An HVAC System is essential for any home. It helps keep your family safe and comfortable when the weather is extreme out. However, the performance of your HVAC system is all assumed until it stops working.
One way it can stop working? Negligence when it comes to HVAC system landscaping. Proper landscaping around the system is huge. If you ignore this aspect of your equipment’s care, its performance can take a huge hit. Here are some Dos and Don’ts when it comes to landscaping with an HVAC system to consider.
HVAC Companies East Windsor NJ: HVAC System Landscaping Techniques
Contents
Landscaping a yard, in general, can be straightforward in some areas, but difficult in others.
It is not as simple as riding a lawn mower near the HVAC System and hoping that everything goes well. Here is a list of four things to avoid, and four things to do around an HVAC system.
Landscaping Tips That Help Your Heating Or Cooling System
- Surround the HVAC system with some type of barrier. The barrier can be made of gravel or preferably, concrete. Some homes will have the HVAC system on a platform, but that is not always realistic. Just something to provide a bit of protection.
- Grow all vegetation away from the HVAC system. Cut back anything that starts to creep towards it. There should be about a three-foot barrier around the entire system if possible. Not only can the HVAC system get clogged up or blocked by vegetation, but the system can actually do damage to the plants as well. It is better for both to have space to themselves.
- Avoid direct sunlight. This is not always possible depending on the layout of a home, but newer construction knows this is important and will build accordingly. Sunlight, even in colder climates, can really hurt efficiency over the long run. If there is nothing that can be done with the location of the HVAC system, planting a tree nearby can provide some shade relief.
- Prepare, and clean up, after storms. Storms can cause damage not only when they hit, but afterwards, if debris is not picked up. Branches and twigs are usually the biggest problems for HVAC systems because they can get caught in the vent, or even smack up against the system and put a dent in the side. Before a storm, make sure to secure or bring in anything that is light enough to be blown around.
Landscaping That Hurts Your HVAC System
- Mowing the lawn when the fan is on. A lawn mower can kick up all kinds of loose clippings, and a running fan makes the HVAC system much more vulnerable. Pick the right time of day and everything should be fine. The fan is usually less likely to run during the morning or later in the day. Fortunately, that is also the best time during the day to mow the lawn.
- Lay down mulch. There are a lot of ideas for barriers around the HVAC system for the home, but mulch should not be considered. The pieces are just small enough to get into the system from time to time, and they do a lot more damage than grass or other smaller objects.
- Get too cute with landscaping. An HVAC system isn’t the prettiest thing in the world, so there is a temptation to dress it up in some way. Plants and shrubs need to be a certain distance away from the system, so keep that in mind. Don’t try to completely cover it, because that will actually just lead to more tech visits for repairs.
- Gloss over proper lawn maintenance. Before mowing, the area surrounding the HVAC system needs to be inspected. The entire lawn should be, but this area, in particular, could take a huge beating if rocks or twigs kick up nearby.
Conclusion
For trusted heating and cooling services, contact PFO Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our technicians have the experience and knowledge to understand exactly what your system needs to increase your comfort and perform efficiently. We offer high-quality HVAC services at affordable prices, including tune-ups, repairs, and installations. Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment.
Some of the areas in East Windsor Township that we service include Cranbury, Dayton, Hightstown, Monmouth Junction, and these zip codes 08512, 08810, 08520, 08852, as well as all surrounding areas in Mercer County, New Jersey.
Contact us now at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!