Is your air conditioner working too hard? If it’s sitting in full sun, the air conditioner compressor may be using more energy than it should cool your home. One way to lower those costs is to build shade around your outdoor condenser unit. A little bit of shade keeps the sun from heating up the condenser and increasing the vent temperature of your air conditioner. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy believes that shading the air conditioner can make it significantly more efficient, so it’s definitely worth some time and energy.
If you’re interested in doing all you can to make your Scottsdale or Paradise Valley home’s cooling system efficient, AC by J is here to help. Call us or reach out online to learn more about efficiency measures you can take.
How to Shade an AC System
There are two basic ways to shade an air conditioner. The first is to build a cover around it. The cover needs to have openings that allow air movement, so airflow around the system isn’t damaged. A lattice awning or some wood fencing can generate shade without obstructing airflow.
The second way to handle this concern is to plant plants around the air conditioning unit. They create natural shade and can hide an otherwise unsightly part of your yard. Shade trees are another option, as they will shade your yard as well as the AC unit.
Benefits of Shading Your Air Conditioning Compressor
Adding some shade around your air conditioner offers several benefits, including:
- Increase the overall efficiency of your AC unit
- Decrease your monthly energy bills
- Lengthen the life of your compressor by reducing its workload
Do these benefits make sense to you? Reach out to AC by J to learn more about how to properly shade your AC unit.
How Much Money Can You Save by Shading Your Air Conditioning Compressor?
The amount of money you save by shading your compressor will depend on many factors, but the U.S. Department of Energy estimates a 10% savings in cooling costs by taking this step. If the shade comes from trees, it will also reduce heat gain within your home, which can cut your energy bills even more. Shade trees also cool the air around them, making your entire home and yard more comfortable.
Tips to Shade Your AC
If you’re ready to enjoy the benefits of a shaded air conditioner, keep these tips in mind:
- Plant two or three shade trees on the side of the house that contains the air conditioner, about 20 feet from your home.
- Make sure the trees do not hamper airflow.
- Shade paved areas and walkways, which absorb heat.
- Add a trellis over the AC to add additional shade.
Get Expert Guidance on Protecting Your AC’s Efficiency in Scottsdale with AC by J
In Scottsdale and the surrounding communities, your air conditioner works hard day in and day out to keep your home comfortable. The blazing sun in our desert area means intense work is necessary. The air conditioning experts at AC by J are here to help. With our experienced team, you can take appropriate measures to ensure your air conditioner is running efficiently and effectively.
Schedule a consultation to discuss AC efficiency with AC by J today. Call us for more information, or contact us online.