Should an AC unit be off the ground?

Author: Golden Lynch  |  Last update: Friday, February 14, 2025

Find a Level Surface At Least Five Feet Above Ground Air conditioners need enough space to circulate air and meet the desired indoor temperature. Installing an AC unit too low to the ground will hinder its performance with insufficient airflow.

What do you put under an outside AC unit?

Outside A/C compressors are typically supported on a concrete pad, concrete blocks, or a vinyl pad such as the one shown in the photo at page top. The air conditioner compressor support pad should be level and secure against movement.

Should an AC unit be elevated?

Keep the AC Unit Level

Keeping your AC unit level is the primary reason why elevating the AC unit, either with brackets or a concrete pad, is recommended. AC condenser units are heavy; some window units can weigh as much as 200 pounds. They can easily sink into the ground under their own weight.

How far off the ground should an AC disconnect be?

Service disconnecting means shall be located so that the height to the center of the operating handle shall not be less than 4 feet (1219 mm) and not more than 6 feet 7 inches (2.0 m) above the floor of finish grade, except as installed in freestanding or building-type switchgear built to the National Electrical ...

Should my AC unit be on a concrete slab?

Thankfully, with a level concrete slab installed, your unit will remain securely in place and you won't have to worry about any oil-related issues. It prevents wear and tear: Outdoor AC units are supposed to vibrate.

Air Conditioner Maintenance - Do I Need to Cover My Air Conditioner in the Winter?

Should AC unit be off the ground?

You want your air conditioner to last as long as possible, and raising it off the ground will help protect your unit. Protect it from what, you ask? The great outdoors, for one.

Where should you not install an AC unit outside?

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.

How high should AC be from ground?

In a 10 feet high room, a split type AC should be installed at 7 -8 feet for the best cooling performance. For a window type AC, the best height is 3-4 feet from the floor.

What is the code for AC disconnect location?

440.14 Location. Disconnecting means shall be located within sight from, and readily accessible from, the air-conditioning or refrigerating equipment. The disconnecting means shall be permitted to be installed on or within the air-conditioning or refrigerating equipment.

How much clearance is necessary around an outdoor AC unit?

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 high off the ground should a condenser be?

It should be mounted a few inches off the ground to allow adequate drainage of rainwater and condensation. Other things to consider before choosing a ground-level installation are snowfall during the winter and vegetation growth during the spring and summer.

Should AC be mounted high or low?

Ensure that your AC can do its thing, without interference

Your wall unit should not be placed near any other electrical devices, and should be secured high on the wall so that it can circulate and distribute air evenly throughout the space. Be sure that your unit is in a place where there's no obstructions to airflow.

Does an AC unit need to be leveled?

Maintaining a level AC unit is not just about aesthetics- it's about ensuring your HVAC system's efficiency, reliability, and longevity. An unlevel unit can lead to many problems, from compressor damage to water drainage issues, which can result in costly repairs or even the need for premature system replacement.

Should I put a tarp over my air conditioner?

Air Conditioner Covers aren't necessary for mild climates, but are still useful to keep out stray leaves, dirt, rocks, grass, and other debris. The key reason to cover your air conditioner is to keep it efficient.

What is the best base for an AC unit?

Plastic HVAC mounting pads have become the preferred choice for modern HVAC installations for several compelling reasons. Firstly, their lightweight nature simplifies the installation process, reducing the need for heavy machinery and specialized equipment.

Should I put rocks around my AC unit?

Use Rock Landscaping Around the AC Unit

Create a gravel bed around the unit to keep the area dry and free of weeds. Use decorative stones or pebbles to enhance the aesthetic appeal.

How high off the ground should an AC disconnect be?

There is no set height other than the handle of the disconnect must be below 6'7". It is more important than the disconnect be in an unobstructed location for easy operation. I generally like to place disconnects between 3 and 5 ft off the ground.

Where should disconnect be located?

The service disconnecting means may be installed at a readily accessible location that is located:
  1. inside of a building or structure that is not a one- or two-family dwelling;
  2. at the nearest point of entrance to the service conductors;
  3. on a direct path that 25-feet or less from an exterior entrance; and.

Can an AC unit sit on the ground?

Yes, of course condenser unit should never sit on the lawn or dirt. It should be on a cement or solid pad not on bricks and most importantly it must must be level.

How high should a thermostat be from the ground?

Ideally, your thermostat should sit between 52 and 60 inches above the floor. If your thermostat sits below 52 inches above the floor, it could produce too low readings. Conversely, if it sits above 60 inches, it could have temperature readings that measure high.

What is the minimum gap between AC unit and ceiling?

Ensure there's at least 15 cm clearance around the unit

Air conditioners require clearance on each side so that there's proper airflow around the unit.

Should I hose down my outside AC unit?

You should absolutely hose down your air conditioner if you have the means to do so. After all, the condenser's main job is to pull in air and cool it off, so when it “pulls,” it also drags anything loose with it, including pollen, grass clippings, and dirt.

Where is the best place to put an outdoor AC unit?

It needs to be placed in a safe, well-ventilated area with enough clearance to take in fresh air and release the heat from your home. 2. The location should be clear of trees, bushes, and excessively dusty areas where leaves and debris could block the unit or clog the filters.

Is it better to have two small air conditioners or one large?

Energy Consumption and Savings: While two AC units might initially seem like they would consume more energy, they can actually offer savings by allowing you to cool only the spaces you're using. For example, you can shut off the upstairs unit when it's not in use, reducing overall energy expenditure.

Previous article
What to sit an air fryer on?
Next article
How long does it take for a plumber to fix a water leak?