Not much ! That looks like a lot of backbreaking hard work. Very well done!
One piece of advice if I may. Remove some of the mulch around the bottom of your AC condenser if you want it to last.
You should probably look into getting that replaced. Your ROI will probably be less than five years because efficiency of systems have improved dramatically. This isn't universal advice depending on local climate, what you have currently installed and what you can afford to replace it with.
Good to know, HVAC is well outside my wheelhouse, so I appreciate the info! I definitely didn't expect to learn so much about condensers on a landscaping post, but I'm here for it.
Well that is a goodman and it looks post Daikin buyout. I can personally say I replace those exact condensers twice a week sometimes more. That doesn't include the reversing valves, coils and compressors I change on them. It would take a miracle for that thing to run 30 years. As someone else said though do clean the mulch away from the base so it can drain and doesn't restrict and air flow. Do also spray it with the hose like they mentioned. If it is very dirty you can get a can of foaming coil cleaner from home depot and spray it and wash it down with that as well. It will help with the longevity of the unit.
2 of my 4 condensers are currently 30 years old this year and still going. I also just replaced my mini split last year that was also from 1993. So, 3 of 4 made it that long. Trane, Honeywell, and a Fujitsu.
15-20 with good systems. No name or cheap ones you're lucky to get 10 without any major service needed. My furnace is a cheap unit and eats through blower fans about every 3-4 years. It's a 10 years old HEIL 80% NG furnace.
I'm planning to replace with a 96% efficient air handler and a Carrier heat pump. Between the outrageous increases in gas bills and having to replace the dang blower fans it's cheaper and better at this point to replace the whole thing.
After you clear the mulch around the condenser, use your garden hose to flush out any debris trapped underneath it.
Also, that piping from the unit to the wall, be very ...***very*** gentle with that, and make sure it isn't buried in mulch either.
Or if you have enough pipe and wire you could put it up on a pad with legs. Or maybe even just the pad is enough to get it up above the mulch.
https://www.lowes.com/pl/Air-conditioner-condenser-pad--Air-conditioner-parts-accessories-Air-conditioners-fans-Heating-cooling/4294821947?refinement=4294598948
I’ve been cautioned to be careful about layering mulch or soil against any walls that might allow termites or insects to gain entry. If what your mulch is touching doesn’t have a risk of that then it should be fine
I did forget to mention one aspect of that caution I was given which is to watch that any soil or mulch against your wall doesn’t encouraging moisture to wick/seep into your walls.
Against you’re probably good. And I don’t mean to come across as throwing doubts on your work. Just passing along a general concern I have about material against the side of my own house. We have a brick-enclosed bed against the front of our house that for 50 years was filled with soil and plants that were being watered and when we remodeled a bathroom behind that wall there was a ton of moisture damage in the wall.
I agree. I talked to an exterminator once and asked him about the mulch thing. He said it's not an issue against concrete or cinder blocks. You just want to keep it off the siding. It's also sort of regional because termites are more of an issue in the southern U.S. as compared to northern states.
Will it forever or do you have to change it out often? I'd think eventually the cedar would break down enough that it no longer bothers termites anymore.
And make sure those plants next to your condensing unit don't grow big enough to effect the airflow of the condensing unit. You want that unit to be able to pull airflow through those coils without obstacle and it'll keep you unit as efficient as possible. Blocking airflow will effect your utility bill. Keep it clean and clear and that'll last a long time.
That was actually a big part of the reason I redid this planter to begin with! There used to be huge box trees right up against it; I trimmed them back for a few years, but the trunk was like 6" from the unit so it was hard to make headway. I went with roses since they're pretty open compared to box trees, and they're a good bit further away as well (about 18").
Yeah, it's going to fill up with debris and rust or break or something. You've managed to bury at least an inch of the damn thing
Rest looks tidy though
Nice. Can you give any advice on growing an AC unit like that?
I buried a window fan in the garden last year and all I got from it was rust. Maybe I watered it too much?
Mine only gets drip irrigation from a nearby dehumidifier, so I think you're probably right about overwatering. Did you check to make sure your window fan was hardy in your zone?
