NG heater close to AC unit?

[sneakykitty]

My builder installed the pentair NG master temp heater within a foot of one of my AC units. I was reading the manuals today and it says minimum 36 inches. I have already contacted my builder and waiting for reply. However, in the interim, I want to really understand the ‘why’ of this so I’m prepared and just overall more knowledgeable. TIA

 

[wireform]

36" is a bit overdone but within a foot is way too close. Needing to work on either the ac or heater will make it uncomfortable to work around and almost impossible

 

[ajw22]

Exactly how far apart the heater and AC compressor need to be depends on the airflow in the area and even the weather and wind. So the 36 inches is a conservative distance.

The MasterTemp exhaust is close to 300F. This hot air around an AC compressor will effect the AC efficiency and possibly cause the AC to malfunction. The AC unit is designed to have normal air temperatures around it to operate normally.

If the two units never operated at the same time it would not be an issue. And many folks with units close together have no idea their AC system is not operating optimally and using more electricity then it should when their pool heater is running next to it.

Pentair MasterTemp Exhaust Temp.jpg

• ajw22
• Feb 19, 2021

 

[sneakykitty]

Exactly how far apart the heater and AC compressor need to be depends on the airflow in the area and even the weather and wind. So the 36 inches is a conservative distance.

The MasterTemp exhaust is close to 300F. This hot air around an AC compressor will effect the AC efficiency and possibly cause the AC to malfunction. The AC unit is designed to have normal air temperatures around it to operate normally.

If the two units never operated at the same time it would not be an issue. And many folks with units close together have no idea their AC system is not operating optimally and using more electricity then it should when their pool heater is running next to it.

Pentair MasterTemp Exhaust Temp.jpg

• ajw22
• Feb 19, 2021

This makes complete sense and crazy how hot it gets. Currently my exhaust from the heater is 6 inches west from the top of my AC unit. We have two AC units and this is a smaller one. All of this is located on the north side of our home. I’ll take a picture today to post. Thank you for your reply

 

[PoolGate]

This is more a safety issue with carbon monoxide. Your inspector will not allow this it's against code

 

[sneakykitty]

This is more a safety issue with carbon monoxide. Your inspector will not allow this it's against code

Please explain this. I feel dumb. I know the pool heater will release carbon monoxide. However, the AC unit is the blower, compressor and condenser and from my understanding does not intake this air for in home circulation. The unit releases heat from the condenser. We have no windows/doors nearby and no forced air inlets. Per ajw22

This hot air around an AC compressor will effect the AC efficiency and possibly cause the AC to malfunction.

I think I understand this more now, but I want to understand the carbon monoxide as well. Is the concern outside carbon monoxide or inside the home? Thank you so much for your input. Knowledge becomes wisdom and TFP is beyond helpful!!!

I want to make sure I'm understanding this properly .

 

[PoolGate]

Please explain this. I feel dumb. I know the pool heater will release carbon monoxide. However, the AC unit is the blower, compressor and condenser and from my understanding does not intake this air for in home circulation. The unit releases heat from the condenser. We have no windows/doors nearby and no forced air inlets. Per ajw22

I think I understand this more now, but I want to understand the carbon monoxide as well. Is the concern outside carbon monoxide or inside the home? Thank you so much for your input. Knowledge becomes wisdom and TFP is beyond helpful!!!

I want to make sure I'm understanding this properly .

Ah ok I was thinking it's a window A/C unit. Never mind then. But you should follow the manufacturer's recommendation for placement.

 

[sneakykitty]

Thanks! Agreed about following instructions. I should have specified what kind of AC . Thanks for the input!

 

[ajw22]

This makes complete sense and crazy how hot it gets. Currently my exhaust from the heater is 6 inches west from the top of my AC unit. We have two AC units and this is a smaller one. All of this is located on the north side of our home. I’ll take a picture today to post. Thank you for your reply

The heater exhaust pointed towards the AC unit is a big problem. Definitely needs to be moved and the exhaust pointed away.

 

[sneakykitty]

Thanks for all the input. It is very close, 6 inches. Meet with the builder tomorrow to discuss.

 

[ajw22]

Move the heater to the right side of the pad.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

I swear there is a disease in the PB industry with people who don't read simple instructions. My PB was about to do the same thing until I told them it has to be 36" away per the instructions. I couldn't quite get 36" but I compromised with them @ about 24". I felt like that was far enough to avoid any significant issue and when I'm running the AC, I am not typically running the heater.

--Jeff

 

[Turbo1Ton]

Move the heater to the right side of the pad.

Can't put it there unless they move everything over, as you need clear access in front of the electrical panel. They could rotate 90 degrees so the exhaust is facing out. This would get it further away and still be in the same location.

--Jeff

 

[Turbo1Ton]

I guess by code, the heater can't go where it is located because it blocks access to the disconnects for the A/C units.

Does anyone pay attention to any code/instructions anymore?

--Jeff

 

[sneakykitty]

I guess by code, the heater can't go where it is located because it blocks access to the disconnects for the A/C units.

Does anyone pay attention to any code/instructions anymore?

--Jeff

I'm guessing our code would be similar being in Oklahoma. ugh what a mess. But I certainly don't want to risk health or house .

 

[Turbo1Ton]

The access to electrical panels is often overlooked, especially on items like A/C disconnects. I certainly would not put it in front of the intellicenter. The disconnects are only used when servicing the equipment, and while not clear directly in front of them, are still accessible. I would not be terribly concerned about that one. But I would see if the PB could rotate the heater 90 degrees, so the exhaust is facing the front of the pad.

--Jeff

 

[wireform]

Although not ideal the ac can be moved to left as much as possible and just bring the heater forward the max towards the front edge of the pad. If the soffit has vents your co is going in to the attic now.

 

[ajw22]

What is the concrete pad to the right of the equipment pad?

 

[sneakykitty]

What is the concrete pad to the right of the equipment pad?

We have concrete “Lilly pads” around the pool and added this for access to the side yard/equipment. We only have about 6 feet from house to fence line.


We did speak to our HVAC guy (husband’s really good friend) and he mentioned moving the AC units further away.

 

[ajw22]

If you can move the AC unit and turn the heater so the exhaust is away from the house and move the heater to the edge of the pad you may be ok.

You still have the heater blocking the AC disconnects. But if you move the heater to the front of the pad you may have enough clearance to satisfy an inspector.