Homeowners often ask us whether their air conditioner’s condenser unit — that is, the enclosure that sits outside the house — should be protected from direct sunlight. If you’re wondering the same thing, read on as local air conditioning repair company Bartlett Heating & Air Conditioning weighs in on whether an outdoor AC unit will benefit from being in the shade.
What’s in the Outside Unit?
The air conditioner’s outside unit houses the compressor and the condenser coil. Heat from your indoor spaces is absorbed by the supercooled refrigerant after passing through the inside unit, and is vented through the condenser coil. On packaged or window-mounted systems, the condenser unit is placed at the back of the enclosure and is installed protruding from the wall.
Will Direct Sunlight Affect the Outside Unit?
The outside unit is designed to withstand most weather conditions, including prolonged exposure to sun. Of course, cooler weather is ideal because it allows the outside unit to vent heat more efficiently — otherwise, the fans in the outside unit run for a longer time, resulting in higher energy consumption.
You might think that putting the outside unit in the shade, such as inside a shed, will make sense. Your air conditioning technician, however, will advise against this because doing so puts the unit at risk of overheating. Replacing the air filters, fixing leaks in the air ducts and making sure the air conditioner receives regular maintenance are more beneficial. Having said that, putting your air conditioner’s outside unit in the shade has some benefits, like protecting the unit from impact damage caused by hailstones.
Contact Bartlett Heating & Air Conditioning for Your HVAC Needs
Bartlett Heating & Air Conditioning provides HVAC services, including an AC clean and check, to customers in Bartlett and the surrounding communities of west Chicago. Give us a call at (630) 372-7640 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
