A split air conditioning system normally consists of an indoor unit and an outdoor condenser. While customers often spend plenty of time deciding where the indoor unit should go, the outdoor unit position is just as important.
The outdoor unit needs to be secure, stable, well ventilated and accessible for future maintenance. In many installations, this means supporting it either on wall brackets or on ground mounting feet.
Both options can work well. The best choice depends on the property, available space, wall construction, ground surface, access requirements and the size of the air conditioning system.
This guide explains the difference between air conditioning wall brackets and ground feet, where each works best and what to consider before your installation.
You can also browse our air conditioning brackets and feet, view our installation accessories, or read our Air Conditioning Installation Accessories Buyer’s Guide.
Wall Brackets vs Ground Feet: Quick Answer
Wall brackets support the outdoor air conditioning unit above ground level by fixing it securely to a suitable external wall. Ground mounting feet support the unit from a level surface such as a patio, concrete base, flat roof or prepared area beside the property.
| Mounting Option | Best For | Main Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Wall brackets | Properties with limited ground space | The wall must be suitable for the weight and fixing method |
| Ground feet | Solid level surfaces with enough space | The surface must be stable and provide good drainage |
Neither option is automatically better. The correct choice depends on the individual installation.
Why Does The Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit Need Proper Support?
The outdoor unit contains important components including the compressor, heat exchanger and fan.
It needs a stable installation position so it can operate properly and remain secure throughout the year.
Good outdoor unit mounting helps provide:
- A stable base
- Correct airflow around the unit
- Suitable clearance from walls and obstacles
- Protection from standing water and debris
- Access for servicing
- A neat finished installation
- Reduced movement and vibration
The exact mounting requirements should always follow the air conditioning manufacturer instructions.
What Are Air Conditioning Wall Brackets?
Air conditioning wall brackets are strong metal supports fixed to an external wall.
The outdoor condenser then sits on the horizontal arms of the brackets rather than directly on the ground.
Wall brackets can be useful where:
- Ground space is limited
- The outdoor unit needs to be raised
- The area below needs to remain clear
- The property has a suitable strong wall
- The condenser is being installed above a path or narrow area
- A compact installation is preferred
Browse our air conditioning brackets and feet.
What Are Air Conditioning Ground Feet?
Ground mounting feet are supports placed beneath the outdoor condenser when it is installed on a suitable horizontal surface.
Rather than mounting the condenser directly onto paving, concrete or another surface, the feet raise and support the unit.
They can help:
- Keep the condenser stable
- Raise it above the surface
- Allow drainage beneath the unit
- Reduce direct contact with the ground
- Provide a neat installation base
- Help manage vibration
Ground feet can be particularly useful where there is already a suitable level area beside the building.
When Are Wall Brackets The Better Option?
Wall brackets can be an excellent choice when there is not enough suitable ground space beside the property.
They may be particularly useful where:
- There is a narrow side passage
- The unit needs to sit above ground level
- A patio or walkway needs to remain usable
- There is no suitable flat surface beneath the unit
- The condenser would otherwise sit in an area where water collects
- The installer wants to keep the pipe route short and direct
However, the wall itself needs to be suitable for supporting the outdoor unit and bracket assembly.
When Are Ground Feet The Better Option?
Ground feet can be a simple and practical choice where there is a suitable level surface beside the property.
They may work well on:
- Concrete bases
- Patios
- Prepared paved areas
- Flat roofs where appropriate
- Commercial yards
- Plant areas
Ground mounting can also make future servicing easier because the outdoor unit remains accessible at a lower level.
Wall Brackets vs Ground Feet
| Consideration | Wall Brackets | Ground Feet |
|---|---|---|
| Ground space | Uses very little | Requires a suitable footprint |
| Wall suitability | Very important | Less important |
| Surface requirement | No ground base required beneath the unit | Needs a stable level surface |
| Service access | Depends on mounting height | Often straightforward |
| Appearance | Keeps unit raised against wall | Keeps unit low beside property |
| Drainage around unit | Unit is raised away from ground water | Surface drainage should be considered |
Does The Wall Need To Be Strong Enough?
Yes.
If wall brackets are being used, the wall needs to be suitable for both the weight of the condenser and the forces involved when the system operates.
The installer should consider:
- Wall construction
- Condition of the wall
- Outdoor unit weight
- Bracket capacity
- Suitable fixings
- Vibration
- Required clearances
Not every external surface will be suitable for wall mounting.
If there is any doubt, the installer may recommend ground mounting instead.
Can An Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit Sit Directly On The Ground?
It is generally better to provide the condenser with a suitable mounting solution rather than simply placing it directly onto soil, grass or an uneven surface.
Outdoor units need to remain stable and properly positioned.
Placing the unit directly on an unsuitable surface can create problems including:
- Movement
- An uneven installation
- Poor drainage
- Contact with standing water
- Grass or vegetation restricting airflow
- Difficult maintenance access
A suitable base and mounting feet provide a more controlled installation.
What Surface Can Ground Feet Sit On?
The surface beneath ground feet should be firm, stable and level.
