Condensing unit location

John R. Hall

I know a lot of you folks don't do a/c but a lot do, so I'll ask: Do local jurisdictions dicate where an outside condensing unit should be located and if so, how far can it be set back from the home? The unit in the picture (below) is on the far rear edge of the lot. It struck me as being too far away from the home (at least 25 feet). I know most units I've seen (including my own) are directly behind the house or on the side and some require the neighbor's consent to location. But 25 feet away???

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Don't know about any codes, but given the construction (overhanging 2nd floor and bay window) and landscaping, I'd say someone did a really good job!

John Starcher_4

If you consult.....

...the I/O manual for the condenser, it should list maximum allowable parameters for the lineset. 25' would normally not be an issue, I would think.

I am not a fan of buried linesets, though. I think you lose efficiency, and there's too much potential for damage.

Starch

Ted_9

First, you should stay within the condenser manufactures recommindations. Usually up to 100' is ok.

Secondly, the fact that is is bured under ground must also be considered, regarding temp/presure.

Tom_35

condensing unit location

Certainly looks like it exceeds the normal application on refrigerant line length. Most manufacturers have specs for long line application that address different variables for the extra length.

Loss of some efficiency is a given, but I would worry more about compressor life expectancy. We would provide an accumulator for the added refrigerant to keep liquid from slugging back to the compressor. Also would want to check to see that oil was not stacking up in the evaporator and lines---if that would be the case, a oil separator could be installed.

The unit looks like it could have been installed on the right side of the home---away from the bay windows, etc. There is guttering on the home, so water from the roof would not be any more of a problem than rain.

TA