Keep your system cool (literally) with these pro-tips on strategic shading.
When it’s 110°F in the shade in North Phoenix, we all look for a place to hide from the sun. Your outdoor AC unit (the condenser) is no different! When that big metal box sits in direct sunlight all afternoon, it has to work much harder to shed heat from your home.
Studies show that properly shading your unit can increase its efficiency, but there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. At Brisk Air, we see a lot of DIY shade projects in North Phoenix that actually end up “choking” the system. Here is how to do it safely.
The Golden Rule: Airflow is Everything
Your AC unit works by pulling air in through the sides and blowing hot air out the top. If you block that airflow, the heat stays trapped inside the unit, which can lead to a blown capacitor or a dead compressor.
- The 3-Foot Rule: Any fence, trellis, or bush should be at least 3 feet away from the unit on all sides.
- The Top Clearance: Never put a solid roof directly over the unit. You need at least 5 feet of open space above the fan so the hot air can escape vertically.
Best Ways to Shade in the Desert
In Arizona, the most brutal sun comes from the West and South. Focus your shading efforts there.
- Lattice or Trellises: These are great because they block the direct “hit” of the sun while allowing wind to pass through the holes.
- Desert-Hardy Plants: Tall grasses or shrubs like Texas Sage can provide natural shade. Just remember to keep them trimmed back so they don’t grow into the fins!
- Solar Screens: A simple mesh screen placed a few feet away can drop the temperature around the unit significantly.
What to Avoid
Avoid using solid plastic covers or leaning plywood against the unit. These act like a “sauna” for your AC. Also, avoid planting trees that drop a lot of sap or needles (like some pines), as these will clog the delicate coils inside the unit.
Is Your Unit Running Too Hot?
If your AC is struggling to keep up with the desert heat, it might need more than just a little shade. A dirty coil or low refrigerant can make your unit overheat even in the shade.
Give Brisk Air a call! We can perform a seasonal cleaning to make sure your unit is breathing easy all summer long.
