Clearance distance FAQs for outdoor HVAC compressor/condenser units:

Frequently-asked questions & answers about clearance distances or spacing around air conditioners & heat pumps.

This article series describes the recommended minimum (and maximum) distances to separate an air conditioner or heat pump outdoor compressor/condenser unit from building walls, other equipment, fences, shrubs, etc. In our photo at page top these two compressor/condenser units are too close together as well as too close to the building walls.

Q&A on Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Equipment Minimum Clearance Distances from Building Walls, Shrubs, Other Equipment

These questions & answers about clearance distances around HVAC equipment were posted originally

at CLEARANCE DISTANCE, HVAC - be sure to see that article.

FAQs on Clearance Distances Around HVAC Condenser/Compressor Units

How far away from the building wall or window must the condenser/compressor unit be placed?

How far away from the house wall and a window be? - On 2017-07-31 by Kathy Finlay -

Standard overhead clearance distances from condenser to "shade roof"

I have installed an air cooled chiller of 80Ton, I wish to shad on it, tell me know the any standard for height b/w chiller top to shade? On 2017-07-13 by Anonymous

Reply by (mod) - free unobstructed air clearance required above chiller units

I think you're asking about protecting the chiller from sun - by providing shade?

A review of Carrier's air cooled chiller installation manual and Trane's commercial chiller manual for their RTAA both confirm what I thought: the chiller requires these clearance distances:

• Unobstructed overhead air clearance for its exhaust. You cannot build something overhead for shade without discussing your installation with the manufacturer of your specific unit brand and model
  
  Trane excerpt:

b. Provide Vertical Clearance Vertical condenser air discharge must be unobstructed.

While it is difficult to predict the degree of warm air circulation, a unit installed as shown on the left would have its capacity and efficiency significantly reduced. Performance data is based on free air discharge.

• 6 feet of clearance horizontally on the air inlet sides for air inlet to the chiller unit
• 5 feet of service clearance on the other sides of the equipment
  
  Sources:

• CARRIER AIR CONDITIONERS BOILERS FURNACES AGE MANUALS
• Class-3 Commercial HVAC Chiller Equipment, Air Cooled Chillers, [PDF] (2016) Carrier Corporation available widely online and from Carrier or from us
• Trane Air-Cooled Series R™ Rotary Liquid Chiller Model RTAA 70 to 125 Tons [PDF] (2002) availble from Trane Corporation or from us
• TRANE AIR CONDITIONERS & HEAT PUMPS
  

 

Not allowed to put our condenser unit close to a fence

Hello i live next to a park and was told from the fence to where i want to put the condensing doesnt clear the 30 feet clearance is only 12 ft. I would have to do a variance if i want them at that locarion or i can put them by the driveway which kind of blows. On 2020-09-19 by Jose

Reply by (mod) -

I'm surprised by that 30' rule and would like to know where it comes from. Did you check with your local building department?

Followup by Anonymous

I did when I applied to zoning thats what they told me.

Something about being in A corner lot few other factors that i dodnt understand.

This is in Springfield NJ i have attached my survey

Reply by (mod) -

Well I expect your local zoning board knows perfectly well what their rules are, though that 30 ft. sounds unusual. Perhaps it was applied specifically because your property is next to a public park. They may be concerned about noise intrusion.

**IF** your zoning board confirms that their concern is a noise pollution issue

THEN

Did you ask if you could mitigate the concern by some expert-designed sound-reduction measures?

Did you get the noise rating or noise level data for your specific compressor/condenser unit and present that to the zoning board? Some split system A/C and heat pump units are remarkably quiet.

For example some Mitsubishi split system A/C units operate at 32 decibels. Noise rating research and articles typically state that a human voice, whispering from five feet away, will be measured at about 30 decibels, making those Mitsubishi units very close to "whisper quiet".

Please see CLEARANCE DISTANCE, HVAC inspectapedia.com/aircond/HVAC_Clearance_Distances.php for standard compressor unit clearance distances.

Followup by Anonymous

Thats the current location. I really dont want to move them but filing for a variance approval taking longer than usual. You can see the fence thats next to the park.

Reply by (mod) - compressor/condenser unit placement restrictions due to noise issues near parkland

I'd get clear with the zoning board what the issues is; if it's noise I've suggested some steps to take to see if you can close the issue before moving anything.

