1
If submitting a service request after hours or on the weekend, please note it is best to call.
Rated 4.9 out of 5.0 based on 1589 reviews
Broussard(337) 240-6927 Jeanerette(337) 282-7516 Lafayette(337) 445-0126 New Iberia(337) 240-6974 Request Service

How To Protect Your Outdoor AC Unit

April 6, 2023 | Blog

When most homeowners think about AC maintenance, the main focus revolves around the indoor components. Don’t forget – your home’s AC system consists of a series of indoor ductwork and an outdoor unit, too.

It is important to understand how the elements and other factors can affect the outdoor unit of your AC system. Do you know how to keep your unit safe from weather, debris, animals, theft and more? Follow this guide from Tim’s Southern Air to learn how you can best protect your outdoor AC unit.

Location, Location, Location

Summers in Louisiana can reach near triple digits. Therefore, it is best practice to place your outdoor unit on the northern side of your house, where the sunlight is the weakest. Placing it on the cool side of your house ensures the system isn’t working harder than it should to cool your home.

If you aren’t able to install your outdoor unit on the northern side of your house, consider placing it under a shaded area. Make sure to leave five feet of headspace above the unit to allow adequate airflow. Also, two feet of space on all sides allows an HVAC technician to service your unit.

Shielded from the Elements

Again, remember that providing shade for your outdoor AC unit in the summer is a good idea. But summertime isn’t the only time to pay attention to your air conditioning system. Winter weather can also impact your unit. Consider securing a piece of plywood to the top of your unit during winter.

This simple solution can help to keep freezing rain and debris off during inclement weather. While it isn’t recommended to seal the unit airtight with plastic, you can opt for a breathable air conditioning cover for the winter months. Avoid unnecessary spring repairs by taking care of your AC unit in the off-season.

Keep it Clean

Debris, dead leaves and dirt can easily enter your outdoor unit year-round. This build-up can cause your coils to stop working properly and result in the need for repairs. It is possible to clean your own outdoor unit if you feel comfortable doing so. If not, a trained professional can clean your unit as part of an annual maintenance routine.

At the very least, make sure to trim any shrubs and trees from around your unit to a distance of two feet away. Don’t let shrubbery grow too close–your air conditioner needs free-flowing air to work efficiently.

Safety First

Be careful when mowing and edging near your outdoor unit. While maintaining your lawn, cut and blow debris away from the case. If you’re not careful, sticks and stones can become lodged in the unit’s fins. These are delicate and become damaged easily.

Consider an air conditioner fence to keep the area around your unit safe and tidy. In addition to safety, establishing a clear barrier around your unit can help you recognize when the area needs maintenance. It also ensures that technicians have enough space to work while servicing your unit.

Routine Maintenance

In addition to keeping the area around your outdoor AC unit clean, you should schedule regular tune-ups. HVAC professionals recommend you schedule a tune-up twice a year – once in spring and once in fall. Breathe easier knowing your unit is running efficiently and avoid unwanted replacementsIt’s important to understand how the elements and other factors can affect the outdoor unit of your AC system. Southern Air South Louisiana is here to break it down!.

AC Care with Tim’s Southern Air

You rely heavily on your air conditioner throughout the summer – don’t let off-season neglect set you up for a costly breakdown. Avoid unnecessary repairs and replacements by practicing routine maintenance. Keep the area around your outdoor unit clear of debris and protect the case from damage throughout the seasons.

Schedule a professional tune-up twice a year and rest assured your AC will run for years to come. Time for a tune-up? Contact the professionals at Tim’s Southern Air – where quality service is our top priority.

Why Choose Us?

We stand by our 100% customer satisfaction guarantee

Learn More
shaking hands icon
BBB Accredited Business
We have been fully accredited by the BBB for many years.
people icon
Professional Staff
Our highly trained and certified AC technicians are dedicated to offer 5-star AC service every time.
ribbon icon
Award Winning Service
We're humbled to be considered one of the top HVAC, plumbing & electrical companies in the Lafayette area.
thumbs up icon
Hassle-Free
We worry so that you don't have to. We offer stress-free service calls and AC installations.

What Our Customers Are Saying

Pleasant and Very Knowledgeable

Everyone I dealt with for my service call was pleasant and very knowledgeable. Additionally, I appreciate their willingness to help me find the most economical solution to my situation. I signed up for their service membership and look forward to doing business with them Tim’s in the future. 👍

Damian S.

Very Professional and Friendly

My tech was awesome. Very professional and friendly. He was prompt and helpful. He found the issue quickly and offered a maintenance contract with saved me money. Please send him back to finish the job once the part is in. His professional demeanor is hard to find these days. Thanks for the quick and timely response as well as full communication during the process. Highly recommend

Tim S.

Great Communication and Awesome Service

Cody was an absolute blessing! After trying to figure out what was wrong with my unit all day, I gave Tim’s a call based on reviews. Cody did not disappoint. He was able to diagnose the problem within 10 mins and fix it soon after. Great communication and awesome service.

Kaycee M.