Design & Construction > Building a Deck Above an AC Compressor Q: A client wants to enlarge her existing deck, but a whole-house air-conditioning unit is located directly beneath the proposed addition. There seems to be plenty of clearance, so is it okay to build the deck above it? A: Glenn Mathewson, a building plans analyst in Westminster, Colo., responds: An air-conditioning unit contains both a compressor—a hefty motor that draws a lot of amps—and a condenser, which cools the refrigerant and exhausts warm air. So there are a couple of issues to consider. With any piece of electrical equipment, you should always start with the installation instructions (this is actually a code requirement: 2012 IRC E4101.2). If they aren’t with the unit or the owner, they’re usually easy to find on the Internet using the make and model number found on the equipment nameplate. You need to build the deck in compliance with the manufacturer’s requirements for clearance around the equipment.

To illustrate, here is an excerpt from Carrier’s installation instructions for an Infinity Series A/C unit: When installing, allow sufficient space for airflow clearance, wiring, refrigerant piping, and service. home ac unit cycles on and offAllow 24 in. (610 mm) clearance to service end of unit and 48 in. (1219.2 mm) above unit. hvac unit carFor proper airflow, a 6 in. (152.4 mm) clearance on 1 side of unit and 12 in. (304.8 mm) on all remaining sides must be maintained. domestic ac unitsMaintain a distance of 24 inches (609.6 mm) between units. Position so water, snow, or ice from roof or eaves cannot fall directly on unit. For this unit (and probably many others), providing at least 12 inches of clearance around the sides and 48 inches above it should be sufficient to allow it to function properly.

But clearances for maintenance and worker safety—governed by electrical codes—also need to be considered. For example, code often requires a minimum 30-inch by 30-inch level working space on the service side of electrical equipment (generally the side with a removable panel). Other provisions for equipment under floors are primarily intended for the inside of buildings (in crawlspaces). However, an inspector may deem it appropriate to enforce all “under floor” provisions of the IRC and require, for instance, a path to the equipment that is no longer than 20 feet (unless head clearance is more than 6 feet), as well as a light (with a switch at the start of the path) and an electrical outlet near the equipment. Another thing to keep in mind is the location of the means for disconnecting the unit. This could be the overcurrent protection at the main panel, or it could be a supplemental device located adjacent to the unit. To avoid a detailed explanation of electrical code provisions, I’ll just give some general advice: Working back from the A/C unit, find the first means of disconnecting the power.

Whatever it is (switch, fuse, breaker) and wherever it is, don’t build a deck, or skirt the sides of a deck, in any way that would block the line of sight between that switch and the equipment. This code provision is intended to prevent anyone from restoring power to the unit while someone else is working on it. Building and Installing Deck StairsSpring Valley Air ConditioningGas furnace or electric furnace: discover which is the best choice for you. Spring Valley Air Blog|Spring Valley Air ConditioningIs it time to replace your furnace? Doing so could reduce your costs. Spring Valley Air ConditioningTake a look inside your HVAC unit when you don't clean the filters. Spring Valley Air ConditioningSave money and stay comfortable with a smart thermostat. Spring Valley Air ConditioningHere are a few of the ways you can finance your HVAC system without breaking the bank.Spring Valley Air ConditioningIf one of these sounds familiar, you too might be guilty of HVAC system neglect.3 AC Repairs That Could Have Been Prevented|

Spring Valley Air ConditioningHow can your HVAC thermostat save you money? Find out now.3 Effective Tips for Using Your Thermostat|Spring Valley Air ConditioningWhat is a ductless air conditioner and why should I choose it?What Is Ductless Air Conditioning?|Spring Valley Air ConditioningOutrageous Cooling Bill: Could It Be a Leaky Air Duct? Find out more through our latest blog post: http://bit.ly/29uLBuBSpring Valley Air ConditioningTroubleshooting your monthly utility bill? Here are 6 ways to save on monthly cooling costs this summer! http://bit.ly/1SyE6BXSpring Valley Air ConditioningWhat do maintenance agreements and thermostat performance have in common? Spring Valley Air ConditioningWondering how commercial builders choose the right HVAC system? Learn how it’s done! Spring Valley Air ConditioningWondering if it’s time for a (HVAC) change? Here are 5 signs your heating and air conditioning system could use an update! /sprin…/replacing-hvac-systemsSpring Valley Air ConditioningIs your air conditioner tripping out?