The noise decision might turn on the actual data - the actual noise of your specific equipment - rather than arbitrary ruling; relying on objective facts is often particularly useful.

 

What are the minimum clearance distances from the condenser to a fence?

We are having a fence installed. What is the minimum/recommended clearances for each side of the condenser?

One side is adjacent to the house, two sides are completely open and the front has 16" of clearance to the fence. Is this adequate?

Does this break and codes or manufacturer specs. On 2019-07-05 by Bruce

Reply by (mod) - building a fence around the condenser unit

A solid fence? You want to worry about

1. adequate working space around the unit for inspection, maintenance and repair -

2. adequate air flow to permit the unit to cool properly

The article CLEARANCE DISTANCE, HVAC gives typical condenser clearance distances,

see the paragraph titled

Closest recommended clearance distances for A/C or Heat Pump Compressors

but the installation and operation manual for your specific HVAC condenser unit brand and model would of course be the best authority as their data could differ.

Blocking air flow means higher operating cost and blocking service access means extra costs to remove the fence when the unit needs work.

 

Clearance distances around air handler and heat pump

I have heat pump and the air handler is in the basement what is the distance from the back of the air handler can we build a wall Anonymous said:

Reply:

Anon:

Take a look at the installation specifications for the air handler and heat pump you installed - you'll see that the manufacturer gives allowable clearance distances both for air circulation and for access to perform various maintenance and repair tasks.

Some equipment back sides, if there are no openings or no removable panels on that side, may be permitted just inches from a wall - it depends.

Or tell us the brand and model of your unit and we can help look for the specifications.

 

Heat pump condenser blocks access to our oil tank fill pipe

My installer put heat pump condense unit outside directly infront of oil fill pipe,what are the clearances for these units as i know this is not right 2020-05-28 by Vicki

by (mod) -

Vicki

I agree; the oil delivery driver needs easy access to the fill and vent pipe. Typically I'd see 3 ft. clearance on either side and in front of the fill/vent pipes.

Neighbor's drive distance to our compressor/condenser unit

How much room between a neighbors concrete driveway and an A/C compressor unit pump On 2019-05-17 by Tina

by (mod) -

It's not specified but you may need to install protection for the compressor condenser unit if that's what you're talkin about

Clearance distances for a window air conditioner

Interested in installing small window a/c in a shed outside wall.

attempting to locate information on clearance needed for the back/rear end of ac unit 5000 btu.

The shed wall is parallel with garage stucco wall....clearance between 2 walls is approximately 15 inches...I am unsure exactly how much space/air flow is needed at the backend of unit...Thank you very much for any and all advice:) On 2019-06-24 by Bannon

by (mod) -

Let's pick a window air conditioner brand and model and then take a look at the installation instructions.

I think you'll see that they're going to give us a clearance around the outside unit. I agree with you that if you end up with only an inch or two of free space unit is going to not work well maybe any fishing and may even be overheated and damaged.

Heat pump compressor/conmdenser unit clearance to window?

I've ordered a Pool Heat Pump to be installed behind my house (Neptune Beach, FL). The pool filter is in the garage, the plumbing from the filter comes thru the wall to the outside of the house where we want the Heat Pump to be placed.

There's a window in the garage(that we never open) right where the Heat Pump would be placed. What is the minimum clearance needed to place the Heat Pump in front of the window?

The installer says 4'. Is the window even an issue?

Everything I've read about clearance only discusses distance from building and other items, nothing about windows. On 2019-04-23 by Marie

by (mod) -

I would go with the installers advice for 4 foot clearance distances

Air conditioner units on our sloped rooftop - no access for maintenance?

Our air conditioner units can’t be accessed by us because they are 30 feet up on a slanted roof and we are not allowed to put a ladder up to them.I wonder if the building code or electrical code allows this type of installation? - On 2019-01-16 by Harry

by (mod) -

An air conditioner that is installed in a location where it cannot be serviced would be in violation of the manufacturer's own installation instructions. Since model codes require following those instructions the installation would in my view also be in violation of plumbiung, electrical, HVAC, or other appropriate building codes , and might also be unsafe.

However the final authority on whether or not your AC units are in code violation is your local building code compliance officer.

Give them a call and let me know what you are told and we can comment further.

Distance to pool equipment/ pool to air conditioning condensers?