Possible installation surfaces may include:
- A concrete base
- A suitable patio
- Prepared paving
- A suitable flat roof
- A purpose built plant area
Soft soil, uneven ground or unstable surfaces are unlikely to provide a suitable long term base without preparation.
Your installer should assess the location before positioning the condenser.
How High Should An Outdoor Unit Be Off The Ground?
The required position depends on the condenser, manufacturer guidance and the installation environment.
The aim is generally to provide enough clearance for:
- Airflow
- Drainage
- Cleaning
- Servicing
- Protection from debris
In locations where leaves, dirt or water regularly collect, raising the unit can be particularly useful.
Outdoor Unit Airflow
Whichever mounting method you use, airflow around the condenser is essential.
The outdoor unit moves a large amount of air when the air conditioning system operates.
If airflow is restricted, performance can suffer.
Avoid placing the condenser:
- Inside a tightly enclosed space
- Directly behind large plants
- Behind bins or storage boxes
- Too close to fences without enough clearance
- Where furniture may be placed in front of it
- Where vegetation can grow across the coil
Always follow the manufacturer minimum clearance requirements.
Think About Service Access
The condenser will need access for cleaning, maintenance and servicing during its lifetime.
A position that looks convenient during installation may become frustrating if an engineer cannot reach the unit later.
Before choosing the location, consider:
- Can the front and sides of the unit be reached?
- Can service panels be opened?
- Can the unit be cleaned?
- Can an engineer work safely around it?
- Will future landscaping or storage block access?
Good access can make maintenance much easier.
Wall Mounting Height
Wall brackets allow the outdoor condenser to be installed above ground level, but higher is not always better.
A very high outdoor unit may:
- Be harder to access for servicing
- Require more complicated installation equipment
- Increase the visible impact of the unit
- Make cleaning more difficult
The installer should find a suitable balance between keeping the unit clear of obstacles and retaining safe service access.
Vibration And Noise
Outdoor air conditioning units contain fans and compressors, so some vibration is normal during operation.
The mounting arrangement should provide a stable base and avoid unnecessary vibration transferring into the building.
Things to consider include:
- The strength of the mounting surface
- Bracket quality
- Ground foot positioning
- Suitable vibration control products where required
- Distance from bedrooms or quiet spaces
- Loose components or fixings
A correctly installed outdoor unit should remain secure and stable during normal operation.
Are Ground Feet Quieter Than Wall Brackets?
There is no simple rule that one mounting method will always be quieter.
Noise and vibration depend on:
- The air conditioning model
- Installation quality
- Mounting surface
- Bracket or foot design
- Outdoor unit speed
- Where the unit is positioned
However, mounting a condenser on a wall can allow vibration to transfer into the building if the installation is not planned correctly.
If noise is an important concern, discuss the location and mounting method with the installer before work begins.
Should The Outdoor Unit Be Installed Near The Indoor Unit?
A short, simple pipe route can make an installation neater, but outdoor unit positioning should not be chosen based on pipe length alone.
You also need to consider:
- Airflow
- Access
- Noise
- Drainage
- Appearance
- Manufacturer pipe length limits
- Suitable wall or ground mounting
The best installation position is usually the one that balances all of these requirements.
Plan The Pipework At The Same Time
The outdoor unit mounting position affects where the refrigeration pipework, electrical cable and condensate drainage need to run.
Before fitting brackets or ground feet, plan:
- Where the indoor unit will sit
- Where pipework exits the building
- The route to the condenser
- Whether trunking is required
- Where condensate will drain
- Where the electrical supply reaches the system
This allows the whole installation to be planned as one job rather than treating each accessory separately.
Read our Air Conditioning Trunking Buyer’s Guide for more help planning visible pipework.
Can The Outdoor Unit Go On A Flat Roof?
In some installations, a suitable flat roof can provide a location for the outdoor condenser.
However, this needs careful consideration.
The installer should assess:
- Roof strength
- Surface condition
- Access
- Drainage
- Vibration
- Airflow
- Safe servicing access
Ground style mounting supports may be suitable in some roof installations, but the complete installation should be assessed professionally.
Can The Outdoor Unit Go On A Patio?
A patio can provide a practical condenser location if it is stable, level and has enough space.
Ground mounting feet can raise the outdoor unit from the patio surface while providing a secure base.
Consider whether the unit will:
- Block a walkway
- Interfere with seating
- Receive good airflow
- Remain accessible for maintenance
- Discharge air where it will not cause annoyance
Do not position the condenser purely based on where there happens to be an empty piece of paving.
Can An Outdoor Unit Go Down The Side Of A House?
Yes, side passages are commonly considered for outdoor units, provided there is enough space.
A side passage can work particularly well because it may keep the condenser away from the main garden.
Check:
- The width of the passage
- Airflow around the condenser
- Access for people and bins
- Neighbouring property boundaries
- Noise
- Service access
- Whether wall brackets or feet would work best
What About Rain And Outdoor Weather?
Outdoor air conditioning condensers are designed for external installation, but they still need to be fitted correctly.
