Enhance Landscaping Around Your AC System with These Seven Tips

Lots of homeowners want efficient central air conditioning for their HVAC system, but the AC’s outdoor cabinet isn’t exactly the aesthetic feature people like having in their backyard. Are you looking for a cool, comfortable interior without ruining the yard’s look with a big metal eyesore? Proper landscaping has an immediate impact.

With the right visual barriers, you can cover 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. Understanding the difference is crucial to ensure efficient AC operation.

Shield Your AC with Windbreaks

Incorporating windbreaks into the AC system landscaping strategy protects the air conditioner from severe weather. Evergreens are ideal since they stay green even in winter. A few popular species for evergreen windbreaks include boxwood, junipers and Arborvitae.

When planted the proper distance apart, the shrubs combine into a dense barrier that blocks wind gusts carrying debris from reaching your AC. Just make sure your windbreak is planted far enough away to preserve that 2 to 3 feet of clearance as the hedgerow matures.

Ensure Shade

Even the high summer temperatures feel tolerable when you step into the shade. You’re not the only one who notices this difference—your air conditioner also performs better in the shade.

When doable, situate the air conditioner on the north side of your home so it’s in constant shadow. If that’s not an option, use large shrubs to your advantage. Just avoid placing plants directly over the unit. Maintaining vertical clearance of 5 to 6 feet prevents impeding ventilation. Then, remember to regularly rake leaves to keep debris from clogging the condenser.

Maintain Proper Plant Spacing

The first rule is to keep enough distance from the unit itself. Keeping plants at least 2 to 3 feet away from the AC is essential. Remember, plants continue to grow every summer, so you should arrange shrubs to be 2 to 3 feet away when they mature.

Spacing plants 2 to 3 feet away ensures your air conditioner has adequate clearance for air circulation, a requirement for effective heat exhaust and optimal climate control. Ample clearance also prevents straining your system, which could lead to more malfunctions and a shorter service life.

Provide Flexibility with Large Potted Plants

If you’re worried about shrubs encroaching on the AC unit as get bigger, try an alternative approach with large container plants. As long as the pot is big enough, the pots and plants can easily conceal the air conditioner while still ensuring a cooler yard. These decorative, modular elements help you to change the landscaping according to the season or as your preferences change. It’s just as simple to move the pots a bit 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 could be ideal. This approach involves leaving your AC unit on a concrete base that’s elevated surrounded by gravel and mulched beds of resilient, drought-tolerant plants for even more color and life. The rewards are clear: less lawn to mow, fewer weeds to manage and a stylish look that makes garden care easier all year.

Keep Access Unobstructed

Regardless of the landscaping choices you make, easy access to your outdoor AC cabinet must remain clear. After all, routine maintenance and repairs foster HVAC longevity and efficiency. Design your landscaping so 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 operate efficiently for years longer.

Use a Trellis, Screen or Lattice Cover

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

• Set up a movable screen to conceal it while ensuring the necessary ventilation. Make sure it has a hinged panel or easily removed part for quick access.

• Set up a trellis around the outdoor cabinet and grow climbing plants for a natural screen that enhances aesthetics and provides shade. Just make sure the vegetation doesn’t overcrowd airflow.

• Put in a lattice box for a visually appealing 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.

Schedule Your Professional Air Conditioning Services

With your landscaping plans sorted, you can turn your attention to the air conditioner itself. If the unit is acting up or it’s been a while since your last maintenance visit, call McKinley Heating Service Experts. Our certified technicians provide fast, effective and long-lasting solutions to all your comfort challenges. For Expert service that matches our reputation, please contact us today.