How close to the outdoor unit should I plant shrubs or flowers? What about a fence?
Manufacturers agree and LOYAL agrees when planting shrugs, flowers or any other type of plant be at least 18 inches from the unit. To operate efficiently, air conditioners need to take in air and exhaust air and if air is unable to circulate, the unit could build up heat and become damaged which then requires service. Your service professional also needs to have room to perform work on the unit. It is not recommended that fences be constructed around air conditioning units for many reasons. The fence will allow weeds and grass to grow which may interfere with the function of the unit. Additionally, a fence does not leave room for your service professional to work. If you are thinking of a fence to protect the unit from theft or vandalism, wire cutters sufficient to cut through the fencing is all this is necessary to gain access to the unit.