The mounting position should help avoid unnecessary problems from:
- Standing water
- Blocked drainage
- Leaves
- Mud
- Vegetation
- Snow or ice where relevant
Do not place a condenser inside an enclosed box simply to protect it from weather unless the enclosure has been specifically designed to maintain the required airflow.
Should You Hide An Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit?
Some homeowners want to make the condenser less visible.
This is understandable, but airflow must come first.
Avoid placing decorative screens, plants or furniture too close to the unit.
If you want a discreet installation, better options include:
- Choosing a less visible wall
- Using a side passage
- Keeping the pipe route tidy
- Using suitable trunking
- Positioning the unit neatly at low level
Never sacrifice ventilation simply to hide the condenser.
Brackets And Feet For Domestic Air Conditioning
Domestic customers often have more flexibility when choosing between wall and ground mounting.
For a typical home, consider:
- Available garden or patio space
- Appearance from windows and seating areas
- Distance from bedrooms
- Pipe route from the indoor unit
- Neighbouring properties
- Access for servicing
A neat low level ground installation can work very well where space allows, while wall brackets can be particularly useful in narrower spaces.
Brackets And Feet For Commercial Air Conditioning
Commercial installations can involve larger condensers or several outdoor units.
Mounting decisions may therefore need to consider:
- Higher unit weights
- Multiple condensers
- Plant areas
- Roof installations
- Restricted public access
- Service access
- Commercial building layouts
The support products need to be suitable for the equipment being installed.
Common Outdoor Unit Mounting Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Choosing brackets without checking condenser weight
- Fixing brackets to an unsuitable wall
- Placing the unit directly onto soft ground
- Using an uneven base
- Blocking condenser airflow
- Mounting the unit somewhere inaccessible
- Installing it too close to obstacles
- Ignoring vibration
- Putting the unit where water regularly collects
- Forgetting about future servicing
- Positioning the condenser without planning the pipe route
Outdoor Unit Mounting Checklist
Before choosing brackets or feet, check:
- Which air conditioning system is being installed?
- How heavy is the outdoor unit?
- What mounting method does the manufacturer allow?
- Is there a suitable external wall?
- Is there a suitable level ground surface?
- How much airflow clearance is needed?
- Can the unit be serviced easily?
- Will vibration be an issue?
- Is there suitable drainage around the unit?
- Will the position obstruct a path or doorway?
- How will pipework reach the unit?
- Will trunking be required?
- Has the installer approved the location?
CoolEasy Air Conditioning Brackets And Feet
CoolEasy supplies brackets and mounting feet designed to support air conditioning outdoor units in domestic and commercial installations.
The correct option will depend on the air conditioning system, condenser weight, mounting position and building.
Browse our air conditioning brackets and feet or explore our wider installation accessories range.
Air Conditioning Brackets And Feet FAQs
Should an AC outdoor unit be wall mounted or floor mounted?
Either can work. Wall brackets are useful where ground space is limited, while mounting feet work well where there is a suitable stable level surface.
Can an air conditioning outdoor unit sit on the ground?
It should have a suitable stable mounting arrangement rather than simply being placed on grass, soil or an uneven surface. Ground feet can provide support and clearance.
Do I need brackets for an outdoor air conditioning unit?
Only if the condenser is being wall mounted. A ground installation will normally use a suitable base and mounting feet instead.
How do I know which brackets fit my air conditioner?
Check the outdoor unit dimensions and weight against the bracket specification. Your installer should confirm compatibility before installation.
Can AC brackets be fitted to any wall?
No. The wall needs to be suitable for the weight, bracket design and required fixings. The installer should assess the wall before fitting.
What are air conditioning mounting feet for?
Mounting feet support an outdoor condenser above a suitable surface, helping provide stability, clearance, drainage and a neat installation.
Can mounting feet go on paving slabs?
They may be suitable where the paving provides a stable, firm and level base. The installer should check the surface before installation.
Do outdoor units vibrate?
Some vibration occurs because the unit contains a compressor and fan. A suitable mounting system and correct installation help keep the condenser stable and reduce unnecessary vibration.
How much space does an outdoor AC unit need?
Clearance requirements vary between models. Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions for airflow and servicing space.
Can an outdoor AC unit be hidden behind a screen?
Only if the required airflow and service clearances are maintained. Enclosing the condenser too tightly can reduce performance.
Where is the best place to put an outdoor air conditioning unit?
The best location provides good airflow, a secure mounting surface, straightforward pipework, reasonable noise separation and easy access for maintenance.
Final Advice: Choose The Mounting Position Before Installation
Wall brackets and ground mounting feet can both provide an effective way to support an air conditioning outdoor unit.
Wall brackets are particularly useful where ground space is limited or the condenser needs to be raised. Ground feet can provide a simple, accessible installation where there is a suitable level surface.
The most important factors are stability, airflow, condenser weight, access, drainage, vibration and the suitability of the building.
Plan the outdoor unit position at the same time as the indoor unit, pipework, trunking and condensate drainage. This helps create a cleaner installation and avoids finding problems once work has already started.
Browse our air conditioning brackets and feet, explore our installation accessories, or speak to the CoolEasy team if you need help choosing accessories for your installation.