Give The Outdoor Unit Room To Breathe

One of the things we notice most often when doing a heat pump service in Wellington or in Auckland for that matter is the number of shrubs and bushes that have been planted to conceal the outside heat pump unit. While these plants look nice, and we certainly appreciate that they’re there for aesthetic reasons, we have to question whether they’re stopping the heat pump from operating at full capacity. A lot of the time, they’re doing more harm than good.

It is important that the outside heat pump unit is kept clear of any obstructions, including vegetation. This allows the unit to disperse air more easily and avoid overworking. Anything planted too close to the unit will see the whole system run less effectively, with an increase in your power bill as a result. Overplanting in the wrong place could also cause extensive damage and expensive repairs for the whole system, both inside and out.

If you do want to plant for concealment purposes, try and do it at a minimum of one metre from the unit. Any closer and you run the risk of leaves and twigs ending up in the unit, causing even more damage, even less efficiency, and even higher power bills. Take into account that even if you do plant at a reasonable distance from the unit, the bush or shrub could be a vigorous and fast-growing species that could end up within centimetres of the unit if it isn’t trimmed regularly.

It’s not just things you plant that can impede the performance of your outside heat pump unit. Overgrown weeds can also get in the way, as can things like outdoor furniture, garden tools and even the humble hose reel. Regular weeding is a smart idea, and so is a good clean up around the vicinity of the unit.

We understand that the outside unit of a heat pump might not be the most attractive thing in the world, and we can see why people put plants and even fences in front of them. All we ask is that you keep your distance if you’re thinking along the same lines. When you next require a heat pump service, whether you’re in Wellington or Auckland, contact the expert team at Fonko. We can give you further advice on where to plant, as well as other tips that will keep things working well on the outside so you can stay comfortable inside.

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