Updated at: 03-10-2022 - By: cnbusinessnews

How do you cover your air conditioner? Are you perplexed as to why your monthly expenditures have increased so much in the last year? Several factors are at play here. The location of your air conditioning unit is one of them.

As a central air conditioning system is exposed to the sun, it consumes more energy, which is why this consideration is important.

In order to avoid direct sunlight and keep your appliance cool, you may want to place it in the shade of nearby trees. When it’s in a shade, the unit will be able to easily produce cooler air because it’s surrounded by cool air, making it more efficient. If you continue reading, you will find out more about it.

Methods to Shade Your Air Conditioner

Due to various people’s inventiveness, they can now be found all over the internet and used as a basis. However, choosing one that works best for you can be difficult, so we’ve narrowed down the options to those we believe will be most beneficial.

For individuals who can’t afford an AC, we’ve also selected methods that we believe can be highly effective while still being reasonably priced. As a result, we can assist everyone in resolving these issues and allowing them to relax after a long and exhausting day of work.

Why You Need to Shade Your AC Outside | azsunblock.com

It’s worth noting that shading can save you money over the course of a year by reducing your electric bill and making your appliance more efficient. In any case, the following are some suggestions for shading your air conditioner:

Method #1. Installing your appliance on the north side of your house

You’ve all heard that the north side of your house is the most comfortable spot to put things because it shields it from the sun. Because of this, it is an ideal location for your air conditioner. You may, of course, use your air conditioner to shade other parts of the home, but this is the most efficient method.

You don’t have to worry about it being damaged by the sun because it remains the coolest throughout the day. Regardless of where your unit is located in relation to the house, you’ll need to do more than simply place a little shade over it in order to achieve success. This is due to the fact that the surrounding air has a direct impact on the performance of your air conditioning unit.

Method #2. Planting trees

Planting trees surrounding the area where your unit is situated is likely to be the best way to enhance its effectiveness. It will take some time for it to become implicit, but it will give shade for your appliance. if the air conditioning unit is positioned on the south side of your home.

As long as the tall trees you select have broad crowns and a lot of leaves on the west, east, or south side, there is no need to plant as many large trees on the south side. You can avoid this by planting trees on the ground instead, which doesn’t necessitate covering up the area with trees.

If you want to plant two or three trees around the air conditioning unit, you can use these techniques. Why would you want to do that? Obviously, to increase its effectiveness and reduce your monthly expenses. When the temperature rises, your device uses more power, causing it to overheat. It will cost you more than a year if you push it to its limits and require it to work harder.

How Much Can You Save When You Shade Your Air Conditioning Unit?

A ten percent reduction in power consumption is possible by shading your appliance, according to our findings. However, this isn’t the only benefit it provides. Your monthly expenditures could be slashed by $100 or more in a year.

In order to create a more tranquil environment, we suggest that you begin growing bushes, trees, and other plants in order to shade your appliances and windows. If you’re curious about the benefits of shading, you may check out this article.

Why Shading Your Air Conditioner Can Increase Its Efficiency

According to the US Department of Energy, planting trees to shade your air conditioner can increase its efficiency by 10%. Depending on the size of your cooling unit, planting only three trees in strategic locations near the compressor and large windows that allow heat to stream in can save annual cooling expenditures by $100 to $250.

Shade trees cool the air around them and prevent persistent sunshine from heating the earth, which lowers the temperature of the surrounding area. You have to work harder to keep your air conditioner from overheating since the earth releases heat into the air. If you reside in a brick or stucco house, shading your air conditioner is even more cost-effective because your compressor is constantly absorbing and releasing heat. Make sure the compressor is protected from excessive temperatures by planting trees, plants, or erecting an awning over the unit.

What Trees Should I Plant Near My AC?

Trees with wide, spread-out canopies should be planted on the south side of your home if your air conditioner is located there. Within a year of planting, six- to eight-foot deciduous trees can provide shade for your cooling unit on your home’s west, east, or north side. The best spot for a new air conditioning unit is on the north side of your house, if you can, because this placement provides the most protection for your system.

Plant trees and bushes near the compressor, as well as awnings over large south-facing windows, and shade walkways, patios, and driveways. Planting trees or shrubs near your compressor is fine, as long as you don’t obstruct its air intake by placing them too close. Your compressor will have to work harder than necessary if the air intake is blocked, which can eventually lead to system failure.

The ‘Don’ts’ of Shading Your AC Unit

Keep these ‘don’ts’ in mind when shading your air conditioner!

  • Don’t impede the passage of air around your equipment. Ensure that low-hanging trees, bushes, and other plants have plenty of space to spread out.
  • Leaves, moss, and other debris should not be allowed to accumulate in your unit.

5 Ways to Maintain Your Air Conditioner

However, there are numerous techniques to maintain your air conditioning system, even if you’re an AC rookie, that are simple and inexpensive. Learn five easy techniques to keep your air conditioner in good working order in the following paragraphs.

Shading Your AC Unit Will Make it Run More Efficiently

1. Change Your Air Filter Once per Month

Your air conditioner’s air filter should be changed on a regular basis, and that’s probably your best bet for keeping it in top shape. Fortunately, it’s also one of the quickest, taking only a few minutes to complete.

The purpose of an air filter is to keep allergens like dander, dirt, and dust from entering your home, but a filter can only do its job effectively if it is free of debris. As a result, your air conditioner will work harder and your home’s quality of air will suffer as a result of unclean air filters.

2. Keep the Coils Clean

Coils are an essential part of your AC system because they help the refrigerant chill your home by absorbing heat. The coils become insulated with dirt over time, reducing the amount of heat they are able to absorb. Since your air conditioner has to work harder, you should expect higher utility bills.

Keep your AC’s coils clean to avoid putting it under excessive stress. We recommend starting by clearing the space around the condenser unit (the outdoor component) of any debris. There are many ways to achieve this.

3. Check the Fins

Fins are found on both the condenser and the evaporator of every air conditioning system. These fins can flex over time, resulting in a lack of airflow. Keeping an eye out for bent fins will help keep your air conditioner running smoothly. A fin comb or a professional air conditioning specialist may be necessary if you see bending in the fins.

4. Inspect the Condensate Drain

One of the primary functions of an air conditioner is to remove condensation, which is a byproduct of this process. Drainage can be hampered if the condensate drain becomes plugged over time.

Check the condensate drain on a regular basis to see if it’s draining water properly, and if it isn’t, either remove the obstruction or contact your local AC company to get the problem fixed.

5. Schedule a Professional Maintenance Appointment

Maintaining your air conditioning system is the last thing on your mind after juggling a full-time job, raising a family, and all of your other daily obligations. Sansone understands that you have a hectic schedule, which is why we offer professional air conditioning system maintenance services.

Is Shading Your Air Conditioner Worth It? | Phoenix AC Tips

Your AC will be thoroughly cleaned, inspected, and tuned by one of our expert technicians when you arrange a maintenance appointment with one of our professionals. Protecting your investment and the quality of life at home can be as simple as taking one simple action.

Conclusion

How to shade your air conditioner is now complete. Shades can help you save money even while you’re using an air conditioning unit, so we hope you’ll utilize these in the future. When it comes to protecting your air conditioner from the elements, there are many options.

As a result, I’m hoping you’ve managed to get a hold of it and can put it to good use at shading. Calling in a professional may be necessary if all else fails. Check out this post on how to add Freon to a window air conditioner for additional information.