Air Conditioning - Compressor Placement Code??
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helpinatlanta
09-26-04, 09:06 PM
Ok - I need a little help here. I was looking through some web sites in Google and stumbled across this one and thought I could find some advice from some experts in the field - thus my reason for posting here.
My wife and I are in the process of buying a new home that is currently being constructed (we have signed a contract on it and deposited earnest money). We recently went out to take a look at it. To make a long story short, both compressors are on a slab (I assume this is code) but that slab happens to be....our driveway!!
I have NEVER seen this on any house, I think it is very awkward looking and an eyesore. We have a side entrance garage, so the units are on the side of the house but it still faces the street (we are on a corner lot).
I spoke with the builder and he said he would put a privacy fence around it. I think this is unacceptable and was hoping to have some ammo when I speak to him again as I want the units put on a slab on the other side of the house.
Would there be any code violation for the current placement of the compressors? I guess it could possibly be considered a safety hazard because if someone ran into the unit or something?
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
My wife and I are in the process of buying a new home that is currently being constructed (we have signed a contract on it and deposited earnest money). We recently went out to take a look at it. To make a long story short, both compressors are on a slab (I assume this is code) but that slab happens to be....our driveway!!
I have NEVER seen this on any house, I think it is very awkward looking and an eyesore. We have a side entrance garage, so the units are on the side of the house but it still faces the street (we are on a corner lot).
I spoke with the builder and he said he would put a privacy fence around it. I think this is unacceptable and was hoping to have some ammo when I speak to him again as I want the units put on a slab on the other side of the house.
Would there be any code violation for the current placement of the compressors? I guess it could possibly be considered a safety hazard because if someone ran into the unit or something?
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Doug Aleshire
09-26-04, 09:49 PM
helpinatlanta,
Just for starters who is paying who? I always figured if you foot the bill, you are the boss.
As far as codes, go I am unaware of any that prohibit on the driveway unless it is directly in the path of a garage. Usually these are placed on their owen slab and of course away from windows for noise control (even though windows are closed when in operation). The issue should be addressed by the Local Building Authority as they do have restrictions on where A/C units are placed within residential areas and how to conceal them from view. Best thing is to call them.
I however would say that if the other side of the home is better, in your opinion, then there must be a reason it wasn't put there in the first place. This could be extra money for refrigerant lines or just down right convienent for whoever placed it there. Assumptions at best.
I will post this also in the HVAC Forum and let them help with this issue.
Good Luck!
Just for starters who is paying who? I always figured if you foot the bill, you are the boss.
As far as codes, go I am unaware of any that prohibit on the driveway unless it is directly in the path of a garage. Usually these are placed on their owen slab and of course away from windows for noise control (even though windows are closed when in operation). The issue should be addressed by the Local Building Authority as they do have restrictions on where A/C units are placed within residential areas and how to conceal them from view. Best thing is to call them.
I however would say that if the other side of the home is better, in your opinion, then there must be a reason it wasn't put there in the first place. This could be extra money for refrigerant lines or just down right convienent for whoever placed it there. Assumptions at best.
I will post this also in the HVAC Forum and let them help with this issue.
Good Luck!
helpinatlanta
09-27-04, 10:04 AM
Here are some pictures. One more thing to add. In looking at the photos, the two windows you see are of our master bedroom. I bet noise will be a problem with where they are as well.
The other side of the house (where I think they should have originally been placed) has no windows and would be next to the basement wall (with the living room and dining room above).
<br><br><img src="http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-9/839736/IMG_0792.jpg" width=640 height=480><br><br><img src="http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-9/839736/IMG_0799.jpg" width=640 height=480><br><br><img src="http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-9/839736/IMG_0800.jpg" width=640 height=480>
<P>
The other side of the house (where I think they should have originally been placed) has no windows and would be next to the basement wall (with the living room and dining room above).
<br><br><img src="http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-9/839736/IMG_0792.jpg" width=640 height=480><br><br><img src="http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-9/839736/IMG_0799.jpg" width=640 height=480><br><br><img src="http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-9/839736/IMG_0800.jpg" width=640 height=480>
<P>
Ed Imeduc
09-27-04, 03:40 PM
I know of no code for where you have to put the outdoor unit. Id call city code and see what they say. Dont know if you have HOA there that also said where they can go. Dont go for a fence around them for sure and not where a car can hit them.Dont look like they got the gutters up in time from the mud stain on the siding and Id say you need another down spout from on top there. Like Doug said who is paying for the home ? On the home print where did they show them. When you put the $$$$$ down ?????
ED :eek:
ED :eek: