If you’re building a home or installing a new HVAC system, you may be wondering where the best location is for the outdoor HVAC unit. There are several things to consider when making this decision, including how much space you have, how level the area is, and whether the unit will be located near bedrooms where the noise may be disruptive.
With a little preparation, you can ensure that your outdoor HVAC unit is in the ideal location. Here’s what to know.
What to Consider When Deciding Where to Put an Outdoor Unit
There are several factors you should consider when deciding where to put your outdoor HVAC unit, like the amount of space and foliage you have. Below, take a closer look at some of the issues you will need to take into account when installing a central or ductless HVAC system.
How much space you have
The amount of space you have available will determine the size and type of outdoor HVAC unit you can purchase. If you have a small yard, you may not be able to accommodate a large central air conditioner unit.
In this case, a smaller ductless unit may be a better option for cooling your home. Conversely, if you have a large property, you may be able to install a more powerful system that can cool multiple rooms or even the entire house at once.
Where the ground is level outside
It’s important to place your outdoor HVAC unit on a level surface so that it operates efficiently and doesn’t vibrate excessively, which leads to excess wear and tear damage over time. If your yard slopes away from your home, consider putting down a small pad of concrete or brick near the exterior wall of your home where the unit will be placed.
This will help keep it level and provide good drainage so that water doesn’t pool around the base of the unit when it rains or snows. Another option is to install posts or blocks under each corner of the unit so that it’s raised slightly off the ground. This also allows for better airflow and helps prevent debris from clogging up the condenser coils.
How much noise the unit will make
You’ll want to place your outdoor HVAC unit in an area where it won’t disturb your neighbors or family members with excessive noise. Central air conditioners tend to be quite noisy, so if possible, locate them as far away from living areas and bedrooms as possible.
If you can’t, consider planting tall shrubs or installing sound-dampening fencing around the perimeter of the AC unit. This can help muffle some of the noise produced by operation. Or, you can opt for a ductless setup, which makes significantly less noise than central HVAC systems and window units both indoors and out.
How to Prepare the Location for Your Outdoor HVAC Unit
Clearing the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit
It’s important to keep the area around your outdoor unit clear of debris and overgrowth. This will help preserve the airflow around the unit so it can pull air in efficiently. To clear the area around your unit, you will need to:
- Remove any debris, such as leaves, twigs, and branches, that may have accumulated near the unit.
- Trim back any foliage or overgrowth that could impede airflow to the unit.
- Clear away any snow or ice that may have built up around the unit.
- If there is a concrete pad or other hard surface near the unit, sweep it clean of debris.
Leveling the Ground for Your Unit
It’s also crucial to make sure that the ground around your outdoor unit is level. This will help to prevent vibration and noise from the unit, as well as protect it from potential damage due to weather conditions. To level the ground for your outdoor HVAC unit, you will need to:
- Use a shovel or other tool to remove any uneven patches of dirt or grass near the unit.
- If necessary, use sand or gravel to fill in any low spots around the unit so that it is sitting on a level surface.
- Once the ground is level, you can place a concrete pad or other hard surface under the unit to further protect it from the elements.
How Jones Services Can Help
Installing a new HVAC system on your own is difficult, if not impossible. When you work with a professional, they will choose the best location for your unit and will clear the area around it and level the ground before installation. Contact us today by calling [hls_phone_number] to learn more. Or, you can browse our customer reviews here to find out what customers in your area have to say about our HVAC service.