How to get most out of your Air-condition Unit in the hot summer days!

Hi Adam, we sure do need some assistance for the A/C bill this year, it has been very hot this year.

Adam, getting the AC unit into the shade is something I've always tried to do...just makes so much sense.  I think another thing people tend to overlook is a yearly maintenance plan for their AC.  I have mine sevriced twice a year...fall and spring...that can head off potential problems.  And another must is replacing those filters monthly.

Hello Adam - Great tips.  Just don't plant anything too close.  If you do the shrubs and trees may begin to restrict airflow.  That'll show up on the inspection report!

Adam: I just upgraded to a 16 seer dual stage unit. It's in the shade!

Interesting.  I just cut down (to the ground) several overgrown shrubs that sheilded my compressor from the sun.  Once I dig up those roots I guess it would be wise to plant some new ones that don't grow so large.  Until I do that, maybe I should install lattice panels around the compressor for shade.

Good post.

We have a swamp cooler on the roof. The hottest place it could Be - I've often wondered if it would work better if it was in the shade.

We try to avoid it.  We have a covered patio on the south side of the home, use fans and wear shorts.

Great idea, but in the Sun Cities in Arizona they put the AC on the roof of the house. Keeping the blinds shut, running ceiling fans, and keeping the temperature in the house at 79 or 80 is the way we survive 115 degree days. Hey, we don't have to shovel it!

Hi Adam, I don't have AC - but this is very good information for those that do! 

this is something that I have never thought of...thanks for the info.

In response to Joetta Fort's post about positioning the evaporative cooler, some times it's better to position the unit on the roof especially on a two story home.  Remember that cooler air falls, oh, I guess you don't need to be told that when you live that close to the mountains.  Here is a chart I give my customers who are not familiar with evaporative coolers.

Didn't know that thanks for the info.  Mine is miraculously in the shade.

Thanks for the info! Good stuff!

During a recent home inspection the inspector 'tagged' the seller for having vegatation too close to the A/C unit.