Maintaining Your AC System
by Nick Gromicko and Elise London
Keeping your cooler cool- Good practice for AC and Heat pump placement-
The most stressful time for an air conditioning unit or heat pump is when the temperature soars.
This is when a good installer will have helped you protect your investment.
The placement of these units can have an impact on the longevity of the system
Whenever possible the AC/Heat pump units should be place on the north side of the home or in a shady area.
To help heat pumps and air conditioners operate more efficiently as the summer heat pushes these systems to their limits it is best not to place these units on the south side of a house where they would sit in the sun.
If this is the only option you may consider protecting them with the canopy of a deciduous tree. When they drop their leaves in the fall, sunlight coming through the branches will help warm the house.
It is very important that heat pumps and exterior units for air conditioners have sufficient space around them to allow for free exchange of cool and warm air. You should avoid any heat generating equipment and where noise will have an impact on occupants.
Your heat pump or air conditioning unit is one of the more expensive components on the home. With a little thought you can achieve better longevity of these units.
It also is very important to keep these units free of debris and well maintained. Homeowners should inspected the air filters on the air handler on a monthly basis and regularly checked the outdoor units to be certain they are free of debris (including leaves, grass, paper, snow and anything else that can obstruct the airflow) and that coils are clean.