Many homeowners take advantage of pleasant summer weather to work on their yards. When doing outdoor activities and yard maintenance, however, don’t forget about your HVAC system’s outdoor unit. By protecting your equipment, you can save on AC repairs and ensure your home stays cool and comfortable.
Here are some tips to help ensure your HVAC system’s outdoor unit stays protected while you’re doing yard work.
Keep your outdoor unit shaded. With a shaded yard, you’ll have a micro-climate that’s cooler than an outdoor space under direct sunlight. Your HVAC equipment will perform more efficiently in this cooler micro-climate. Experts suggest using tall trees, hedges and shrubs to get enough shade in your yard. However, make sure leaves, dirt and weeds don’t end up clogging the unit’s condenser.
Make sure plants are kept a safe distance away. Keep plants two to three feet away from your HVAC system’s outdoor equipment. Doing so can help delay the need for an air conditioning replacement and improve the equipment’s energy efficiency. With a clear space around your unit, it will also be easier for your HVAC technician to perform inspections, maintenance and repairs.
Don’t let grass clippings hit your unit. When mowing your lawn, be mindful of the direction the grass clippings are landing. Also, cut your grass as low as possible so it won’t reach the vital components of your central air unit. Moreover, position your mower so that it won’t cause clippings to hit the unit directly, because this can cause clogging.
At Air Products & Services, we’re here to help keep your home comfortable no matter the season. You can rely on us for your AC system troubleshooting needs. Give us a call at (818) 989-2030 or fill out our contact form to request a service or estimate. We work with clients in Tarzana, CA, and nearby communities.