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If you are wondering whether an air conditioner can be installed under a deck, you are in the right place. While installing an air conditioner under a deck is possible, first, let’s talk about what kind of air conditioner you’re planning to use.
Are you going to get a window unit? Maybe a portable one? Or are you thinking about a whole-home system that would go outside?
Read also: Will An Overcharged AC Unit Freeze Up?
Can An Air Conditioner Be Installed Under a Deck?
Yes, you can install an air conditioner under a deck.
But there are a few things to consider before you install an air conditioner under a deck or anywhere else outside your house.
When installing your AC under a deck, you will be limited to either the window unit or the portable unit. If you’re looking at whole-home systems, they’re generally too large and heavy for this type of installation.
If you do want to install your air conditioner under a deck, here are a few things you should consider:
- Does your deck have enough room underneath it? You’ll need at least 36 inches of space between the ground and the bottom of your deck. This is the minimum requirement for clearance for your unit to work correctly.
- Can you access the area under your deck for maintenance purposes? If not, then I wouldn’t advise installing an air conditioner. That is because there’s no way for someone (or yourself) to maintain your system.
This is a common question amongst homeowners who want to install AC in their deck or outdoor patio to cool a BBQ area.
What are the Clearance Requirements for an Outdoor AC?
Clearance requirements for outdoor AC units vary depending on the manufacturer. Most manufacturers recommend 2 feet of clearance on each side of the air conditioner and 3 feet above the top of the unit.
This will ensure adequate airflow to keep your system running safely and efficiently. It would be best if you also kept in mind that your outdoor unit needs access to power; this should be located nearby with proper clearance requirements for electrical outlets.
Remember that these minimums may not be enough space for all AC units, especially if you install them under a deck with more room than just three feet above them.
If you have concerns about how much clearance is required, contact your local HVAC professional before purchasing any air conditioner or installing it yourself.
They can help determine what size and type of unit would work best in your home’s unique situation. They will also advise about installation methods so it gets done right the first time!
Not too sure where to start installing your ac? Here are a few steps to get you started!
TIPS On How You Can Install Your AC Under a Deck
Total Time: 1 day, 1 hour and 1 minute
Measure The Space
Step 1: Measure the space under your deck where you want to place your air conditioner. You need at least 2 feet of depth. Mark the area clearly and clean it before moving on.
Build A Cement Patio
Step 2: You need to build a cement patio that is at least 2 feet deep on top of the ground where you want to place your air conditioner. This needs to be sturdy enough to support your air conditioner unit.
Find A Building Inspector
Step 3: Then, you need to find a building inspector who can come out and approve your cement pad for safety reasons before moving on.
Install The Air Conditioner
Step 4: Finally, install the air conditioner by placing it on top of the cement pad and calling an electrician to wire it properly.
Tools:
- Tape Measure
Materials: Cement
Takeaway: The key points are that the cement pad needs to be secure, safe and approved by a building inspector. A building inspector will ensure the deck is structurally sound enough to support it.
Can I install an ac condenser under a window?
Yes, you can install an ac condenser under the window. As long as your window is above the condenser, you should be fine to install it under the window.
If there’s a ledge or roof edge above the window, it’s possible that rain could fall through and onto it. To prevent this, you can place a plastic shield around just the condenser to keep water out. You may also want to add some gravel or a shallow bowl of water around the base of the shield. This is to help channel rain away from the unit.
Final Thought
Now that you know the cons and pros of installing your air conditioner under the deck, we hope your mind has been cleared on this matter and you have decided what to do. Otherwise, if you are unsure what to do, you can still call local HVAC professionals for help. Thanks for reading.
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HVAC tech with over 30 years of experience. Retired and doing repair work on the side around Madison County, AL.