I like to place the outside condenser whether AC or HP close to the inside air handler or furnace away from outside area that family intends to use for enjoyment or entertaining like a deck or patio. Sometimes there are compromises. Stay away from windows and shrubbery and allow plenty of space when service is needed.

IMO

Thanks much! So, there are no "rules" with respect to what needs to be done? It's a pretty small, single story house, so no spot is going to be great.

You want clearance to manufacturer specs, overhead and on sides of condenser.

Again I prefer close proximity to air handler or furnace.

TD

Some outdoor units are much quieter than others. If you like quiet, you should pay attention to that aspect of the the equipment.

This is why you need lots of voices posted, not just a singular definitive one.

I'm surprised no one mentioned trying to dampen sound vibrations. Diversitech makes some excellent E.V.A. Anti-Vibration pads. They could be stacked to increase the anti-vibrational capacity.

You could also request a sound blanket for your compressor. Make sure the lineset is installed with good insulation and isolated. Also, a good quality brushless scroll compressor is generally way quieter (and more efficient) than a brushed one.

Like tigerdunes stated, you want to the outdoor unit as close to the indoor unit as possible. Why? From an efficiency standpoint, each 100+ feet of 7/8" vapor line loses 900-1000btu and increases the pressure drop by 2-3psig. IMO? lol? Good luck.

Thanks

We ended up putting it in the front yard, in a fairly inconspicuous spot. While the front yard isn't desirable, we spend less time out there than at the patio area. Hopefully, we will turn it on tomorrow and we'll see.