The outdoor units that run your air conditioning system, heat pump and standby generator need plenty of breathing room.
So if yours are covered with autumn leaves or debris that blew around during a heavy winter rainfall, go clean them off.
When debris accumulates on your outdoor units, they might not operate properly. To circulate well through the appliances, outdoor air needs a clear pathway in and out.
To avoid damaging equipment, use a broom to clear the unit and immediate area and then a rake or shovel to finish the job.
It’s a good idea to keep outdoor meters, valves and piping clear so they’re easy to see. Someone in your family—or even a utility crew member—who can’t see an obstructed device could accidentally strike it, possibly interrupting your service.
Likewise, keep outdoor vents for water heaters, gas fireplaces and clothes dryers clear year-round. Look inside vents for birds’ nests and critters as well as for leaves, lint and anything else that could interrupt the fresh air supply or block the exhaust path.
