Does condenser orientation matter (asymmetric profile unit)?

4 years ago

I recently had a Lennox EL18XCV installed outside my house. It has an oblong asymmetric profile. See the photo below. The side with the red logo is the shortest side. Page 7 of the manual here shows a better top view of the profile.

The manual doesn't seem to mention anything about install orientation, only clearances. And I think we are ok there. There is more than 6" between the unit and the house (although the conduits coming out of the house are pressed up against the grille a bit, see second image below, not sure if that's a big deal).

Based on where the connections are, there are two obvious choices for orienting the unit: (1) as shown and (2) with the logo facing away from the house. Admittedly (1) is an easier fit given the positioning of the hedge, etc. But I am wondering if there is any benefit to (2) in terms or noise and/or thermal performance? The wall next to the unit is our living room, and the old unit was pretty loud in there (though this one is almost certainly far quieter in general). But I wonder if orientation (2) would direct both noise away from that wall better, given the angling of the longer side panels? It's also possible I'm being way too overanalytical (i.e. the noise probably just emits in a circle). Thoughts?

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Comment (1)

PRO
Austin Air Companie
4 years ago
A few issues...

Refrigerant piping.

I prefer to keep refrigerant piping as straight as possible with as few bends as possible. The more bends you put slow the flow. If there is to be a bend it should be a sweeping bend, not 90 degree.

Given how your house was built, where the line set exits the structure, to flip the condenser the other way may not have made this situation any better. (I wouldn't install the unit in front of a window. --- so it is what it is. Either that or run a new line set from a better location, that will increase costs as you may have to relocate electrical service too.)

I believe the access panel to this unit is on the back side opposite the Lennox logo you don't show in the pictures. So placing this back end toward the structure limits serviceable access as well. -- not a good idea. If you had 3 feet from structure only then so as to provide ample room to service it. All these things are "design related things" that at some point may impact the life of this unit.

Dirt kills air conditioners. It permiates the coil after years and years of yard guys blowing crap into it... or due to constraints of not being able to get in and clean it properly. The best way to aleviate these problems? build a bigger concrete slab to place it on, position it further from the structure. I prefer 2 feet if possible... from 'anything else' all around the unit. The unit not only needs to breathe, it also needs to be serviced and serviced well.

That said: there are controls in a Inverter type AC that does a better job at things that causes more trouble with traditional AC that don't have these controls. (Oil return to the compressor)

I service the Katy, Texas area.
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