For New Jersey homeowners who are trying to stay cool this summer, few things are quite as effective as central air conditioning. Our cooling systems help to create a comfortable indoor environment, no matter how high the temperatures climb outside. Central air comes along with a great deal of benefits, but let’s face it—new AC units are pretty sleek, but some landscaping can help.
Fortunately, you can effectively hide the outdoor portion of your cooling system and help to boost its performance with some simple landscaping techniques. Here are a few tips to help you get started, all of which can add beauty to your home’s exterior.
1. Provide the Condenser with the Breathing Room it Deserves
There are a couple of reasons why you should never attempt to landscape extremely close to your air conditioner’s condenser unit. For one, the condenser requires adequate airflow in order to operate properly. If vents are blocked, your AC could potentially overheat. Another reason to leave some space is so that a technician can easily access the area to perform routine maintenance and repairs. For best results, leave at least two feet of space around the perimeter of the unit.
2. Go with Shade Plants
One of the most important reasons to ensure that your condenser stays cool is so that the air conditioner itself is able to operate at peak performance—otherwise, it may struggle to properly cool your home. Ideally, the condenser should be located in an area that sees plenty of shade already. If it isn’t, however, be sure to choose plants that provide adequate shade without growing too close to the condenser.
3. Cover the Surrounding Ground
One concern that often goes overlooked is that of dirt and debris getting into the condenser and eventually clogging the unit. This can happen quite easily and typically occurs as a result of wind and rain, which causes sand and dirt to kick-up and affect the unit. The solution? Cover the area with materials such as rocks, gravel, mulch or another covering of your choice. The next time bad weather occurs, your unit will be safe from the effects of debris.
4. Build a Structure Around the AC
If you really want to hide your AC’s condenser, the best way to do so is to build a structure around it. A wooden frame, for example, can serve as both a covering and an attractive accent to your home’s exterior. You can certainly hire a landscaper to do the job for you, but this can also be a fun, low-cost and relatively straightforward project for the whole family to get involved in.
So don’t just assume you have to stare at your cooling system’s condenser unit every time you walk outside. Need an extra hand? Princeton Air can help!
Contact us or call (609) 799-3434 today to learn more.