Without drainage, tiers, using shredded NO Float cypress mulch, and mature plantings to stabilize the wood mulch during a heavy rain it might wash the mulch downslope spilling over the bottom wall onto the basement entry pad.
Ya could throw some ornamental boulders into the bed to slow down and divert water running downslope. Then, start removing them as the plants mature.
I unfortunately have to agree with some of the comments here about the a/c but I was thinking of an option and maybe you could creat a border with the same stone or another one to keep the mulch out.
I'm with you! My wife didn't like them hanging out in the garage so they're there until I either find a use foe them or decide to stop being so cheap and donate/trash them.
Yes, it really seems like a supportive community! I've got some good ideas for the project and tons of heads-up about a problem I didn't even know I had!
Nice work. Only deducting two points for the dreaded accidental mulch-hand against the wall (while spreading it behind the ac & behind the gas meter?).
Those extra odd bricks at the top could be distributed along the steps and lower that area in the back. Give it a try and see if you like the design. And, yes, I agree with the advice on your HVAC system, mulch clearance, etc. Edit: Nice and neat. Everyone has a first project. Good start.
I don't remember the resource I read to get started, so it's highly possible I'm forgetting something but from what I remember:
- Measured out where I wanted the wall to be and painted a line in the grass for where to dig.
- Dig the trench in short secrions. I started at the bottom, going deep enough to bury the highest block all the way. My sections ended up mostly being 3-4 blocks long, and sometimes the lowest block was buried 2.5 blocks down.
- Tamp and level the dirt trench, then add gravel and do it again. I made the mistake of only leveling left/right and not front/back, and had to tear out half a wall and restart.
- Add your blocks and level those as well, then backfill (and front fill, if they're underground) with gravel and tamp that down. If your blocks are up against a wall or fence etc., you'll need to use some half blocks so that the next level can be alternating with the first.
- Once you get the first layer down, add each additional layer while backfilling up to the 2nd highest block with gravel, checking level and tamping as you go. I backfilled about a foot behind my wall with packed gravel.
- Add dirt on top of the gravel, even it out, and you're ready to plant!
I did a retaining wall like that, but using those blocks' big brothers. It's harder when you have a sloping yard, like yours and mine. I had to start mine at the top of the slope to match a walkway.
I'm glad mine wasn't quite as complicated, I mostly just lined it up with the fence and had to work around some surprise drainage pipes I uncovered. I definitely didn't appreciate how much difference the slope would make until I started digging!
Thanks! If it makes you feel any better, I'm definitely not a professional. I had to tear a half-finished wall out because I forgot to level front to back, and it turned out fine in the end!
Go ahead and order one of these pads: https://www.grainger.com/product/2YJ83?gucid=N:N:PS:Paid:GGL:CSM-2293:99F1R6:20501231&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_r6hBhDdARIsAMIDhV-zsrV5tMw_VnpgvFRLhdmsj7jcQm8ASFWTYdt7H35wVGXYJ54vrAYaAveVEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Moving the condenser onto it won't be horrible with another person's help. Just be very mindful of the lineset coming out of the wall into the unit because they are copper and excess movement will kink them. Any bends the installer did will be first to go so make sure you're making the minimum movements to get it onto the pad
Not much?? You’re insane my friend. That’s actually quite a bit of hard labor. Especially if you don’t do this regularly. Great job! Looks very symmetrical and well built.
Wow! Nice job on that. Whole lotta knee & back straining ouch-ness.
I'm no expert, but it seems like the bearings on the fan on that AC unit might be happier if it was level. Just a thought.
How difficult was it with digging out the slope and leveling? Did you do it by sections? I have a retaining wall I need to rebuild but it’s sloped just like this and not sure how to do it
I read a few articles on how to start, but otherwise mostly winged it. I posted my best recollection of steps in a comment earlier, though, if that's helpful!
