Thinking of Moving Your Outside AC Unit? Read This First

There are a million reasons why you would want to move your outside AC unit. Off the top of our heads we can think of renovations, noise pollution, and aesthetics; just to name a few. The average lifespan of an AC unit can be between 15 and 20 years; we’re sure you’ll want to make some home changes during that time. While it may seem like a good idea to try moving your outdoor AC unit, we’re here to tell you to wait and read this first.

Moving Your Outside AC Unit is Harder Than You Think

It’s easy to move most appliances. All you need to do is turn off, unplug, lift, and move. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about your outside AC unit. Beyond the weight of the unit itself, moving it comes with a laundry list of liabilities. One of the easiest things, but also the hardest is that wherever you move it to needs to be level, a small rock or uneven pile of dirt can throw your condenser off kilter. Another thing to keep in mind are the number of moving parts that go along with moving a condenser. This includes refrigerant, electric lines, fragile cables, and so much more. Though your condenser looks like a tank, it is actually an intricate piece of equipment.

Why You Should Call a Professional

Beyond the small things mentioned above, the biggest reason you should call a professional to move your outside AC unit is because things can quickly get dangerous. One of the first things a certified HVAC tech will do when they move your AC unit is pump out all refrigerant. If handled incorrectly, refrigerant can be dangerous. Simply breathing in too much refrigerant can lead to headache, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. The next hazard is electrical. When disconnecting and reconnecting a condenser, you must wire the unit to the indoor thermostat. While this is easily done by a trained professional, someone with little to no experience could electrocute themselves. These are only two of the reasons we ask you to leave this task to the professionals, like the HVAC technicians at Service Champions.

Try Some Landscaping

One of the biggest reasons Southern California homeowners want to move their condensers is because they want a visual change. There are a few things you can do if you want to change the landscape of your yard, but the condenser is in the way.

• Build a Small Fence – One of the easiest ways to hide an unsightly condenser is to build a small fence around it. We like the look of a simple picket fence, or a nice lattice screen. The options are endless when it comes to building materials and paint colors. Just remember to keep the fence at least 2-3 feet away from your condenser. The condenser needs room to breathe, which allows it to run efficiently.
• Build a Rock and Succulent Garden – Another favorite of ours is the rock and succulent garden. Putting decorative rocks or gravel around your condenser will keep plant and dirt debris away, while the succulents will give a pretty, desert vibe. Also, succulents are easy to maintain during a SoCal summer.
• Plant Some Trees – If rocks and succulents aren’t your thing, a pretty row of trees could make a difference. We’re partial to cedar and pine. Just make sure if you plant these trees, they’re 2 to 3 feet away from the condenser, and don’t forget an entry and exit point so we can service your unit and replace it when the time comes. As we mentioned above, your condenser needs room to breathe.

Still Want to Move Your Outside AC Unit? We’re Here to Help

If you still want to move your outdoor condenser, the HVAC experts at Service Champions are here and happy to help. Schedule an appointment online or reach out to our friendly call center representatives and they’ll send someone to your home. Service Champions is the only Diamond Certified HVAC company in Southern California.