Keeping your air conditioning equipment clean and the debris out makes it more efficient and durable. Plants are great and beautiful. They provide shade, beauty, and camouflage the air conditioner. However, having plants too close to the AC unit interferes with the airflow and efficiency of the system. There is a lot you can do to keep leaves out of the air conditioner.
Keep Plants Trimmed
You should always ensure the plants surrounding your air conditioner are trimmed regularly. Cut the plants leaving at least two feet of clearance around the air conditioning system. This way, they won’t interfere with the airflow, and you also prevent the leaves and organic debris from getting inside the equipment.
Mow the Grass
If your air conditioner is surrounded by grass, make sure you mow it, and the clippings are mulched or blown away from the air conditioning equipment.
Put a Lid On It
You might have a tree providing shade to the air conditioner, and you don’t want to cut it. You can use a cover and place it on top of the AC equipment. The cover should be a mesh or screen made of PVC coated polyester. It helps keep the leaves away, especially when the system is running.
Cover It Up
There are seasons when the air conditioner when it’s not running at all. There is a specially designed fabric that is made to cover the entire air conditioning equipment. It also has a water-repellent undercoating meaning you don’t have to worry about water or debris getting inside the HVAC unit.
Turn It Off When You Rake
Sometimes, the only option you have to keep leaves out of your air conditioning equipment is raking and collecting the leaves and debris around the air conditioner. To do this, turn off its power and make sure it’s not running. Rake away all the leaves and debris around the outdoor unit and if there are any inside the protective grill, unscrew it and remove the grill to clean all the leaves and debris especially near the condenser coil.
Keeping leaves and debris away from the air conditioner is daunting at times. No matter how much you try, there is going to be debris and leaves that make way into the outside air conditioner. Proper yard planning and regular raking, brushing away dust and debris with a broom are recommended. It’s good to schedule a tune-up with a qualified HVAC company every spring to keep your AC running smoothly.
For more tips on keeping debris out of your air conditioner, contact Good Deals Heating and Cooling at 215-947-1166.