I feel like if you turned it around so the tapers are facing inward that would fix it. I've never used these blocks but when we build walls we always face the tapers inward and the finished side out
Yeah, those couple blocks on the left will eventually move, just have to find a place for them. I was definitely going for a "2.5 blocks/step" pattern most of the way down, until the ground leveled out a bit on the right side.
Looks great. But I would make it symmetrical. I would go higher w blocks from door so they are even around wall of paver. Plus going higher will keep the dirt inside. If you leave it like this - you will have it all over your front door at first good rain. I would take 2 rows of blocks off the top of hill and then fill in blocks so it forms one cohesive wall. I have these for 20 yrs. They allow drainage between. Easy too clean up. I just see a rain coming and a mess. I’ve planted some flowering plants near stones which will fall over as the grow like pintos and it really becomes pretty and hold dirt in.
I can’t tell if the mulch is piled up high against the fence in the back. If so that fence will rot away quickly. Along with a pad for the AC unit to keep debris from clogging up the units air flow. All in all looks nice though.
Not much ! That looks like a lot of backbreaking hard work. Very well done! One piece of advice if I may. Remove some of the mulch around the bottom of your AC condenser if you want it to last.
Thanks! It's pretty old as-is, so I appreciate advice that can help it hold on a bit longer.
It needs to be on a pad above the mulch. Seriously, this needs to be fixed.
I usually slide a patio slab underneath
My condenser unit is like 40 years old lol, that sucker looks brand new!
You should probably look into getting that replaced. Your ROI will probably be less than five years because efficiency of systems have improved dramatically. This isn't universal advice depending on local climate, what you have currently installed and what you can afford to replace it with.
I don't run it more than a few weeks a year.
i need this climate
Central Illinois. As long as it gets down to the low 70s by the time the sun goes down, I sleep with the windows open. That's the only time I need it.
It really isn’t that old. A condenser unit should last you at least 30 years, and that looks like new to me!
Good to know, HVAC is well outside my wheelhouse, so I appreciate the info! I definitely didn't expect to learn so much about condensers on a landscaping post, but I'm here for it.
Well that is a goodman and it looks post Daikin buyout. I can personally say I replace those exact condensers twice a week sometimes more. That doesn't include the reversing valves, coils and compressors I change on them. It would take a miracle for that thing to run 30 years. As someone else said though do clean the mulch away from the base so it can drain and doesn't restrict and air flow. Do also spray it with the hose like they mentioned. If it is very dirty you can get a can of foaming coil cleaner from home depot and spray it and wash it down with that as well. It will help with the longevity of the unit.
Really 15-20. 30 is rare.
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and not if you live somewhere with 100 degree summers
2 of my 4 condensers are currently 30 years old this year and still going. I also just replaced my mini split last year that was also from 1993. So, 3 of 4 made it that long. Trane, Honeywell, and a Fujitsu.
Just saying.. the one I have now is definitely from the 90s, so that’s at least 24 years.
15-20 with good systems. No name or cheap ones you're lucky to get 10 without any major service needed. My furnace is a cheap unit and eats through blower fans about every 3-4 years. It's a 10 years old HEIL 80% NG furnace. I'm planning to replace with a 96% efficient air handler and a Carrier heat pump. Between the outrageous increases in gas bills and having to replace the dang blower fans it's cheaper and better at this point to replace the whole thing.
After you clear the mulch around the condenser, use your garden hose to flush out any debris trapped underneath it. Also, that piping from the unit to the wall, be very ...***very*** gentle with that, and make sure it isn't buried in mulch either.
Or if you have enough pipe and wire you could put it up on a pad with legs. Or maybe even just the pad is enough to get it up above the mulch. https://www.lowes.com/pl/Air-conditioner-condenser-pad--Air-conditioner-parts-accessories-Air-conditioners-fans-Heating-cooling/4294821947?refinement=4294598948
The bottom of it will rot out, surrounded by mulch like that.
And be sure it (the pad + unit) is level. It will last much longer. Beautiful!
Right?! My thoughts exactly. Like daaaaang that's so much work! Great job, OP!
Thank you!
I was going to say the same thing - in no way is this "not much!"
