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PROS FOR HIDING THE OUTDOOR UNIT:
1 - Hiding the unit can reduce the noise level.
2 - On hot summer days it can help shade the unit. This will allow it to run cooler and more efficiently.
3 - During the winter months, it can block the cold winds from hitting the unit and allowing the defrost mode to work quicker.(On Heat Pumps Only)
4 - While on the subject of heat pumps, hiding the unit can also reduce snow drifts around the unit.
5 - And last but not least, out of site is out of mind. Many people prefer not to see the outdoor unit.
CONS FOR HIDING THE OUTDOOR UNIT:
1 - If the fence or shrubs are too close to the outdoor unit, it can restrict the air-flow, causing serious problems.
2 - Makes it harder to clean, service, and repair.
3 - It is more difficult to notice a potential problem, such as a faulty fan motor or an iced-up heat pump.
4 - On heat pumps, it can be more difficult to get to the unit to remove snow and ice in the winter months.
5 - Close shrubs can attract rodents nests in the unit. They tend to eat the wiring which causes problems.
TIPS:
1 - Keep an 18" to 36" air space on all sides of unit. Prune back as required.
2 - When planting, allow room for long-term growth, 5 and 10 years.
3 - Keep a 3 to 4 foot air space above the unit. Prune back tree branches.
4 - If building a fence, make sure it can be easily removed. The unit needs to be serviced regularly. If any major repairs need to be made, the service man may need access to all sides on the unit.
In this example, (pictured left), the shrubs block the winds, reduce snow drifts, shade the unit, and lowers noise level. And with proper planting and pruning there is still plenty of room for air-flow and the service man.
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