When you’re ready to install an AC system in your home, choosing the right place is crucial. The placement of the air conditioner impacts not only the cooling efficiency but also your comfort on those hot days. It’s important to consider the room type, size, and layout to ensure the unit cools the room effectively.
Avoid placing the unit near external heat sources or in a wrong place, as this could lead to higher utility bills and troubles like excessive humidity. Whether you’re replacing an old unit or installing a new one, make sure to pick the perfect spot that meets your needs. An incorrectly sized unit can be problematic, so it’s wise to consult a technician who can help you find the ideal place for your AC unit.
Following best practices in air conditioning services ensures whether your mini split is a good investment that keeps your home cool and comfortable.
Where Should AC be Installed
Consult a professional to find the ideal spot tailored to your room’s layout and needs for balanced cooling and comfort.Note
Keep Away From Other Heat Sources
When deciding where to place your AC, it’s essential to keep it away from heat sources to ensure it’s running as efficiently as possible. From my experience, I’ve seen how lights or even bulbs can interfere with your AC. Imagine your AC unit’s sensor trying to read the correct temperature while a TV’s warmth or a refrigerator’s heat is nearby—it causes the system to work much harder than necessary.
This not only impacts its performance but also leads to higher energy bills. So, always consider these factors to keep your AC functioning smoothly without overburdening it.
Do not obstruct air flow
When installing an AC unit in a room, choose the ideal placement that allows air to circulate efficiently without being obstructed. Avoid placing the AC above wardrobes, doors, or near electronic devices, as this can limit airflow and cause increased energy bills. Positioning the unit properly ensures effective cooling and reduces energy consumption.
Also Read: How hot can mini split get
Install In A High Position
When deciding on the best place to install your AC, it’s crucial to think about the efficiency of the system. For the room to be cooled effectively, you want to place it as high on the wall as possible. The reason behind this is that hot air rises, so positioning the unit high ensures that it captures and cools the warm air more effectively.
If it’s installed too low, the cooling process can be slower, making it less efficient and delaying how quickly the room reaches a comfortable temperature.
Look for a Shaded Location
Choosing the right location for your air conditioner is crucial for its performance and your comfort. Based on my experience, I recommend placing the air conditioning unit in a shaded area of your home, preferably on the north or east side. This helps the unit avoid direct sunlight and reduces the strain caused by high temperatures during the hottest part of the day.
A shaded spot, like under a tree, not only enhances efficiency but also keeps your home cool and comfortable. Ensuring the unit is naturally shaded from the sun will allow it to work more effectively and last longer.
Check for Deciduous Trees
Installing air conditioners near deciduous trees can increase maintenance. During autumn, leaves may collect on the top and sides of the unit, and cottonwood tree pollen or pine needles can clog air conditioner coils.
This can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. Twigs or sticks might also drop into the unit, affecting the fan rotation. To avoid these issues, be sure to clean the unit regularly, especially in the fall.
Surround With Grass or Mulch
When you’re figuring out where to put air conditioners, it’s essential to think about both the practicality and the long-term efficiency of the placement. Air conditioners are often installed on concrete or PVC constructed slabs to ensure the units rest on a hard, strong, and level surface. This helps in keeping the air conditioner steady and functioning properly.
However, it’s crucial to consider what’s near the air conditioner. Cement and stones around the unit can radiate heat, making the air conditioner work harder. That’s why it’s a good idea to surround your AC with grass or mulch instead.
These materials don’t absorb or radiate heat as cement or stones do, helping the air conditioner operate more efficiently. In some cases, covering nearby cement or stones with mulch can also help in maintaining a cooler environment around your AC unit.
Blocked Off From Your Dog
it’s important to install a barrier like a fence or shrubs. Dogs may try to chew on the refrigerant line insulation or electrical parts, which is harmful to both the air conditioner and your best friend.
Urine can also damage the fins and coil. Even small gaps in the border can lead to trouble, but most dogs will respect the territory and stay away from the unit.