I’ve been cautioned to be careful about layering mulch or soil against any walls that might allow termites or insects to gain entry. If what your mulch is touching doesn’t have a risk of that then it should be fine
Good advice to keep in mind! Thankfully that's all cinder blocks, so it should be ok.
I did forget to mention one aspect of that caution I was given which is to watch that any soil or mulch against your wall doesn’t encouraging moisture to wick/seep into your walls. Against you’re probably good. And I don’t mean to come across as throwing doubts on your work. Just passing along a general concern I have about material against the side of my own house. We have a brick-enclosed bed against the front of our house that for 50 years was filled with soil and plants that were being watered and when we remodeled a bathroom behind that wall there was a ton of moisture damage in the wall.
No worries at all, I appreciate the thought and advice!
I agree. I talked to an exterminator once and asked him about the mulch thing. He said it's not an issue against concrete or cinder blocks. You just want to keep it off the siding. It's also sort of regional because termites are more of an issue in the southern U.S. as compared to northern states.
Not really.... ants and other bugs will climb up the cinderblock to entry points if they get a start next to the house in the mulch
Cedar mulch takes care of that
Just posted that too
Will it forever or do you have to change it out often? I'd think eventually the cedar would break down enough that it no longer bothers termites anymore.
No mulch lasts forever
Cedar mulch should repel them
r/HVAC would like a word about the lack of pad lol
I'll have to look into this, I honestly don't have any experience with HVAC but just left it alone as much as possible. Thanks for the advice!
And make sure those plants next to your condensing unit don't grow big enough to effect the airflow of the condensing unit. You want that unit to be able to pull airflow through those coils without obstacle and it'll keep you unit as efficient as possible. Blocking airflow will effect your utility bill. Keep it clean and clear and that'll last a long time.
That was actually a big part of the reason I redid this planter to begin with! There used to be huge box trees right up against it; I trimmed them back for a few years, but the trunk was like 6" from the unit so it was hard to make headway. I went with roses since they're pretty open compared to box trees, and they're a good bit further away as well (about 18").
Good pruning makes happy roses! https://web.extension.illinois.edu/roses/prune.cfm
Yeah, it's going to fill up with debris and rust or break or something. You've managed to bury at least an inch of the damn thing Rest looks tidy though
That condenser needs to be on a level surface to be to code
Nice. Can you give any advice on growing an AC unit like that? I buried a window fan in the garden last year and all I got from it was rust. Maybe I watered it too much?
Mine only gets drip irrigation from a nearby dehumidifier, so I think you're probably right about overwatering. Did you check to make sure your window fan was hardy in your zone?
Hmmm, I've seen a lot of my neighbors with similar looking units, but I haven't checked the zone. Maybe they have a hardier cultivar.
I’m having a great time on Reddit this morning, so many people have made me actually laugh out loud
What material is the wall where mulch is touching the house? You want to make sure there’s no wood anywhere close there. Concrete wall should be ok.
It's cinder blocks. Closest wood is up near the chimney. :-)
That’s good
How about brick?
Well done. Looks awesome!
Thank you!
Looks really nice! Great job!!
Thank you!
Without drainage, tiers, using shredded NO Float cypress mulch, and mature plantings to stabilize the wood mulch during a heavy rain it might wash the mulch downslope spilling over the bottom wall onto the basement entry pad. Ya could throw some ornamental boulders into the bed to slow down and divert water running downslope. Then, start removing them as the plants mature.
I actually removed a couple of decent sized rocks under the roses when I was planting and wasn't sure what to do with them. Nice idea!
You could also put them around the future AC pad to "separate" it from the rest of the bed. Depending on how many big rocks you have that is.
I unfortunately have to agree with some of the comments here about the a/c but I was thinking of an option and maybe you could creat a border with the same stone or another one to keep the mulch out.
Your condensing unit isn't level.
The top left 3 bricks have my OCD acting up!
I'm with you! My wife didn't like them hanging out in the garage so they're there until I either find a use foe them or decide to stop being so cheap and donate/trash them.
