Create Great Landscaping Around Your AC System with These Seven Tips

Many homeowners want efficient central air conditioning for their HVAC system, but the outdoor AC isn’t exactly the aesthetic feature people want in their yard. Are you looking for a better sense of comfort indoors without spoiling the backyard with a big metal eyesore? Proper landscaping should do the trick.

With the right visual barriers, you can conceal your AC unit and enhance your yard’s curb appeal. Just be aware that there’s a right way and a wrong way to approach AC unit landscaping. Knowing the distinction is crucial to ensure efficient AC operation.

Implement Windbreaks for AC Protection

Adding windbreaks into your AC unit landscaping strategy protects the air conditioner from severe weather. Evergreens work best as they retain their foliage all year-round. Some excellent shrubs for evergreen windbreaks include boxwood, junipers and Arborvitae.

When planted the proper distance apart, these plants form a dense barrier that blocks wind gusts carrying debris from reaching your AC. Just verify that your windbreak sits far enough back to maintain the 2 to 3 feet of clearance as the plants grow.

Ensure Shade

Even the scorching summer heat feels tolerable when you step into the shade. You’re not the only one who appreciates the relief—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 consistent shade. If that’s not an option, use tall trees to your advantage. Just avoid placing plants directly over the unit. Maintaining vertical clearance of 5 to 6 feet prevents restricting airflow. Then, remember to regularly clear debris to keep debris from clogging the condenser.

Space Plants Properly

You’ll first want to keep enough distance from the unit itself. Keeping plants at least 2 to 3 feet away from the AC is especially worthwhile. Remember, plants grow larger every summer, so you should place shrubs 2 to 3 feet away once they reach maturity.

This spacing ensures the AC has enough ventilation to function, a requirement for efficient heat exchange and efficient operation. Adequate spacing also avoids the risk of stressing your AC, which could lead to more breakdowns and a shorter service life.

Use Large Potted Plants for Adaptability

If you don’t want the bushes and shrubs getting too close to the AC as they mature, opt for large plants in containers. As long as they’re large enough, the pots and plants will easily cover the AC while contributing to a cooler yard. These decorative, movable elements help you to change the landscaping according to the season or as your preferences change. It’s also easy to shift the pots slightly if the plants are getting big or keep them out of the way during servicing.

Try a Gravel Garden

For a low-maintenance landscape solution, a gravel garden is another great choice. A gravel garden involves leaving your AC unit on a concrete pad surrounded by gravel and plant beds of tough, drought-resistant plants for extra color and life. The benefits for your yard are clear: less grass to cut, fewer weeds to pull and a stylish look that reduces maintenance all year.

Remember to Maintain Access

No matter the landscaping choices you make, accessing your air conditioning unit must remain unobstructed. After all, routine maintenance and repairs encourage HVAC longevity and efficiency. Design your landscaping so service technicians can easily get to the air conditioner, which means not planting anything on one or two sides. Taking this care will help your air conditioner perform optimally for as long as possible.

Incorporate a Trellis, Screen or Lattice

Not all solutions for concealing your air conditioner need to be entirely from Mother Nature herself. If you lack space or are concerned about maintaining plants, try these other options:

• Place a freestanding screen to hide your AC while maintaining necessary airflow. Check it has a gate or detachable section for quick access.

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

• Put in a lattice enclosure for a stylish cover that blends the aesthetics of a trellis with the functionality of a screen. Refrain from adding a top cover, or that will block ventilation.

Request Fast, Expert AC Services

With your landscaping plans in place, you can get back to the air conditioner itself. If the unit is not performing well or it’s been a while since your last maintenance visit, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our certified technicians provide fast, effective and long-lasting solutions to all your HVAC issues. For Expert service that lives up to our name, please contact us today.