Is there a code distance from the condensing unit to pool equipment/ swimming pool? - Anonymous

by (mod) - code distance from the condensing unit to pool equipment/ swimming pool

Haven't found an explicit rule for exactly what you asked what the general guideline would be 5 feet from the closest surface of the compressor to the nearest body of water

On 2018-09-01 by Rick Shade roof over outside compressor to avoid ice?

Would something like this work to keep ice from building up on top of the unit? Would it have to be higher so the air can flow?

by (mod) - Your roof probably is too close to the condenser unit top

Note the overhead clearance distances in the article CLEARANCE DISTANCE, HVAC

- I suspect that roof is obstructing air flow out of the compressor/condenser unit and thus may cause it to run hot and may shorten its life.

What ice are we discussing?

Winter snow-cover?

Ice does not normally form on the outdoor compressor/condenser unit.

Neighbor's A/C compressor too close to heating furnace exhaust vent - unsafe?

My neighbor recently installed a new armstrong ac compressor. The end of the compressor almost touches my furnace outlets. Is this safe? On 2018-07-22 8 by Paula

by (mod) -

It may be an installation error.

I'm not sure about safety - as I don't know what "furance outlets" you actually have.

But in general a compressor unit wouldn't be installed almost touching what might be a vent for hot combustion gases, risking damage to the equipment or if exhaust is blocked that makes the heating system unsafe.

Legal to put an AC unit-Condenser ONTO a low deck?

Is it legal to put an AC unit-Condenser ONTO a low deck (less than 24 inches from the ground), in the state of Michigan.

The person who is trying to build this deck, wants the deck to go all the way up to the home and in the way is the primary air conditioner portion outside.

He doesn't believe that this will be a code violation, and I'm telling him that from everything I feel I know that it would be.

I'm not seeing any definitive answers on this, and he doesn't seem to understand that if he doesn't build this to code that it will cost him more money in the long run then to possibly move the AC unit to a different location.

I'm telling him it needs to stay on the solid concrete pad that it is resting on now.

And he is telling me that the HVAC company that is disconnecting the unit so he can put it on to this deck didn't say that it would be a problem either way.

What I'm trying to do more than anything is prevent him from having to go through some expensive alterations later.

I have tried to explain to him that he needs to build the deck around the AC unit and leave it on the pad that it's on but he is insistent that he won't do it that way, and surprisingly the person building the deck for him seems to think it will be okay as well. What saith the professionals here on this site? On 2018-04-24 by Chad -

by (mod) -

Chad

If your deck plan is going to surround the A/C compressor/condenser with deck, that will not work. The deck blocks air flow and also blocks access for service or repair.

Condenser unit on our deck makes things too hot - can we enclose it?

Our condenser unit is on our enclosed deck. Because of the heat the unit gives off, our deck can get to 137F degrees even with all the windows open.

We are in a high rise, do we cannot relocate the condenser. Can we build a box around it, leaving the window side open so that it can still get fresh air? How much higher should we make the box?

Rosanne: see Jim's question and reply above. And see the wall-clearance distances to A/C or heat pump compressor/condenser units at CLEARANCE DISTANCE, HVAC (Feb 3, 2016) Jim said:

Reply:

Jim: enclosing the compressor/condenser in a box is likely to increase its operating cost, decrease its efficiency, and shorten its life - ask your local HVAC service company to look at the distance requirements and airflow for your unit.

You might, for excample, be able to design an enclosure spaced several feet away on all sides combined with providing an improved air intake from below.

Clearance from [Whole house generator OR air conditioner] to a Hot Tub?

Question received by private email:

How about? Minimum clearance from [Whole house generator OR air conditioner] to a Hot Tub?

If it matters I live in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. - Anonymous by private email 2018/03/03


Reply:

The building codes cannot anticipate every possible construction arrangement people might want to try, so tend to offer general guidelines like "distance to plumbing, a sink tub, shower, etc."

The US NEC (if you're in the U.S.) gives requirements for installing pools and spas in Article 680

You might run into some GFCI distances at any clearance less than 6 ft. or less than 10 ft. even if a location were otherwise permitted.