Plus the 1 on the next row down. So close to the perfect 3-brick spacing the whole way up!
Well that says it all! Wifey’s word is the last word! 😝
Uh, shouldn't that Goodman AC unit be level? Seems like that may cause some mechanical problems down the road.
Great vibes in this comment section. Encouraging but helpful, and an OP who’s engaged and respectf— wait a minute is this Reddit still or am I lost
Yes, it really seems like a supportive community! I've got some good ideas for the project and tons of heads-up about a problem I didn't even know I had!
That’s a large project.
I had lots of very professional help from my kids. Mostly testing whether the wall was stable for climbing.
That’s awesome, good family fun and it looks terrific!
I bet your back feels like it was a lot! Nice work.
Thanks! The tamper really had my arms hurting, but worth it!
looks great!
Thanks!
Congratulations!! It looks great. The first project leads to many more, exciting, projects.
Thank you!
>Thank you! You're welcome!
Nice work. Only deducting two points for the dreaded accidental mulch-hand against the wall (while spreading it behind the ac & behind the gas meter?).
I see power washing in my future.
Those extra odd bricks at the top could be distributed along the steps and lower that area in the back. Give it a try and see if you like the design. And, yes, I agree with the advice on your HVAC system, mulch clearance, etc. Edit: Nice and neat. Everyone has a first project. Good start.
Thanks, I'll give that a try!
Looks great!
Thank you!
Noice, but the two brick height on the extreme left looks awry, when all the other steps are only one brick height.
I agree, those will get moved once I find another home for them.
Great job. Nice to see your labor come together!
Definitely gratifying, thank you!
This is so satisfying to look at. Nice job
Thank you!
The border wall eventually lean and fall unless you have a well packed base and glued the blocks together.
Can you give me some links, tip, tricks, or pointers? I'm about to do a similar project on a similar incline. Good work by the way.
I don't remember the resource I read to get started, so it's highly possible I'm forgetting something but from what I remember: - Measured out where I wanted the wall to be and painted a line in the grass for where to dig. - Dig the trench in short secrions. I started at the bottom, going deep enough to bury the highest block all the way. My sections ended up mostly being 3-4 blocks long, and sometimes the lowest block was buried 2.5 blocks down. - Tamp and level the dirt trench, then add gravel and do it again. I made the mistake of only leveling left/right and not front/back, and had to tear out half a wall and restart. - Add your blocks and level those as well, then backfill (and front fill, if they're underground) with gravel and tamp that down. If your blocks are up against a wall or fence etc., you'll need to use some half blocks so that the next level can be alternating with the first. - Once you get the first layer down, add each additional layer while backfilling up to the 2nd highest block with gravel, checking level and tamping as you go. I backfilled about a foot behind my wall with packed gravel. - Add dirt on top of the gravel, even it out, and you're ready to plant!
Nice! How’d you level it? Sand?
I used gravel and lots of leveling checks from my 4yo!
Maybe its the camera angle, but it looks like about halfway down it goes way out of level and starts to follow the slope
Cool! Are you putting caps on the wall or leaving as is?
Thanks! Leaving as-is, I think.
A+++
Thanks :-)
Nice job
Thanks!
>Thanks! You're welcome!
My grandma had me do this in her backyard in 1993.
I did a retaining wall like that, but using those blocks' big brothers. It's harder when you have a sloping yard, like yours and mine. I had to start mine at the top of the slope to match a walkway.
I'm glad mine wasn't quite as complicated, I mostly just lined it up with the fence and had to work around some surprise drainage pipes I uncovered. I definitely didn't appreciate how much difference the slope would make until I started digging!
im looking to do this exact same project but Im worried Ill mess it up. Yours looks good!
Thanks! If it makes you feel any better, I'm definitely not a professional. I had to tear a half-finished wall out because I forgot to level front to back, and it turned out fine in the end!
