Because your air conditioning condenser is exposed to the elements, it requires more maintenance than your heating and cooling system's interior components. Being mindful of the landscaping around your outdoor unit can protect it from damage and improve its efficiency. Below are some best practices.

How to Protect Your Outdoor HVAC Unit From Damage 

1. Leave Space 

Keep at least three to four feet of clear space above and around your condenser. Otherwise, shrubbery and tree branches can scratch the exterior or break through the grates during a storm. Foliage can also attract pests that may gnaw on the pipes and wires attached to the unit.

2. Install a Fence

Installing a simple partition around your condenser will ensure pets don't chew, scratch, or urinate on the equipment. It also prevents kids from getting too close. Depending on where the machine sits on your lawn, you can use simple chicken-wire or opt for a more attractive vinyl fence to hide it from view. A fence will also create an additional barrier against encroaching foliage.

3. Add Gravel 

Instead of surrounding your HVAC machinery with mulch or sand, use gravel and stones. In addition to being more attractive, gravel is also weightier, which will stop the material from being blown into the machinery on windy days. 

4. Plant Evergreen Trees

Planting evergreen trees around your outdoor heating and cooling unit will shade the machine. This can stop it from overheating in the sun, which can cause your AC to run harder than necessary, driving up utility bills. This type of tree is also ideal because it doesn't shed leaves in the fall or petals in the spring, so it is less likely to clog the equipment.

For more about caring for your AC condenser, get in touch with Donovan & Jorgenson in New Berlin, WI. Serving Greater Milwaukee for more than 35 years, this residential and commercial heating and cooling contractor provides a wide range of repair and maintenance services, including 24-hour emergency care. The company’s technicians are all NATE-certified and always dedicated to exceeding customer expectations. Visit their website to request a quote today.