The HVAC systems that are out there in your yard need due care when you're performing work there and a care also on a regular basis. Wrong landscaping can affect the HVAC efficiency and at times result in damaging the very unit. Instead of facing the scenario of frequent repairs and compromised HVAC efficiency, better learn some to do's and not to do's to avoid such circumstances. Here are some important to learn things regarding landscaping and how it can impact the HVAC units.
To do's and not to do's for HVAC system landscaping
- Be very vigilant towards maintaining your yard. After a thunderstorm, go to your yard and perform the necessary cleaning. Remove any twigs, leaves and clean the area around the HVAC unit immediately if not the entire area
- At the time of clipping grass, it is highly recommended to point the grass clipping away from the compressor in order to not let the popped pieces into the unit
- In the case of an upcoming wind, clear the area surrounding the HVAC unit. Wind can bang table, chairs etc in the unit resulting in damage
- If you're planning vegetation in your yard, make sure it's 3 to 4 feet away from the compressor unit
- While many people do not keep this in consideration, the unit should not be under the direct sun. The efficiency gets affected when the unit is under the direct sun. Also, in the winter season, the compressor unit should be covered to protect it from snow and pets.
- On a routine basis, do not allow any pets or stray animals to accommodate the space near the compressor unit. Animal urine corrodes the metal very fastly.
- When the compressor fan is running, do not cut the grass around it. The clippings can get stuck in the fan blades and or may clog the compressor coils
- When mowing the lawn, make sure no twig or stone is in the way. A rapidly moving mower will throw them and in case it hits the compressor, you are ruined!
- In order to keep maintenance, inspection and repair easy for yourself and the technicians, better not try camouflaging the unit with shrubs or plants
- And needless to say that the surroundings of the compressor has to be well clear in the times it is being used. The unit needs space to exhaust the heat properly. When tightly packed, it cannot perform the job of exhausting the heat
- Last but not least, always choose professionals to install the unit. It is because they know where and where not to install the unit. When the unit is installed in the right place, you don't have to worry too much about it later. And since the location matters a lot, choosing a wrong technician, who would choose the wrong location, will ultimately become a deal of loss for you.
With proper maintenance and wisely made HVAC choices, you can manage to enjoy comfort throughout the year, save on monthly energy bills and also reduce the possibilities of sudden breakdown and frequent repairs. For now, you are well equipped to perform a safe and HVAC-friendly landscaping the next time. 
