Expert: Dan Griffin - 9/25/2009

Question
Getting a deck built. Thinking of moving top-vented AC unit about 8 ft over, right beside the old gas meter to the house. I'm talking cheek by jowl. Are there any safety concerns? Should I keep them as far apart as possible? Even if it means moving the gas meter? So it would be brick wall, gas & AC units, and then 2.5 ft clearance beside the deck stairs for service techs to squeeze into to reach either of those.

Answer
Frances,  I've not met anyone with that name for many years, I had a good friend in grade school who went by Fran.  I assume you are talking about an air conditioning condenser fan that sits on a concrete pad or similar outside the house.  These draw air in at their sides and blow straight up to knock some the heat off the refrigerant lines before going back to the compressor.  To my knowledge their would not be a problem placing this unit next to or close to the gas meter/regulator.  This is a sealed unit and nothing about it draws air to the interior.  Whomever you have relocate the condenser will certainly know of any oode or local rulings that would prevent moving it.  Depending on how far it moves,you may need to rework the electic disconnect, punp down the system to move the refrigerant lines, and reset the gas chaarge.

If you are talking about a window unit, the rules change.