There are also some subtle requirements such as codes (Florida and probably other states) that do not permit running ANY electrical wiring under a pool or hot tub or spa.
Florida:

Chapter 27 Electrical (NFPA 70) 2011 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE & SPS 316 - SWIMMING POOL WIRING

NEC ARTICLE 680

680.5 GFCI’s that are required may be either breakers or receptacle type.

680.7 Max. cord length for a pump motor is 3’ except for storable pools.

680.8 Overhead wire clearance is min. 10’ horizontal from the pool wall.

680.10 Underground wiring less than 5’ from pool needs to be in approved conduit.

680.12 A means of disconnection such as a switch or plug must be within sight of the equipment served.

680.21(A)(1) Branch circuits for pump motors shall be in rigid, intermediate or non metallic conduit or MC cable.

UF cable is not allowed because the equipment ground must be insulated.

Exceptions apply where wiring is on or within buildings. Flex is allowed at the pump motor.

680.22(A)(1)Receptacles for pump motors between 6’ to 10’ from the pool wall must be locking type, grounded, single outlet and GFCI protected.

680.22(A)(2) Other Receptacles shall be at least 6’from the pool wall and GFCI protected.

680.22(A)(3) At least one general purpose receptacle from 6’ to 20’ away is required for pools at 1& 2 family homes and other dwelling units.

680.26 Perimeter bonding and water bonding is required for permanent aboveground pools and inground pools.

A minimum #8 AWG copper wire (ground ring) must be installed around the pool 4” to 6” below grade, 18” to 24” from the pool and connect to the pump motor, heater and the pool water.

680.26(B) 4 Point bonding is not required to the vertical uprights of pools with Vinyl Liners as it is considered a nonconductive material.

“For nonconductive pool shells, bonding at 4 points shall not be required”

680.26(C) The pool water must be bonded to at least 9 sq” of metal.

This may be accomplished by:

1. Bonding to a pool water heater.

2. Installing a metal pipe nipple in the water circulation system so a ground strap may be attached to it.

3. Other approved methods.

680.30 Storable pools (temporary pools) do not need water bonding or a ground ring. They shall be provided with a GFCI receptacle with a
weather proof cover to allow attachment of the factory installed pool pump cord.

The receptacle shall be at least 6’ from the pool.

Extension cords shall not be used.

Clearance of an automatic whole house generator from an a/c condenser?

Is there a code for clearance of an automatic whole house generator from an a/c condenser? Maybe at least the exhaust end? On 2018-02-17 by Jim

by (mod) -

Fair question, Jim, not one I find in HVAC installation guides since the electrical generator is a pretty-specific device. Codes and guidelines can't anticipate everything that might be installed around a building, so usually more general constraints are given.

In the U.S. NFPA 37 provides installation specifications for "stationary combustion engines"

See this discussion of Guidelines for Istallation of GENERAC (brand) Generators [PDF]

where you'll see nothing about A/C compressors but other recommended clearance distances from windows and from combustibles.

Here are excerpts from the NFPA document:

NFPA 37, Section 4.1.4, Engines Located Outdoors.

Engines, and their weatherproof housings if provided, that are installed outdoors shall be located at least 5 ft. from openings in walls and at least 5 ft. from structures having combustible walls. A minimum separation shall not be required where the following conditions exist:

1. The adjacent wall of the structure has a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour.

2. The weatherproof enclosure is constructed of noncombustible materials and it has been demonstrated that a fire within the enclosure will not ignite combustible materials outside the enclosure.

You may find closer distances allowed by the installation manual for specific generators including Generac who in some documents supports clearance to combustible walls of as little as 18" - again no mention of A/C compressors.

The following quote is from a Generac manual and is pretty standard, notwithstanding smaller distances I've just cited. You should use this:

Allow at least five feet of clearance on all sides of the generator when operating. - source: Generac, "Portable Generators" [brochure, PDF], retrieved 2018/02/17, original source: Generac

Power Systems, Inc.
S45 W29290 Hwy. 59, Waukesha, WI 53189
1-888-GENERAC (1-888-436-3722)
0180710SBY Rev. B 08/2014

Also see BACKUP ELECTRICAL GENERATORS at https://inspectapedia.com/electric/Backup_Electrical_Generators.php

Neighbor's dryer vent blows onto our air conditioner condenser unit

Our houses are really close to each other, my neighbors gas dryer vent in located on their side wall which happens to enclose my front portico. Does this present a hazard? On 2018-02-07 by valerie

by (mod) - clothes dryer lint and A/C compressor/condenser units

A dryer vent blows warm moist air and lint.

