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When designing your home, the placement of your HVAC unit may seem like one of the least important parts of the puzzle. However, poor placement of either your indoor or outdoor HVAC unit can lead to large headaches down the road.

Placing your unit in the wrong spot can make the system work harder than it needs to, lead to maintenance issues, and make your wallet suffer.

In this guide, we'll explain the important things to consider when you're planning where your HVAC system will go, and tips for getting the most out of your heating and cooling unit.

Outdoor HVAC Unit

The outdoor HVAC unit contains the condenser coil and compressor pump. Its main job is to take in air from outdoors and bring it to the home. There are some important things to consider when deciding where to place your outdoor unit, including the level of sunlight, flora, and more.

Shady Space

Keeping your HVAC unit in a shaded place will help keep it cool. When the air around the HVAC unit is cooler, the unit doesn't have to work as hard to lower the air's temperature. This means placing your unit in a shady space will help it last longer and save you money.

Look for areas that are shaded by trees or roofing during the hottest part of the day. If you don't have any trees or brush that can provide shade, consider building an awning on the side of your home or planting trees.

Another tip: try to place the air conditioner on the north side of your home. This will likely be the place that sees the least amount of sun.

As Far from Vegetation as Possible

If possible, set your outdoor AC unit in a space as far away from trees and other vegetation as possible. This will help prevent debris, such as leaves, from getting in the unit and clogging it. It will also keep the filter cleaner so you won't have to replace it as often.

When the HVAC unit is clean of debris, it doesn't have to work as hard. This means it will last longer and be much more efficient.

Be sure to aim grass and weeding clippings away from the HVAC unit when mowing or weed-eating near the unit. In addition, schedule regular cleanings with your local HVAC service provider.

Think Ahead

An important thing to remember is HVAC units can be noisy and distracting. They are also large and bulky and can easily get in the way of fun.

When deciding where to place your HVAC unit, think about the use of the space. Is the area close to where you entertain guests or relax outdoors? If so, will the humming get annoying?

Will the unit be in the way of play time? You don't want to see injuries due to where you chose to place your HVAC system.

You should also think about your curb appeal. Yes, having your HVAC unit in a highly visible spot could be the thing that turns potential buyers away.

So, when you're deciding where to place the unit, it's best to stick to a more hidden, less-used spot around your home.

Indoor HVAC Unit

The indoor unit contains the blower and evaporator coils. Its main job is to cool the air brought in from the outdoors, get rid of any moisture, and then distribute the cooled air throughout the home. When deciding where to place the indoor unit, location, temperature, and safety are important considerations.

Center of Home

If possible, the indoor unit should be placed in the center of your home. This will reduce the amount of ducting needed, which also reduce the amount of work your unit has to take on. So, you'll save money on your energy bill and also make repairs easier and cheaper.

Some good spaces that are usually close to the center of the home include utility closets and pantries. If you have a closet in a middle hallway, this is the perfect spot. Plus, it keeps the unit safe from harm when it is closed off and keeps it out of the way preventing injuries.

Easy to Access

Another thing to remember when deciding where to place the indoor handler is access. Some people think hiding the unit away in the attic or crawlspace is a good idea because it saves space and hides it. However, when the time comes for changing filters, maintenance, and repairs, the tasks become daunting.

In addition, placing the indoor HVAC unit in the attic will make it work harder. We've all heard that heat rises. Attics can become very hot, meaning your HVAC unit will have to work extra hard to stay cool. Plus, you risk ceiling damage if there was ever a leak.

Same goes for the garage. If your garage is not insulated, it can reach high temperatures in the summer months. Your unit will have to work harder, increasing your bill.

Where will you Place your HVAC Unit? Let us Help!

The most important things to remember when choosing where to place your HVAC unit is heat exposure, access, protection, and appeal.

Even with these tips, it can be hard to know if you're making the right decision. But don't worry. We're here to help.

At Comfortec Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, our experts provide an array of quality services including consultations. Check out our heating and cooling services and contact us today to see how we can help.