When outdoor temperatures start to rise, homeowners start to think about their residential cooling systems. A reliable air conditioner is a must for anyone living in a warm climate.
Outdoor condenser units act as the main hub for most modern residential air conditioning systems. It's essential that you protect this vital piece of equipment by ensuring it is installed on a solid footing.
AC condenser pads can have a direct impact on the longevity and efficiency of your outdoor condenser unit. Find out more about condenser pads so that you will be prepared to install one along with your new condenser in the future.
Are Condenser Pads Necessary?
Many homeowners look at condenser pads as an optional amenity. This approach could compromise the quality of your new condenser. A condenser pad is absolutely necessary whenever you are installing a residential cooling system with an outdoor condenser unit.
The condenser pad is responsible for creating a flat and stable surface on which the outdoor condenser can rest. This solid foundation allows the condenser to function efficiently and prevents uneven wear.
A condenser pad will also raise your outdoor condenser unit up off the ground so that it will be protected against moisture, dirt, and other debris that might create performance problems down the road.
What Are Condenser Pads Made Of?
Modern condenser pads can be constructed using a wide range of materials.
Many homeowners opt to have a small slab of concrete poured in the location where their outdoor condenser unit will be installed. Concrete is uniquely suited for large condenser units, since these units tend to weigh a lot.
The concrete pad will be able to support the weight of a larger condenser while still maintaining its integrity over time.
If you are choosing to install a lightweight condenser unit, you may want to consider using a recycled plastic condenser pad instead. These pads are made from recycled materials that are UV resistant and able to withstand extended exposure to the elements.
Your HVAC technician can help you determine which material is best for a condenser pad based on the cooling system you have chosen to install in your home.
How Big Should a Condenser Pad Be?
Size is an important factor that will come into play when you are installing a condenser pad on your property.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to the size of a condenser pad. The ideal pad will be slightly larger than the outdoor condenser unit you have chosen to install. Having a pad with slightly larger dimensions ensures that no unwanted dirt or debris can infiltrate your outdoor condenser from the bottom of the unit.
You will also want to check with your local zoning board before you select a size for your condenser pad. Some municipalities require that condenser pads adhere to a minimum size, while others have no regulations pertaining to condenser pad size.
Your HVAC technician will be able to help you navigate any zoning restrictions and requirements that may apply to your property so that you end up with a condenser pad that is sized appropriately for your residential cooling system.
It takes many components working in harmony to maintain cool temperatures inside your home throughout the warm summer months. The condenser pad is one component that can be easy to overlook when you are investing in a new outdoor condenser unit.
Work closely with your air conditioning technician to ensure you are selecting a condenser pad that is large enough to house your equipment and capable of resisting any damage caused by exposure to sunlight and moisture over time.
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