Living without central air conditioning is miserable in so many areas of the United States. Even if the summer weather only causes excessive heat for a few months of the year, those months can feel as if they last forever if you can't feel comfortable in your home. If you're considering installing a central air cooling system, you will have to decide where the unit will be placed.

Where and how the central air conditioning unit is installed will have a significant impact on how long it will last before needing to be replaced. Here, you will learn a few things to consider as you work to select the placement of your new unit:

Location of Interior Components

Where are the internal components of your heating system in your home? The exterior unit will have to be placed somewhat close to the interior system to ensure that it operates efficiently. If the unit has to push the cool air too far before it reaches the interior system, it will not be as cool as it would be if you had positioned the unit closer to the interior components. This means it will have to work harder and run longer to keep your home cool on those hot summer days.

Overhead Hazards

You want the unit to be near your home, but you don't want it so close that you have to worry about snow and ice falling from the roof and landing on it. Allow for an extra foot or two from under the eaves so that the falling snow and ice don't impact the unit.

Another thing to consider is the trees around the unit. You don't want to worry about heavy limbs falling or pine needles filling the unit. Look up and make sure the space above the unit is clear.

Flooding Concerns

If you live near a creek, stream, or another source of water, consider the fact that they can overflow and cause some flooding concerns. Think about the flooding history of your property. If the area in which you are considering positioning the unit has flooded in the past, either choose an alternate location or have the unit built on stilts to keep it high off of the ground.

Talk with a local HVAC company like One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating to learn more about the placement and installation of your new central air conditioning unit. He or she will be able to assist you in deciding the best location for your unit.