Here are 3 troubleshooting tips to prevent tripping your circuit breaker over and over: http://bit.ly/1RnVfIKSpring Valley Air ConditioningWondering how HVAC maintenance agreements protect your investment and keep your system purring like a kitten? Click to find out! http://bit.ly/1RnVa82Spring Valley Air ConditioningInstalling a new deck over your condenser? /spring-…/home-cooling-systemsSpring Valley Air ConditioningTroubleshooting your thermostat problems is easier than you think. Here are four pro tips to try the next time it’s on the fritz: http://bit.ly/21uLX4dSpring Valley Air ConditioningHere are three reasons why leveraging HVAC maintenance agreements in the early spring is the smart thing to do: http://bit.ly/1S4qMUiSpring Valley Air ConditioningThink commercial builders are HVAC experts? Learn how to save yourself thousands on your new home: http://bit.ly/21uLDmc You are hereHome » Business » Building Services Do I Need a Permit? Ask about our Energy Savings Agreement

2. Upgrade to a more efficient thermostat. Older thermostats, especially the mercury operated will wear out over time. A thermostat that is not secured and/or leveled properly can lead to longer run times of the system. Upgrading to a digital programmable thermostat can save $ by decreasing run time. A programmable t-stat has proven to pay for itself in just months. Have our specialists install and program yours to keep you comfortable year round. 3. Change or upgrade the filtration system. We offer a full line of filtration systems including five inch MERV 16 filters and cabinets. MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) is a scale designed by American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to rate the effectiveness of air filters. Better filtration systems allows for improved health, reduced cost and energy efficiency in heating, ventilation and A/C. 4. Change or clean filters as needed (generally, every 30 days). To help remind yourself to clean/change your air filter, we suggest setting a date with the same as a mortgage, utility, phone, etc payment.

Some thermostats can be programmed and a reminder alert will appear on the screen. 5. Have an ultra violet light installed to reduce bacteria. The U.S. government now specifies that UV light should be used in air handling units to improve indoor air quality in government buildings. No other air purification is more effective at neutralizing micro-organisms than ultraviolet light radiation. As micro-organisms pass by the UV rays of the lamp, this bond breakage translates into cellular of genetic damage for germs, viruses, bacteria, fungi (like molds) etc. This results in the destruction of the micro-organisms. UV lamps can be installed in as little as 45 minutes. Call today for an estimate. 6. Keep the outdoor unit free and clear of debris for proper airflow, and when mowing, do not blow grass towards the coil. The outside unit houses the compressor (the main motor that pumps the freon to produce hot or cold air inside). If the outer coils become clogged, this will ultimately cause higher temps on the compressor.

Higher temps= higher electric bills! Be careful not to bend the aluminum fins together if you try to clean them yourself. This will also result in air restriction. And NEVER use a pressure washer on it. 7. Maintain recommended distances between equipment and obstructions (refer to the installation guide or contact a professional). Never build a deck over or a privacy fence around a heat pump/air conditioner without maintaining proper ventilation distances. Always leave an access to the air handler/furnace inside to allow for servicing. 8. DO NOT close or restrict airflow of the supply or the return vents. Homeowners place furniture over and/or in front of air vents. They also close vents in the basement. This is never a good idea, for airflow is crucial in a heating/cooling system. 9. Periodically, oil-fired heating systems need adjustment to keep them running in the safest, most efficient and least costly manner. During the heating season, furnaces and boilers can accumulate a build-up of dirt.