life. The benefits are clear: less yard maintenance, fewer weeds to manage and a stylish look that simplifies your gardening chores all year.

Remember to Maintain Access

Regardless of the landscaping choices you make, accessing your air conditioning unit must remain unobstructed. After all, preventive maintenance and repairs foster HVAC longevity and efficiency. Build up your home’s landscaping so technicians can easily reach the unit, which means not planting anything on one or two sides. Taking this care will help your air conditioner perform optimally for years to come.

Employ a Trellis, Screen or Lattice for an Attractive Screen

Not all solutions for concealing your air conditioner need to be entirely made from nature itself. If you lack space or are concerned about maintaining plants, try these alternatives:

• Place a movable screen to hide your AC while preserving necessary airflow. Check it has a hinged panel or easily removed part for quick access.

• Install a trellis around the unit and grow vines for a ‘green’ screen that offers visual appeal and natural shade. Just make sure the vegetation doesn’t overcrowd airflow.

• Put in a decorative lattice for a decorative solution that can blend the aesthetics of a trellis with the functionality of a screen. Refrain from adding a top cover, or that will impede airflow.

Request Fast, Expert AC Services

With your landscaping plans sorted, you can turn your attention to the air conditioner itself. If the unit is acting up or it’s been a while since your last maintenance visit, call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our ACE-certified technicians provide prompt, effective and lasting results to all your climate control problems. For Expert service that meets our high standards, please contact us today.