When it comes to home improvement, finding the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality can be challenging. This is especially true when you want to landscape around your AC unit. While outdoor air conditioning units aren’t typically considered attractive features of your yard, thoughtful planning can help transform the area around your AC unit into a visually appealing space without compromising its performance. With the right approach, you can enhance your home’s curb appeal and improve your AC system’s efficiency.
Maintain Proper Clearance
As you start landscaping around your air conditioner, remember to maintain adequate distance. Your outdoor AC unit needs sufficient airflow to operate effectively and efficiently.
As a general guideline, keep at least two to three feet of clear space on all sides of the unit, plus at least five feet of vertical clearance above the unit. Regularly trim back any vegetation that begins to encroach on this space, and consider the mature size of your plants when planning your layout.
Remember that technicians need access to your unit for regular AC maintenance and potential repairs. Creating a clear pathway to the unit makes these service calls more convenient. Consider installing stepping stones or a small path that provides easy access while simultaneously complementing your landscape design.
Choose the Right Plants
Selecting appropriate plants for the space is key when landscaping around an air conditioner. As you shop around for flowers and greenery, ideal choices may include:
- Low-growing plants that won’t reach the height of the AC unit.
- Plants with minimal leaf drop to prevent debris buildup.
- Non-invasive root systems that won’t interfere with the AC unit’s base.
- Drought-resistant varieties that require less watering near electrical components.
- Native Colorado plants that are best adapted to our local climate.
For grasses native to Colorado, side-oats grama and little bluestem are excellent choices. These drought-resistant grasses provide food and habitat for birds and butterflies while requiring minimal water. For shrubs, serviceberry provides bird-friendly berries, and golden current boasts fragrant yellow flowers.
To add more color while supporting pollinators, Colorado native perennials are an excellent choice. Common yarrow features white or light pink flower clusters and feathery leaves. Attract hummingbirds to your garden with striking blue mist penstemon. When planning your garden, group plants with similar water needs together and consider seasonal interest by choosing plants that bloom at different times of the year.
Create a Barrier
A decorative barrier can enhance your yard’s appearance and protect your AC unit. Consider installing lattice screens that allow for proper airflow while providing visual separation. You may also opt for vertical gardens with shallow-rooted plants for a more natural look.
When installing any barrier, remember to maintain that critical clearance space. Barriers should be easily moved or have removable panels or sections for when professional technicians need to conduct AC repairs.
Provide Shade
Denver summers can be especially hot and sunny, underscoring the importance of strategic shading. It can improve your AC’s efficiency by keeping it cooler during operation. Research shows that an air conditioner operating in the shade can be up to 10% more efficient than one in direct sunlight.
When landscaping around your air conditioner, plant small trees at least five feet away on the east or west side of the unit. A pergola or awning can provide shade without restricting airflow, while tall ornamental grasses create dappled shade without dropping debris.
Be cautious about completely enclosing or covering the AC unit, as this can trap heat and reduce efficiency. The goal is to provide partial, strategic shade that still allows for proper airflow. In Denver’s climate, shade structures that block the intense afternoon sun can be particularly beneficial.
Maintain Drainage
Maintaining proper drainage around your AC is an often overlooked consideration, but it is extremely important. When landscaping around your air conditioner, direct water away from the AC unit by including a slight slope in the surrounding ground. Incorporate materials like gravel that promote drainage and avoid creating areas where water can pool near the unit. If the area is prone to water accumulation, invest in a small drainage system.
Standing water near electrical components can lead to corrosion and safety hazards. If you’re installing a new AC, discuss optimal placement with our experienced team. Concrete pads or elevated platforms can improve drainage. What’s more, muddy conditions can make maintenance more difficult and contribute to dirt buildup in your system. In Denver’s climate, where we can experience sudden heavy rain or snowmelt, proper drainage is vital.
Energy Efficiency Tips
Before you landscape around your AC unit, there are additional ways to improve your air conditioner’s efficiency:
- Schedule regular maintenance to identify issues early and keep your system running at its best.
- Clean or replace air filters regularly during peak cooling season.
- Install a smart or programmable thermostat to better control energy usage.
- Supplement your AC with ceiling fans to improve air circulation in your home.
- Improve your home’s insulation to maintain cool temperatures during heat waves.
At High 5 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we offer comprehensive AC maintenance services to help homeowners throughout the Greater Denver Metro Area maximize their system’s efficiency and lifespan. Our experienced technicians can identify and address issues before they become costly problems.
Contact the Team at High 5 for All Your AC Installation & Repair Needs
Proper landscaping around your air conditioner improves your home’s curb appeal and enhances your system’s performance and longevity. Whether you’re installing a new system or maintaining an existing one, the pros at High 5 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can help.
Don’t wait until the hot summer months to address your cooling needs. Call us today at (720) 986-4299, or contact us online to schedule a consultation or service appointment. With all the HVAC services you need in one place, experience why every call with us ends with a high five!
