Improvised protective barrier around condenser/compressor cabinet
#1
06-30-17, 04:46 PM
Improvised protective barrier around condenser/compressor cabinet
This AC/heating unit is only three months old. So I improvised this barrier to afford extra protection against wind blown foreign matter, debris, wild animals, etc. The whole get up cost me less than $25. I purchased burlap, garden stakes, and a pointed steel spike to drive holes in the ground. If a technician ever needs to service the unit, I can just cut away a section of burlap and replace afterwards
I already have another idea of just erecting posts in a slot fashion so I can lift out entire screen or metal fence as needed.
Will this barrier extend the life of the unit? I suppose not. But it gives me extra peace of mind. Thought someone else might find it useful. Photo below.
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I already have another idea of just erecting posts in a slot fashion so I can lift out entire screen or metal fence as needed.
Will this barrier extend the life of the unit? I suppose not. But it gives me extra peace of mind. Thought someone else might find it useful. Photo below.
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#2
06-30-17, 10:05 PM
I would not recommend that. The burlap will restrict air enough to raise your electric bills a couple of bucks. Also shorten the life of the unit by running hotter.
#3
06-30-17, 10:12 PM
Really? I thought I positioned the burlap far enough away to prevent airflow restriction. There is anywhere from 18-23 inches between burlap and cabinet. The burlap has holes in it too. But I'm listening.
#4
07-01-17, 03:03 AM
Member
I dont think it's necessary and I dont think it;s going to hurt anything.
If you sleep better having it then that is all that matters!
If you sleep better having it then that is all that matters!
#5
07-01-17, 09:21 AM
Ok. Anyone else please feel free to give your input. I can take down the barrier if necessary.
#6
07-01-17, 09:25 AM
If you can keep the burlap wet all the time by using some sort of automatic water spray, that may cut your electric bill a little bit. (see AC mist threads)
#7
07-01-17, 01:53 PM
Member
I wouldn't spray any water near that unit. Those water misting contraptions are junk. They also put calcium deposits onto the coil which destroys the coil.
The burlap shouldn't block airflow too bad. There is no danger of lawn equipment causing damage as there is no grass nearby. If there is no animals that can get to the unit (namely dogs) then I wouldn't worry about it too much. Hail is more of a danger then anything.
Some manufacturers/units offer coil protection grids or louvers.
The burlap shouldn't block airflow too bad. There is no danger of lawn equipment causing damage as there is no grass nearby. If there is no animals that can get to the unit (namely dogs) then I wouldn't worry about it too much. Hail is more of a danger then anything.
Some manufacturers/units offer coil protection grids or louvers.
#8
07-01-17, 02:03 PM
Geez.............hail. I forgot about that. We might get hail once or twice a year out here.
We have cats and pigeons roaming around the backyard all the time. No dogs. I seem to remember chasing away a cat pawing at the louver on the old unit years ago, trying to get at a bug or something.
I did an experiment about 15 minutes ago with the burlap still in place. I held a sheet of paper about 8 inches from the cabinet grill. The sheet of paper dropped but still suctioned tightly against the grill. Anything over 8 inches and it mostly falls to the ground with little vacuum.
We have cats and pigeons roaming around the backyard all the time. No dogs. I seem to remember chasing away a cat pawing at the louver on the old unit years ago, trying to get at a bug or something.
I did an experiment about 15 minutes ago with the burlap still in place. I held a sheet of paper about 8 inches from the cabinet grill. The sheet of paper dropped but still suctioned tightly against the grill. Anything over 8 inches and it mostly falls to the ground with little vacuum.