If lint is blowing all over an air conditioner or heat pump condensing oil that can cause malfunction or failure of that equipment.

Cover 12 inches above heat pump OK?

Hov-cov IS 12 INCHES above top of heat pump is this ok? - On 2018-01-12 by James Bryant

by (mod) -

I don't know what a Hov-Cov is but 12" if that's something that blocks airflow it is very likely that the installation violates the installation clearance distances required - check the installation manual for your heat pump brand and model.

Clearance space above an air conditioner compressor/condenser unit

Allow at least 48 in. (1219.2mm) above the compressor/condenser unit.

Some installation instructions for split system compressor/condenser units specify 60" (150cm) above and 24" (40cm) the unit around the coil on 3 sides for air intake. Clearance between the unit and the structure (presumably a wall) can be 12"

Condo management wants a fence too close to our air conditioner

Hi, I have a Frigidaire 12000 BTU through the wall air conditioner for a condominium. The outside sleeve is about 9 inches from the floor of the terrace and the terrace railing is about 40 inches tall so that the main compressor is about inline with the most condensed part of the webbing.

However the Condo mgt. wants to install fence webbing on the terrace railing which only allow 10 percent air to flow through the spaces of the webbing.

The webbing is made of plastic and is not flame retardant. I have tried to call Frigidaire and PC Richards where I purchased the AC to see about air clearance, but I have been unsuccessful. On a hot summer day the hot air temp that the ac outputs is over 100 degrees and I am concerned that the webbing (its fence webbing=not made for terraces) in which they made mandatory will trap the hot air and the performance of the ac.

Therefore there will be 45 inches to the webbed railing with 90% of the air blocked; 6 inches from the one side of the sleeve and full clearance on the other side. There are no plants that will survive from the air flow and therefore I leave that area clear for ventilation.

If they go through with this project, will my ac work at capacity? MY AC is in use all year round due to illness .Please advice, thanks so much On 2017-12-15 by Judy

by (mod) - Blocking the airflow around an outdoor condenser unit

Judy, Blocking the airflow around an outdoor condenser unit will
- increase its operating cost
- reduce its effectiveness
- shorten its life.

Take a copy of the installation manual for your specific Frigidaire model out and look at the minimum free air space clearance distances required by the manufacturer. That should clear up this concern.

 

What are the Codes on general clearance & working distances around the compressor/condenser

We are purchasing a new construction him and the builder placed the ac condesor ground unit in between two windows. Is this allowed? On 2017-06-06 by Tabiitha

by (mod) -

Tabitha

You didn't give me any distances; certainly I'd rather see the compressor/condenser between two windows than under a window where if you open the window you might get hot air blowing up towards that opening.

You'll see in the article above that installation instructions generally tell the installer to keep the unit away from windows, though specific distances may not be given.

Generally I'd expect to see 36" working clearance distance in front of the electrical connections

No less than 12" distance to the building wall

4-5 ft. above the unit to any overhead obstruction

No less than 30" of working space in front of the unit and along the side that gives access to the unit electrical or refrigerant components & panels

Looking at the 2006 IRC as a model code here are some explicit citations

2006 IRC PP M1305.1 Appliance access for inspection service, repair and replacement. Appliances shall be accessible for inspection, service, repair and replacement without removing permanent construction, other appliances, or any other piping or ducts not connected to the appliance being inspected, serviced, repaired or replaced.

A level working space at least 30 inches deep and 30 inches wide (762 mm by 762 mm) shall be provided in front of the control side to service an appliance. Installation of room heaters shall be permitted with at least an 18-inch (457 mm) working space. A platform shall not be required for room heaters.

Here are some model code details:

2008 NEC PP 110.26 Spaces About Electrical Equipment.

Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electrical equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment.
(A) Working Space. Working space for equipment operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground and likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall comply with the dimensions of 110.26(A)(1), (A)(2), and (A)(3) or as required or permitted elsewhere in this Code.

2006 IRC PP E3305.2 Working clearances for energized equipment and panelboards.

Except as otherwise specified in Chapters 33 through 42, the dimension of the working space in the direction of access to panelboards and live parts likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing or maintenance while energized shall be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in depth.

