Many homeowners do not give much thought to the location of the trees on their properties and how they could be affecting their HVAC units. The trees on your Raleigh, North Carolina, property can affect your HVAC unit’s condition, as well as your unit’s ability to effectively heat or cool your house.
Temperature Control
Trees can impact your HVAC unit’s ability to reach the desired temperature. In the summer months, large, full trees can act as a shade and block out sunlight, making it easier for your unit to cool the home. In the winter months, trees can block out cold breezes while allowing your unit to more efficiently heat your house. Also, once the leaves fall off during the fall months, it allows for the sunlight to naturally heat the home.
In some cases, trees around the perimeter of the house can also act as a source of insulation. A professional can help you determine the best type and location of landscaping to maximize your efficiency.
HVAC Unit Maintenance
While the trees around your house may offer many advantages, it is important to ensure they are not located too close to the HVAC unit. Large trees can block airflow from the outdoor unit, which can cause overheating and reduced ventilation. Additionally, if trees are too close to the exterior unit and the branches break off during storms, the impact can damage your unit leading to expensive repairs.
Increased Efficiency
Trees can act as a natural shade on warm days and block out cool air on cold days. Careful placement of trees can allow you to take advantage of the efficiency benefits without harming your HVAC unit. Experts recommend plants and trees to be minimally two to three feet away from the outdoor unit on all sides. This also gives ample room for your HVAC technician to complete any necessary maintenance or repairs.
Call us today at Cape Fear Air, Electric, & Plumbing at 910-246-5801 to discuss additional things you can do to increase the efficiency of your HVAC unit.
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