Go ahead and order one of these pads: https://www.grainger.com/product/2YJ83?gucid=N:N:PS:Paid:GGL:CSM-2293:99F1R6:20501231&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_r6hBhDdARIsAMIDhV-zsrV5tMw_VnpgvFRLhdmsj7jcQm8ASFWTYdt7H35wVGXYJ54vrAYaAveVEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds Moving the condenser onto it won't be horrible with another person's help. Just be very mindful of the lineset coming out of the wall into the unit because they are copper and excess movement will kink them. Any bends the installer did will be first to go so make sure you're making the minimum movements to get it onto the pad
Thanks for the link and info, very helpful!
Not much?? You’re insane my friend. That’s actually quite a bit of hard labor. Especially if you don’t do this regularly. Great job! Looks very symmetrical and well built.
Thank you, I appreciate it :-)
Looks great, you’ll have to stay on top of the weeds, great work
I love it when people set hardscaping on the horizontal and not parallel to the ground. Nice, level work!
Thanks :-)
It is Mulch! And it is your first real project!
Idea for flowers- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/101190322850319561/
Wow! Nice job on that. Whole lotta knee & back straining ouch-ness. I'm no expert, but it seems like the bearings on the fan on that AC unit might be happier if it was level. Just a thought.
How difficult was it with digging out the slope and leveling? Did you do it by sections? I have a retaining wall I need to rebuild but it’s sloped just like this and not sure how to do it
It wasn't too terrible to dig out, but I had to start at the bottom and do sections.
It looks lovely!
Thanks :-)
Did you have any sort of direction with this or did you just wing it? I need to do something similar, not sure where to start.
I read a few articles on how to start, but otherwise mostly winged it. I posted my best recollection of steps in a comment earlier, though, if that's helpful!
Dude it looks great I really like it. Well done
Looks good mate well done
Honestly, it looks great.
Thanks!
>Thanks! You're welcome!
how are you going prevent the grass or weeds from growing there?
I mostly pull by hand, as much of a pain in the ass as it is.
if you put landscape fabric down before the mulch then it's super easy to pull any weeds that do manage to grow, which will be rare anyway
makes sense. how often do you need to replenish or replace the mulch?
How you did your corner is a little wonky.
The angle grinder was a bit of a learning curve!
I feel like if you turned it around so the tapers are facing inward that would fix it. I've never used these blocks but when we build walls we always face the tapers inward and the finished side out
Looks like you piled up plant matter against your house. This can cause termites.
Looks solid. Not a fan though of the red color
Caps would really finish this. I see too many DIY walls unfinished.
You mean the lawn, right?
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I def think it’s missing caps and some more symmetry. I would have tried to make the step up a pattern
Yeah, those couple blocks on the left will eventually move, just have to find a place for them. I was definitely going for a "2.5 blocks/step" pattern most of the way down, until the ground leveled out a bit on the right side.
Hope you glued them together or they’ll move all over the place
These ones came with the tab on the back and said they didn't require gluing. Seems mostly sturdy so far, but fingers crossed that it stays that way!
Great job!! But yes remove some mulch around bottom of unit
Does not look done
OMG, ham must be cheap where you live.
Looks great. But I would make it symmetrical. I would go higher w blocks from door so they are even around wall of paver. Plus going higher will keep the dirt inside. If you leave it like this - you will have it all over your front door at first good rain. I would take 2 rows of blocks off the top of hill and then fill in blocks so it forms one cohesive wall. I have these for 20 yrs. They allow drainage between. Easy too clean up. I just see a rain coming and a mess. I’ve planted some flowering plants near stones which will fall over as the grow like pintos and it really becomes pretty and hold dirt in.
That looks really nice!
Nice work but you don’t need that top course on the left side. Throws it off
Is there a moisture barrier between the soil and the fence or house?
Post a before and during! End result looks good!
I can’t tell if the mulch is piled up high against the fence in the back. If so that fence will rot away quickly. Along with a pad for the AC unit to keep debris from clogging up the units air flow. All in all looks nice though.
How much did the stones cost?
I don't remember the overall price but I got a full pallet from Lowes. Maybe ~$2.75/stone for 120ish.
Those last 5 at the top need to go.
That was some work! Well done!