3 Potential Air Conditioning Placement Mistakes

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3 Potential Air Conditioning Placement Mistakes

14 June 2021
 Categories: , Blog

If you're upgrading your home to a new central air conditioning system, you'll need to choose where to install your outdoor condenser unit. Most homeowners want to place their condenser unit out of sight, but there's more to consider when selecting the best location. This critical element of your air conditioning system requires proper placement to function efficiently and reliably.

Your AC installation contractor should help you decide where to place it, but it's helpful to understand why some places are better than others. When you're choosing where to place your condenser, keep these three potential mistakes in mind.

1. Overly Long Refrigerant Line Runs

The evaporator and condenser might be the stars of the show, but they're nothing without the refrigerant lines that run between them. Your system functions by using refrigerant to transport heat from your evaporator to your condenser, so correctly sizing your line set is a critical part of any installation.

Every air conditioning system has a maximum line set length to maintain its rated capacity. Installing your condenser too far away may reduce the system capacity and create additional locations for future refrigerant leaks. Although your system should adequately function if you stay within manufacturer recommendations, it's best to keep your refrigerant lines as short as possible.

2. Restricted Airflow

Once the refrigerant reaches the outdoor unit, the condenser coils release their heat into the surrounding environment. Without an appropriate level of airflow, the refrigerant cannot shed enough heat for the system to operate efficiently. Restricting your airflow can mean higher utility costs, premature wear on condenser components, and insufficient system cooling.

In general, you need to maintain a distance of at least several feet from the nearest wall. Placing a condenser unit in an alley or another area with restrictions on multiple sides can be especially detrimental to its effectiveness. You should also choose a site free of heavy weeds and vegetation or plan to clear the surrounding area to ensure airflow around the unit.

3. Extreme Heat Exposure

Contrary to popular belief, placing your condenser in a hot location is unlikely to affect its efficiency significantly. Your air conditioner's capacitors can be vulnerable to high temperatures, however. These components may prematurely fail when exposed to prolonged heatwaves, so placing your condenser in an area with shade can improve its long-term reliability.

Although choosing your new equipment might be the most exciting part of a new installation, you shouldn't neglect the importance of selecting the right condenser location. A good site will guarantee your system achieves the best possible reliability and efficiency.