Comments on: Hiding Those Unsightly Exterior Air Conditioning Units http://yourhoustonhomeinspector.com/for-the-homeowner/home-maintenance-for-the-homeowner/hiding-those-unsightly-exterior-air-conditioning-units/ A Houston home inspector looks at homes and his community Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:55:51 -0600 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: frankschulteladbeck http://yourhoustonhomeinspector.com/for-the-homeowner/home-maintenance-for-the-homeowner/hiding-those-unsightly-exterior-air-conditioning-units/#comment-1450 frankschulteladbeck Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:16:57 +0000 http://yourhoustonhomeinspector.com/?p=101#comment-1450 First, you may want to check local building codes, because there are rules governing placing a unit in an alcove. In general, the rule is that the access to the alcove has to be large enough to remove the equipment from the area. Next there should be a minimum space of thirty inches on each side to allow access for a worker to service the unit (I think service men would appreciate a minimum of 36"). So the height that you mention is fine, and if you have about three feet on each service (front, right, and left) side (the unit can be closer to the wall, but at least 12" away). One more item to consider: drainage if rain comes into the space. Slightly sloping the floor to allow water to flow out would be an easy option. The lattice that you mention is a good idea; make sure that it can be removed (either sliding it out or on a hinge like a door) to meet the access requirements. First, you may want to check local building codes, because there are rules governing placing a unit in an alcove.

In general, the rule is that the access to the alcove has to be large enough to remove the equipment from the area. Next there should be a minimum space of thirty inches on each side to allow access for a worker to service the unit (I think service men would appreciate a minimum of 36″). So the height that you mention is fine, and if you have about three feet on each service (front, right, and left) side (the unit can be closer to the wall, but at least 12″ away).

One more item to consider: drainage if rain comes into the space. Slightly sloping the floor to allow water to flow out would be an easy option. The lattice that you mention is a good idea; make sure that it can be removed (either sliding it out or on a hinge like a door) to meet the access requirements.

]]> By: Mike Wade http://yourhoustonhomeinspector.com/for-the-homeowner/home-maintenance-for-the-homeowner/hiding-those-unsightly-exterior-air-conditioning-units/#comment-1449 Mike Wade Thu, 18 Feb 2010 05:39:16 +0000 http://yourhoustonhomeinspector.com/?p=101#comment-1449 I am interested in adding on to my garage and that will entail moving the ac compressor, the power and the cable/phone. I am thinking about building a small alcove into the new addition to bring in the utilities but was wondering about any overhead clearence that may be required for the compressor to breathe properly. The alcove would consist of three sides concrete siding and one open side with maybe lattice or something decorative that will allow air flow. As long as I leave room for a service man to work on the unit, an roof over this unit should be fine as long as it is like 8 feet or so, right? thanks, Mike I am interested in adding on to my garage and that will entail moving the ac compressor, the power and the cable/phone. I am thinking about building a small alcove into the new addition to bring in the utilities but was wondering about any overhead clearence that may be required for the compressor to breathe properly. The alcove would consist of three sides concrete siding and one open side with maybe lattice or something decorative that will allow air flow. As long as I leave room for a service man to work on the unit, an roof over this unit should be fine as long as it is like 8 feet or so, right?

thanks,
Mike

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