Leave Some Open Space Around Your AC

Until your air conditioner stops working properly, you probably don’t give it much thought.

Or until your electric bills go through the roof, even though you haven’t changed the thermostat.

During operation, your air conditioner draws in ambient air to cool and expel warm air. When it cannot draw in enough air or flush out hot air, it can easily overheat. An AC that runs hot normally won’t last as long. How much room does your air conditioner really require? A minimum of one foot is recommended on all sides, including behind the unit. Keep your unit free of grass clippings and leaves while doing yard work. The yard scraps can obstruct your air conditioner and cause it to overheat. Turn the air conditioner off and check the temperature a few inches from the coil. The coil is the metallic grate surrounding your unit. Measure the temperature 10 feet away. If it is the same, your system is functioning properly. You may have a problem if the coil is warmer than the surrounding area. If you live in a mild climate, you may have a heat pump instead of an air conditioner. The outdoor unit provides both heat and air conditioning. It needs open space at all times, especially when it snows. Take care not to let snow accumulate on the top and near the sides of the unit. You should turn off your heat pump if it fills with wintry precipitation. Warm water can be used to melt snow and ice. Let the water drain for a few minutes before turning the system back on.

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