Distances shall be measured from the energized parts where such parts are exposed or from the enclosure front or opening where such parts are enclosed. In addition to the 36-inch dimension (914 mm), the work space shall not be less than 30 inches (762 mm) wide in front of the electrical equipment and not less than the width of such equipment.

The work space shall be clear and shall extend from the floor or platform to a height of 6.5 feet (1981 mm). In all cases, the work space shall allow at least a 90-degree opening of equipment doors or hinged panels.

Equipment associated with the electrical installation located above or below the electrical equipment shall be permitted to extend not more than 6 inches (152 mm) beyond the front of the electrical equipment.

Distance from gas fireplace flue to A/C on rooftop?

How far does a gas fireplace flue need to be from the A/C heat unit that is installed on the roof. On 2017-04-14 by Linda

by (mod) -

Linda

I used the InspectApedia website search box just above to search for "gas chimney clearances" to find at

CHIMNEY HEIGHT & CLEARANCE CODE

 

Ductless split system A/C error code after adding a zone 13 ft. from first zone

Hi, do you have a copy of the installation and operation manual for your air conditioner? If so the error codes will be diagnosed in the back of that book. If you don't have it we can help you try to look for a copy.

I installed a ductless split system in my house and it worked fine but when summer hit it was not enough. I live in Phoenix we get 120 here and that is not an exaggeration.

So then I installed a second zone near the first (about 13 ft away) and now I get error code 4 blinks on cooling light, two blinks on heating light.

Is there a way to make this work? I have a Multi zone (3 but only using 2 zones) Friedrich Model MW12Y3J On 2017-04-01 by Paul On 2017-04-01 by (mod) -

Reply by (mod) -

Paul I am sorry I don't know an exact answer right-off myself.

Putting two units into the same room should not make an iota of difference in the actual equipment operation, but I could imagine that there could be a problem with confusion in using the remote control. My experience with other brands in which we installed two split system indoor units in two different rooms, either remote for either unit would work on the other.

Often (brand/model dependent) on the bottom of the indoor wall-mounted air handler there is a switch that will turn off response to the remote control - I'd start by turning one of the units onto manual - no remote. Then see if you can work one with its remote.

Take the batteries out of the second remote.

Then see if the one remote will operate both units.

If not you'll need to take care when using matched-to-unit remotes (doubtful) that only one unit sees one remote - by distance and aim.

The problem COULD be in fact trying to start both wall units at the same instant - Some split systems that support multiple wall units actually contain multiple compressors, loops of refrigerant, and sets of controls. In that case you'd think there'd be no control problems, even starting two at once. But if your system uses a single compressor its controls may not like that situation.

I looked at Friedrich's manuals and found not a jot of information about using the remote control nor about switches on the wall unit itself. There is a remote control operations page in some of their manuals.

But no discussion of remote control interference.

www.friedrich.com/contact-us provides a form as well as direct contact information if you want to try giving Friedrich a call
Friedrich
10001 Reunion Place, Ste. 500
San Antonio, Texas 78216 USA
(210) 546-0500
(800) 541-6645

by Paul

Yes thanks, I have the books and they don't mention anything helpful in this case.

I have downloaded the service manual it too is not helpful. If I hook up each unit separately they work just fine. It's not until they are both wired up that the problem arises. I have been doing searches on the web and I cannot find any info or even a reference to having 2 units in the same room.

I must be the first person in the world to try to put two indoor units in the same room. Btw one remote controller turns them both on and off. I was wondering if there are switches in the remotes so a remote will control only one indoor unit? Like a wireless doorbell has.

by Paul

Hey thanks a lot for all of your effort, I really appreciate it. I will give Friedrich a call asap.

by (mod) -

Thanks Paul, do let me know what you're told - as what you learn will help other readers.

Daniel

What is safest distance to park a vehicle near by A/C compressor

What is safest distance to park a vehicle near by A/C compressor On 2016-10-22 by Anonymous

by (mod) - parking distance to an A/C compressor

Anon,

I've not seen a specification for parking distance to an A/C compressor, but certainly the compressor/condenser unit needs to be protected from being smashed by a vehicle driven by Leadfoot Louie or Brakeless Beatrice. Other than smash-up protection, 5 ft. should be safe in my OPINION

see PROTECTION BOLLARDS for MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT

Distance from A/C compressor to furnace?

