Why you may want to think twice before moving your outdoor AC unit

More than ever, we’re spending as much time at home as possible. For some, this leads to quiet moments of reading, or journaling–others, not so much. Many homeowners are taking on DIY—or do it yourself—home projects during this extra time inside. While we strongly encourage homeowners to take on many of their own DIY projects, there’s one we’re asking you to leave to the professionals, moving your outdoor AC unit. The average lifespan of an AC condenser is between 10 and 15 years. We expect lots of things to change during that time, including your outdoor layout and design. If you want to move your outdoor AC unit, for any reason, read this first and call us second.

More Moving Parts Than You Think

It’s easy to move most appliances. Simply turn off, unplug, and move. The same can’t be said for your outdoor AC unit. The condenser is a complicated appliance filled with lots of moving—and sometimes dangerous—parts. It’s also very heavy and has lots of logistical factors. One is being that the condenser must always be level. Our HVAC technicians are used to working with Sacramento terrain and know how and where to place a unit so it will be always be leveled. Even the smallest rock can throw your unit off kilter and impede its ability to work efficiently. The next big thing to keep in mind is how the unit will connect to the home. Beyond the refrigerant line, the outdoor ac unit needs to be connected to an electrical line, and everything needs to match up to what’s already in your home. It can even be a headache for the handiest of homeowners.

Best Left to the Pros

Beyond what’s mentioned above, there’s a laundry list of things that could go wrong if you attempt to move your outdoor ac unit on your own. When moving your unit, the first thing a trained HVAC professional will do is drain your refrigerant. If handled incorrectly, refrigerant can be dangerous. The next hazard is electrical work. One of the things many homeowners don’t realize is that the outdoor unit needs to be wired to the indoor thermostat. This is something our HVAC technicians and installers know how to do, and they do it well. If someone has little to no knowledge of electrical work, they could perform a bad job or even electrocute themselves. For these reasons alone we implore you to call a professional if you’re thinking of moving your condenser.

Why Not Landscaping?

If you’re interested in redoing your yard and the condenser is cramping your style, there are some easy solutions. Many homeowners choose to landscape around their unit instead of moving it. Here are some of our favorite ideas:

• Build a Small Fence – One of the most effective, and easiest, ways to hide an unsightly condenser is with an aesthetically pleasing fence or enclosure. The options are endless when it comes to building materials, looks, and style. Just be sure to leave 2-3 feet of breathing room around the condenser.
• Plant Some Trees – Another flattering option are trees. We love the look of cedar and pine. If you do decide to plant some trees around your unit, just leave the 2-3 feet of breathing room, and an entry and exit point so we can service your unit.
• Build a Rock and Succulent Garden – Many of our homeowners are enjoying the look of a rock and succulent garden. You can customize this to however you like, and succulents are easy to maintain during hot Sacramento summers.

Want to Move Your Outdoor AC Unit? Call the Experts at Bell Brothers

If you’re interested in making a change and moving your outdoor unit, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Bell Brothers. Our expert technicians understand every home, and every situation, is different, and they’re ready to offer a unique solution. Simply call the number at the top of the screen and a friendly representative will be ready to assist you.