Where to Put the Outdoor Unit

Airflow comes first

The outdoor unit rejects heat in summer and absorbs it in winter. It needs clear air in front of the fan and behind the coil. Boxed into a tight alley, behind a solid fence or under decking, it recirculates its own discharge air and efficiency collapses.

Manufacturers publish minimum clearances. We design to them, not to whatever will fit.

Noise and neighbours

Keep the unit away from bedroom windows — yours and next door's. Avoid mounting on a lightweight timber structure that can amplify vibration, and use anti-vibration mounts as standard.

Side returns and rear elevations are usually better than a boundary wall shared with a neighbour's patio.

• Clear space in front of the fan discharge
• Away from bedroom windows and seating areas
• Anti-vibration mounts on brackets or a ground stand
• Not enclosed by solid screening on all sides

Pipe run length costs money and performance

Every extra metre of refrigerant pipe adds material, labour, refrigerant volume and a small performance penalty. Positioning the condenser near the indoor units keeps the job neat and efficient.

Where a long run is unavoidable, we design for it properly rather than pretending it makes no difference.

Looks and access

Ground stands are easier to service than high-level brackets and avoid working at height on every visit. Wall brackets keep the unit off the ground where flooding, leaves or pets are a concern.

Slatted screening is fine provided airflow is maintained. Fully enclosing a condenser is not.