hausdok Posted November 6, 2013 Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 OK, this is a question for you guys that see AC a lot. I always thought there were minimum clearance requirements around these things. Click to Enlarge 37.68 KB What bad things, if any, can happen with this AC compressor/condenser placed right up against the exterior of a home like this. OT - OF!!! M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Dirks Jr Posted November 6, 2013 Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 I'm not an AC guy but reduced airflow to the core can affect performance of the unit. It might cause stress that could reduce the life span. Many times the situation prevents adequate access to the service panel causing safety concerns for technicians. I have seen in some installation manuals the allowance for as little as 6" but only on one side. Usually, they call for 12" minimum on all sides. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nolan Kienitz Posted November 6, 2013 Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 It needs to be able to breath. Overall efficiency is restricted with the 'restricted' air flow area. No code requirements that I'm aware of. I pull manufacturer's requirements for location and most all of them require an 18-inch clearance all around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inspector57 Posted November 6, 2013 Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 Must go by manufacturers specs. That side of the coil can never be cleaned, even if allowed. Just a dumb installation. As for bad things that can happen, the compressor is going to cook and have a short life span if it gets over 85-90 degrees there. Around here it might last 5 years if your lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted November 6, 2013 Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 Blocking the airflow to a portion of the condenser coil reduces the effective condensing capacity and that affects every aspect of its operation, performance and serviceability. Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asihi Posted November 6, 2013 Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 Cleaning that section of the coil would be nearly impossible. According to Trane's installation manual, when a unit is installed in an inside corner, a minimum of a foot is needed between the walls. http://www.desertmountaintrane.com/tran ... 0guide.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Baird Posted November 6, 2013 Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 It's a very funny picture...am betting it is for an absentee owner. The steep slope next to unit explains the practical reason for wedging it in, as installer would have had to build a support. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottpat Posted November 6, 2013 Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 I bet that sucker sounds like a helicopter is hovering overhead inside that house from the vibrations! It's just wrong.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hausdok Posted November 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 It's a very funny picture...am betting it is for an absentee owner. The steep slope next to unit explains the practical reason for wedging it in, as installer would have had to build a support. Ah, The slope was actually kind of tame for around here. Click to Enlarge 39.51 KB Click to Enlarge 51.22 KB ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frustratedfather Posted December 22, 2013 Report Share Posted December 22, 2013 You can see how proud they are of their work, it's not even eyeball close of being level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted December 22, 2013 Report Share Posted December 22, 2013 Profits and pride rise a seesaw sometimes, especially when competition escalates to dog-eat-dog levels. Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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