Homes with few trees or large areas of direct sun often absorb more heat throughout the day. When sunlight beats down on your roof, siding, windows, and outdoor AC unit, your cooling system has to work harder to keep indoor temperatures comfortable. This is especially noticeable during hot Missouri summers, when long periods of sun exposure can increase cooling demand.
Read on for landscaping tips to help your AC work less hard to keep your home cool this summer.
How Plants Can Improve Efficiency
Shrubs and bushes can help block strong wind around the outdoor unit, which may support more stable operation. Grass, mulch, and garden beds can also be better than concrete, pavers, or rock hardscapes near the unit because they reflect less heat back toward the system. Plants release water vapor through a natural cooling process, which can help make the surrounding property feel cooler. When landscaping is planned carefully, it can reduce heat around your home and help your HVAC system run with less strain.
Strategic shade can help reduce that heat gain. If you have tree cover that puts your home or your outdoor unit under shade for much of the day, it will make your home feel cooler, and your AC won’t have to work as hard. Strategic shade can help reduce that heat gain. Trees, tall plantings, and properly placed landscape features can lower the temperature around your home and outdoor unit. However, plants should never be so close that they block access or airflow. Also, dense tree cover around your home increases the risk of falling branches or leaf debris collecting around the outdoor unit.
When Landscaping Causes HVAC Problems
Plants can also reduce cooling efficiency when they are too close to the outdoor unit. Bushes, tall grass, vines, and overgrown plants may restrict airflow, making it harder for the system to release heat. Leaves, grass clippings, seed pods, and other debris can collect around the unit and interfere with performance after mowing, raking, or storms.
Vines are another concern. While they can be trained to climb above the unit and provide shade, they should not wrap around the equipment. Roots can also create problems below ground by shifting the unit’s base or interfering with nearby piping and lines.
Plan Landscaping With Your HVAC System In Mind
We help homeowners understand how outdoor conditions affect comfort, efficiency, and equipment performance. If your system seems to be working harder than usual, first make sure you keep up with annual AC maintenance…but your landscaping may be another factor worth checking.
Contact AFC Heating and Cooling today to schedule HVAC service in Lee’s Summit, MO, to keep your AC working its best.