My A/C unit is at the back of the house and the forced air furnace is about 40' away from it. Would this cause a problem with any kind of cooling loss due to the distance that is traveled? On 2016-07-12 1 by George

by (mod) -

George I'm not clear on the question.

If you are asking about cooling loss due to having to push cool air through a long run of ductwork, if the blower unit and the ductwork are properly sized, insulated, and supported (not crimped or blocked) you should be OK.

If you're asking about the effect of refrigerant piping distance, no the only effect that'd have would be a requirement to get the proper initial refrigerant charge quantity to allow for additional length of refrigerant piping, and, of course, proper insulation and protection of the piping.

by George

Ok maybe I don't understand how it works. Was wondering about the loss between the A/C unit and the furnace. Being that the line that is used to transfer the air from the A/C to the actual furnace is almost the whole length of the house. Hope that's a little better of an explaination.

by (mod) -

George: it's completely reasonable to ask about the impact on the cooling or heating capacity of a system that has to force supply or return air through long duct runs.

A proper system design, however, takes into account the length, size, insulation, of the duct, the size of the areas being heated or cooled, the building's heat gain or heat loss rate (e.g. how well the home is insulated, how much air leakage there is, how many windows there are), climate region, and then sizes the BTUh of the system and the blower fan size and speed accordingly.

So with that rough and incomplete outline of how an HVAC designer approaches the question of sizing an A/C or heating system for a building,

IF you are finding that the A/C cooling capacity is inadequate,

THEN it would be entirely appropriate to have the system and its design evaluated to figure out if the problem is one of maintenance ( a dirty filter, crimped or leaky duct, dirty blower fan), or one of design (inadequate duct work, blower too small, etc.)

No units shall be placed between houses. This is safety fire zone. All units must be in backyard.

No units shall be placed between houses. This is safety fire zone. All units must be in backyard. On 2016-05-10 by Anonymous

by (mod) -

Thanks for your comment, Anon, but it sounds out of context: what units? What houses? Certainly in a more general sense it is entirely common to install compressor/condenser units outside. I suspect you are talking about a very specific condo or townhouse location whose fire access must be protected.

Other readers: do not confuse Anon's remarks for a too-broad guide on where HVAC equipment can be located.

OK to put the compressor/condenser under the mobile home?

I replaced my old hvac with an air handler and a heat pump, the air handler was installed under the mobile home is this legal ? On 2017-02-21 by naomie

by (mod) - Bad idea

I'm not sure how to answer "legal" questions as that's the decision of your local building code inspector, naomie.

But I'm doubtful that the installation is the best. The outdoor heat pump compressor/condenser unit needs free air circulation and clearance space above and around it to work properly. Putting a compressor condenser unit udner a mobile home surrounded by a skirt is highly unlikely to be a proper installation.

Details are at https://InspectAPedia.com/aircond/HVAC_Clearance_Distances.php CLEARANCE DISTANCE, HVAC

 

Question: minum AC Condenser distance from building

What is the minimum distance for a ac condensor from building? (Mar 14, 2015) Anonymous

Reply:

You will see several building clearance distancesd for A/C compressors, beginning at CLEARANCE DISTANCE, HVAC.

There is not one "right" number since as Mark Cramer says, " ... it depends" - in this case clearances are different for the condenser top, sides, and other building features. The smallest of any of these is 6"

 

A/C clearance distance from ground

How high off the grounds does a mini split ductless heat pump have to be? Oct 8, 2015) Dick said:

Reply:

I'm sorry to say, Dick that I have not found anyone specifying a minimum ground clearance distance; for example, a builder can if she wants, set the A/C condenser unit on a concrete slab that happens to be level with the surrounding soil - though that'd be odd.

Most pre-fab condenser unit support pads and site built support slabs I've seen put the unit at least 2" above grade, thus reducing the rate of rust and water entry into the bottom of the unit.

 

A/C distance from the building vs. electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation hazards

Is there any radiation from it? there is one sitting outside of the master bedroom where there is a wall in between it and the bedside. I wonder how hard and the cost to change it to the kitchen side. (May 13, 2015) Carmen said:

Reply:

Carmen,

If you are asking about electromagnetic fields created by the electrical equipment in an air conditioner compressor/condenser unit, sure there are modest electrical fields around just about any electrical equipment. The strength of the field falls off with the square of the distance

- in other words rather quickly. Unless you're sleeping or spending many hours a day with your head atop the air conditioning compressor, I'm doubtful that there's a measurable electromagnetic field where you are.

