AC Compressor Against The Wall

[hausdok]

OK, this is a question for you guys that see AC a lot.

I always thought there were minimum clearance requirements around these things.

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What bad things, if any, can happen with this AC compressor/condenser placed right up against the exterior of a home like this.

OT - OF!!!

M.

[John Dirks Jr]

I'm not an AC guy but reduced airflow to the core can affect performance of the unit. It might cause stress that could reduce the life span. Many times the situation prevents adequate access to the service panel causing safety concerns for technicians.

I have seen in some installation manuals the allowance for as little as 6" but only on one side. Usually, they call for 12" minimum on all sides.

[Nolan Kienitz]

It needs to be able to breath. Overall efficiency is restricted with the 'restricted' air flow area.

No code requirements that I'm aware of.

I pull manufacturer's requirements for location and most all of them require an 18-inch clearance all around.

[inspector57]

Must go by manufacturers specs.

That side of the coil can never be cleaned, even if allowed. Just a dumb installation.

As for bad things that can happen, the compressor is going to cook and have a short life span if it gets over 85-90 degrees there. Around here it might last 5 years if your lucky.

[Marc]

Blocking the airflow to a portion of the condenser coil reduces the effective condensing capacity and that affects every aspect of its operation, performance and serviceability.

Marc

[asihi]

Cleaning that section of the coil would be nearly impossible. According to Trane's installation manual, when a unit is installed in an inside corner, a minimum of a foot is needed between the walls.

http://www.desertmountaintrane.com/tran ... 0guide.pdf

[Jim Baird]

It's a very funny picture...am betting it is for an absentee owner. The steep slope next to unit explains the practical reason for wedging it in, as installer would have had to build a support.

[Scottpat]

I bet that sucker sounds like a helicopter is hovering overhead inside that house from the vibrations! It's just wrong....

[hausdok]

It's a very funny picture...am betting it is for an absentee owner. The steep slope next to unit explains the practical reason for wedging it in, as installer would have had to build a support.

Ah,

The slope was actually kind of tame for around here.

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ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

[frustratedfather]

You can see how proud they are of their work, it's not even eyeball close of being level.

[Marc]

Profits and pride rise a seesaw sometimes, especially when competition escalates to dog-eat-dog levels.

Marc