Any energy savings in shading outside compressor unit?

[mossie]

I have a split system heat pump & AC, with the compressor unit outside on the south side of the house. Would there be any energy savings by shading the outside unit with shrubs?

[air-doctor]

Absolutely... But don't plant anything that will block the airflow to the condensing unit, and remember to give the service technician at least 2 feet on each side of the machine to service it and clean the condensing coil.

[mark beiser]

The only real energy savings would be if the air temperature in the area gets higher than the normal ambient temperature, and you can shade the entire area without restricting air movement at all.
Just shading the unit won't help, and most attempts to do so actually end up harming efficiency.

[sparksandfan]

http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/publications/html/FSEC-PF-302-96/index.htm

[air-doctor]

Nice one sparks :)

[sparksandfan]

De nada. Enjoy.

[gary_g]

The only real energy savings would be if the air temperature in the area gets higher than the normal ambient temperature, and you can shade the entire area without restricting air movement at all.
Just shading the unit won't help, and most attempts to do so actually end up harming efficiency.

Having just read the link that was posted by "Sparksandfan", you are indeed correct.

[air-doctor]

The article also discusses the extra heat load from the sun beating on the condensing coil.

The answer is YES, it is beneficial to shade the condensing unit from the sun.

[gary_g]

From the article posted:

"Our experience also illustrates the hazards of localized condenser shading, underscored by the poor results achieved in these experiments relative to the careful planning involved. Planting trees and shrubs close by a condenser may actually reduce system efficiency due to impedance of effective air movement.

We conclude that any savings produced by localized AC condenser shading are quite modest (<3&#37;) and that the risk of interrupting air flow to the condenser may outweigh shading considerations. The preferred strategy may be a long-term one: locating AC condensers in an unobstructed location on the shaded north side of buildings and depending on extensive site and neighborhood-level landscaping to lower localized air temperatures."

I hear what you're saying, Air-Doctor, but I would be very careful trying to shade an existing condenser. Shading back-fired on Site #2 in the article.

Take care.

[air-doctor]

Well yeah... if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.

In my 1st reply to this question I said:

"Absolutely... But don't plant anything that will block the airflow to the condensing unit, and remember to give the service technician at least 2 feet on each side of the machine to service it and clean the condensing coil."