Upgrade Landscaping Around Your AC System with These Seven Tips

Many homeowners want efficient central air conditioning these days, but the AC’s outdoor cabinet isn’t exactly the decorative centerpiece people want in their backyard. Do you want a more comfortable home without spoiling the backyard with a big metal eyesore? Proper landscaping makes a big difference.

With the right plants or hardscaping, you can conceal your AC unit and improve your yard’s appeal. But don’t forget that there’s a right way and a wrong way to approach AC unit landscaping. Recognizing the special considerations is crucial to ensure efficient AC operation.

Using Windbreaks to Protect Your AC Unit

Incorporating windbreaks into the AC system landscaping strategy protects the AC against harsh weather and storms. Evergreens are particularly effective since they keep their leaves all year-round. A few popular shrubs for evergreen windbreaks include boxwood, junipers and Arborvitae.

When planted the proper distance apart, the shrubs form a dense barrier that blocks wind gusts carrying debris from reaching your AC. Just double check that your windbreak is planted far enough away to preserve that 2 to 3 feet of clearance as the plants grow.

Ensure Shade

Even the high summer temperatures feel manageable when you step into the shade. You’re not the only one who feels the change—your air conditioner also benefits from shade.

Whenever possible, place the AC on the north side of your home so it’s in perpetual shade. If that’s not an option, use privacy hedges to your advantage. Just avoid placing plants directly over the unit. Maintaining vertical clearance of 5 to 6 feet prevents blocking air circulation. Then, remember to regularly rake leaves to keep debris from clogging the condenser.

Arrange Plants Correctly

The first rule is to ensure adequate spacing from the unit itself. Keeping plants at least 2 to 3 feet away from the cabinet is especially worthwhile. Don’t forget, plants keep growing every summer, so you should place shrubs 2 to 3 feet away as soon as they reach maturity.

This spacing ensures your air conditioner has adequate clearance for air circulation, a requirement for effective heat exhaust and steady cooling. Adequate spacing also prevents stressing your AC, which could lead to more failures and a shorter life span.

Use Large Potted Plants for Adaptability

If you don’t want the bushes and shrubs encroaching on the AC unit as the years go by, try an alternative approach with large potted plants. As long as they’re large enough, the pots and plants should cover the AC while contributing to a cooler yard. These attractive, modular elements help you to change the landscaping according to the season or as you try new looks. It’s just as simple to adjust the placement if the plants are getting especially full or relocate them while maintenance is being done.

Create a Gravel Garden

For a simple, easy-care landscape solution, a gravel garden is another great choice. This kind of garden involves leaving your AC unit on a concrete base that’s elevated surrounded by gravel and plant beds of hardy, drought-resistant plants for extra color and life. The benefits for your yard are clear: less grass to cut, fewer weeds to manage and an attractive finished look that simplifies your gardening chores all year.

Ensure Easy Access

Whatever landscaping choices you make, easy access to your air conditioning unit must remain clear. After all, preventive maintenance and repairs are vital for HVAC longevity and efficiency. Design your landscaping so technicians can easily access the AC, which means not planting anything on a couple of sides. Taking this care will help your air conditioner operate efficiently for years longer.

Employ a Trellis, Screen or Lattice for an Attractive Screen

Not all solutions for covering your AC system need to be entirely green. If you lack space or worry about plants dying, try these alternatives:

• Set up a portable screen to conceal it while preserving necessary ventilation. Double check it has a hinged panel or removable panel for easy access.

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

• Install a decorative lattice for a visually appealing cover that combines the aesthetics of a trellis with the functionality of a screen. Refrain from adding a top cover, or that will restrict circulation.

Schedule Professional AC Services

With your landscaping plans figured out, you can focus on 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 quick, efficient and durable fixes to all your HVAC issues. For Expert service that meets our high standards, please contact us today.