The general rule is to provide at least one foot of space on all sides of the unit, or more if you have the space. Check your owner's manual or your HVAC contractor for specific clearance instructions since your unit may require more space.
Generally speaking, HVAC professionals will tell you that there should be at least one foot of clearance on each side of the unit – however, there may be some manufacturers who recommend a longer distance, such as two feet on each side.
At the bare minimum, you should have at least one foot (12”) of space on each side of your outdoor air conditioning unit. That said, some AC manufacturers suggest that you have at least two feet (24”) of clearance on all sides.
It's recommended to have a minimum of 12'' clearance around all sides of the air conditioner and 5' clearance above it. Never box in your unit with a solid structure--you must allow ventilation through large lattices or screens!
The $5,000 rule is a rule of thumb in the HVAC industry to help homeowners decide whether HVAC repair or HVAC replacement makes more sense in the long run. The $5,000 rule: Multiply the age of your equipment by the estimated repair cost. If the number is more than $5,000, then you should consider replacing your unit.
The New Regulations
Starting January 1, 2025, all new residential air conditioners and heat pumps must utilize A2L refrigerants. Older refrigerants like R-410, which are likely the refrigerant used by your current system, are being phased out.
The 25x rule entails saving 25 times an investor's planned annual expenses for retirement. Originating from the 4% rule, the 25x rule simplifies retirement planning by focusing on portfolio size.
Your outdoor air conditioning unit needs ample clearance because it does the work of pushing warm indoor air to the outside. To do this the right way, air should flow freely around the cooling coils. The general rule is to provide at least one foot of space on all sides of the unit, or more if you have the space.
How Much Clearance Does HVAC Need? Make sure your HVAC unit has at least one foot of clearance around it, with two to three feet of space being better. This recommended spacing includes the distance between the HVAC unit and other structures like fences, buildings, shrubs, masonry, etc.
It's best to consult with your owner's manual, as recommendations may vary from model to model. To ensure optimal airflow, most units require one to three feet of space on each side of the unit. If your enclosure includes a roof, allow four to six feet of clearance from the top of the unit.
Keep it away from trees and dirty areas
Although shading is necessary, placing it near trees or driveway can attract leaves and dirt inside the unit. Water is a big no no as well so if there is an area where rain tends to pool, mount the unit in a elevated position.
The general rule of thumb is to leave at least one foot (12 inches) of clear space on all sides of the outdoor unit. HVAC manufacturers, which have their own specific guidelines, often suggest clearance between 12 and 24 inches, but the number can vary depending on the items surrounding your AC unit.
Long-term airflow limitation could possibly cause damage to the compressor. It is critical to maintain a minimum distance of two feet from these impediments. The additional distance simplifies the process of drawing air into the unit and cooling the hot coils.
Plants aren't the only way to conceal your air conditioning unit. When you want something easier to move or remove, create an outdoor air conditioner enclosure. Fence panels, old shipping pallets and classic trellis structures are just a few of the options available.
The volume of air that needs to circulate through the system depends on the size of the AC or other HVAC unit. To work effectively, a system needs to circulate 400 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM) for every 1 AC ton.
All but one manufacturer requires 12” side clearance for each unit with a total of 24” between two units.
Space Guidelines for Air Conditioners
1-foot minimum on all sides, including behind the unit. 1.5-foot minimum for the sides and an alcove or adjacent wall. 2 feet between the sides of the unit and dense shrubs or solid fences. 6 inches between the sides and leafy plants, with a few extra inches left for growth.
Installing the outdoor unit in a safe, dry and well-ventilated area is advised. Making sure your outdoor unit is clear of trees or a dusty area (like a driveway) can further help you keep your air conditioner's filters clean and less likely to get dirty or blocked.
For these kinds of solid items, we generally recommend at least two feet between the outdoor unit and the obstruction – this includes your home. A window or door near the outdoor unit is fine, as long as it's at least two feet away and there's no exhaust air flowing into it.
If you're handy with woodworking, you can build a simple wooden box to enclose your outdoor air conditioner unit. This will not only hide the unit but also protect it from the elements and keep critters from nesting inside.
Building A Deck Over An Air Conditioner
Most AC manufacturers recommend maintaining a minimum 60" uninterrupted clearance above the compressor to allow for hot air to exhaust from the top of the unit. Without proper air flow, your AC unit can overheat and break down.
When deciding where to install your AC unit, avoid the following common mistakes: Enclosed Spaces: Avoid placing the unit in enclosed spaces, such as garages or sheds, where airflow is restricted. Enclosed spaces can cause the unit to overheat and reduce its efficiency .
Adopting the de minimis safe harbor provides several advantages: Simplified tax recordkeeping: Property owners can immediately deduct expenses for purchases like appliances or minor upgrades if they cost $2,500 or less per item. This ease of documentation aids in maintaining straightforward tax records.
Those will become part of your budget. The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals.
The 50% rule is a basic guideline in real estate that suggests that real estate investors should budget half of a rental property's gross income to operating expenses. Its purpose is to prevent investors from underestimating expenses and overestimating profits. It gives a rough estimate of cash flow.