Search InspectApedia.com for EMF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS & HUMAN EXPOSURE to read more explanation of this topic.

It is not at all likely to be cost-justified to move an outdoor A/C compressor unit across to the other side of a home to escape its normally-operating electromagnetic field.

 

Question: relationship of condenser/compressor location and icing problems

It is 40 degrees outside and the fan on my packaged heat pump is frozen. This is the first winter since this unit was installed. I've been out two mornings (3am to 9am) defrosting the fan which is frozen to the sides and the fan guard on top of the unit.

The coils are not frozen up but there is a solid layer of ice in the bottom that covers the lower 2 inches of the coils and the drain holes which were completely clear the night before.

The ice begins and is thickest nearest the wall. I have to gently melt the ice off the guard, the fan and out of the bottom to uncover the drain holes with a water hose. This unit replaced another package.

This unit was supposed to be more efficient because it has a fan discharge on the top. The old unit had side discharge on three sides away from the house. The new unit was placed only 10 inches from the wall which puts the fan under the drip line of the roof. The old unit had 24 inches of clearance and no drip line issues.

The roof rain diverter only extends to cover the width of the old unit plus a foot on either side. The new unit is longer and the end not covered is (of course) where the fan sits. So that is something that must be addressed.

However, even if water is not dripping on the unit but there is significant moisture in the air, ice crystals will form from the fan to the side of the fan housing very quickly and will soon freeze up enough to prevent the fan from moving at all.

This only started the end of February and it was been below twenty several days earlier this winter (even though I live in SC). We even had several inches of snow in November. I had no problems until now. As I said earlier, it is 40 degrees this morning. Any ideas?

Is the lack of clearance enough to have it moved to where the old unit was? Will the rain diverter cure the problem or is there more going on? Is the ice conducting the temp of the coils to the sides of the unit dropping it below freezing? Why did it just start now? (I took photos of the configuration and placement) ANY help is great! (Mar 1, 2015) Mike

Reply:

Mike

I agree that we don't like dumping roof spillage atop an A/C unit and it's also possible that the thicker ice nearer the building wall is an effect of differences in air circulation - or perhaps that's where more freezing water is falling from above.

Best: fix the roof drainage and ice dam problems so you're not draining onto the A/C unit.

Search InspectApedia.com (using the on page search box at page top or near the More Reading section at article end) for ICE DAMS and for GUTTERS to see how these problems can be avoided.

You might also construct a protective shed roof over the unit if needed - keep it no less than 48" above the compressor/condenser unit at the roof's lowest point.

 

Air conditioner compressor/condenser installed so high on the wall they used a cherry picker crane

(Feb 27, 2016) Rebekah said:
i recently had an air con installed at a property which is on the 3rd level. the technician had installed the compressor on the outer wall and required a cherry picker to do this. the compressor is out of reach and if any maintenance is ever required on it

i would need to arrange a cherry picker each time which would expensive. when i questioned this they advised me that they had it away from the the other occupants, would there be any other reason why they would do such a ridiculous thing

Reply:

This is, in my opinion, a horrible installation plan, though by no means unique. It means that when your A/C unit needs service or repair an extra cost will be involved to get the service tech up to the unit. Ugh

"Away from other occupants?" I suppose someone thought they were avoiding a noise complaint. But installing any mechanical system where it can't be serviced or inspected is in my opinion a very poor practice.

 

Minimum distance for copper tubing from evaporator to condensing unit?

Mar 20, 2016) Anonymous said:
what is the minimum distance for copper tubing from evaporator to condensing unit?

Reply:

I don't know anon: I've not seen that specified. Can you name a specific A/C equipment brand and model whose installation manual one might check? Normally what's required is to adjust the refrigerant charge for longer refrigerant line runs or changes in line diameter.

 

Thank you to our readers for their generous comments

M. Barker said: Thank you for your Compressor system - it's great information. I have a small compressor

I am a new user of a compressor. I didn't know that Blocking air flow through the outdoor A/C or heat pump compressor/condenser unit is a really bad idea, Which I can know by reading this article. On 2018-03-11

 

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