Also Read: Why does mini split keep getting mold
Outdoor Activities
When thinking about where to install your air conditioner, it’s essential to consider your outdoor activities and how much time you and your family spend in your backyard. The ideal location for your AC unit should be away from areas like the patio, backdoor deck, or any other outdoor area where you relax or entertain.
Air conditioner manufacturers have made strides in reducing noise, but it’s still wise to place the unit somewhere that won’t disturb your outdoor experience. Homeowners often opt to install the unit in a spot that’s safe from pets and children, often enclosing it with a fence that ensures proper airflow while maintaining safety.
Where to Place Air Conditioner Based on Room Type & Layout
Deciding where you should install an AC in a room requires careful thought, especially when aiming for energy efficiency, low noise, and good cooling.The windows play a key role, as they impact the location of the air conditioning. Make sure the AC unit can easily plug into a wall outlet.
Bedroom
In your bedroom, it’s important to place the AC unit where cold air isn’t blowing directly onto you, as this can be uncomfortable and cause a dry throat in the morning.
For a rectangle shaped room, the best placed spot is on the side of the bed along one of the longer walls. This central location is key for even cooling distribution throughout the room.
Kitchen
When installing an AC in your kitchen, make sure to place it as far as possible from the oven and hob.
This helps the air to circulate and prevents cooking fumes from entering and clogging the unit’s filter, reducing the need for regular cleaning and ensuring the AC doesn’t hinder the cooking process.
Living Room
When placing an AC in your living room, avoid having it blowing directly onto seating areas. Position the unit where air can circulate naturally.
Keep it away from the TV to protect it from potential water droplets and ensure the cool air flows without discomfort.
Conclusion:
When finding the right spot for your air conditioner, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure maximum efficiency and balanced cooling in your space. From my experience, placing the AC in a central location is one of the best practices you can follow. This allows the cool air to be distributed evenly, avoiding hot and cold spots in the room.
Additionally, it’s crucial to keep the unit away from heat sources and install it high on the wall. This helps the cool air to flow down naturally and keeps the room comfortable. Ensure the area is well-ventilated and provide some shade to the unit to protect it from direct sunlight, which can affect its performance.
A ventilated and safe environment around the AC is vital for its longevity and efficiency. I strongly recommend that you hire a team of AC professionals to install your unit. Their expertise ensures that the AC is placed in the best position possible, allowing you to get the most out of your investment.
Seek a Professional’s Advice
When installing air conditioning, ensure the air conditioner has room to breathe. Avoid placing shrubs or bushes too close, as they can block airflow and affect performance. With over 30 years of experience, our dedicated team of experts conducts site surveys to find the best location for your AC unit, tailored to your home’s unique needs.
Our HVAC professionals recommend the ideal spot for optimal performance. Whether you’re installing a new system or need help with an existing one, call today for a free quote from the experts who know how to keep your home cool.
FAQs
Where is the best place to put an AC unit?
For the best performance, your air conditioner should be installed on the north or east side of your home where it can be naturally shaded from the sun during the hottest part of the day. If that’s not an option, placing it under the shade of a tree with minimal debris is another good choice to protect your air conditioning unit.
Where not to install an air conditioner?
To ensure your AC unit works efficiently, avoid placing it in direct sunlight. Sunlight heats the system and makes the unit work harder, raising energy costs and shortening its life. Instead, put the outdoor unit on a north or south facing wall to protect it from excessive heat and maintain optimum cooling.
What location should be avoided in installing an air conditioning unit?
When deciding where to install your air conditioner, it’s crucial to think about how the location can affect the airflow and circulation in the room. Placing the unit in a corner or too near furniture should be avoided, as these areas can block the air, make it difficult to cool the space evenly. To get the best performance from your AC, ensure it’s in a spot where air can move freely without obstructions.
Does it matter where you put an AC?
Yes, the location of your AC unit affects its efficiency. Placing it in a shady or covered space helps reduce the energy needed to convert warm air to a cooler temperature, keeping your home comfortable while saving energy.
