New vent problem--can I do anything about this?

Question

This is similar to another issue I posted here, but this one is at a different house...

The way the house was built, the vent was placed right behind the AC compressor. Because of the way it's set up in the garage, there's no option of drilling a new vent hole in a different place, so I have to redirect the outside vent or leave it alone.
I bought an elbow and a hard vent (not the type with kinks), but as you can see the placement of the AC vent electrical components on the wall don't give a lot of options for what direction to vent it. I could vent it vertically, but it will have to touch that electrical wire on the wall, or I could vent it to the left, but then it will blow on anyone exiting through the door.
Whatever I end up doing needs to be safe because tenants are living there. Thanks.

Uryss Mitchell · Answer

Yeah, Richard S. you're right but I think the issue is to find a more economical way to solve the problem of having to move the unit.The external trap you mentioned will also work but the indoor dryer vent I'm talking about is a commercial product in most cases,but it can also be used for residential applications. The indoor dryer vents are square shaped plastic boxes with a diverter panel inside. They are made to be cut into an existing dryer vent hose. The diverter can be flipped inside the box to vent the dryer's exhaust either indoors or out. There 's a external removable lint trap panel on the front of the box itself which catches the lint. Hope this helps

Bienes Raices · Answer

Thanks, but will that prevent the lint from blowing onto the AC condenser? That is the problem I'm trying to fix.

Richard S. · Answer

If you need additional heat and humdity in the house? use indoor trap!! If you would like to move AC: Recover refrigerant, abandone power and relocate,
Relocate the unit to it's new location with pad, Re-route and re-braze the copper lines, Reconnect the electrical ,Pull a vacuum on the modified lines, Re-insulate the lines,Recharge the system.
Check out the system for proper operation. Or spend $50 - $60, along with an hour to clean out the 4" and install a good trap thats designed to eliminate lint build up. Boosters are available if needed...

Uryss Mitchell · Answer

HOLD ON ! MOVING THE UNIT COULD BE COSTLY AND UNNECESSARY. ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS INSTALL AN INDOOR DRYER VENT, WHICH IS LEGAL IN MANY STATES BUT CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL PLUMBING CODE

Bienes Raices · Answer

Thanks, it is a dryer vent for an electric dryer, sorry I forgot to mention that...the lint blowing into the AC unit is the issue.
I'll look into moving it, but I think it rests on a concrete pad.

James Aldridge · Answer

I agree move the pad and the ac to the right.  Remove the straps to the electrical line leading to the ac, move the pad and ac, re-strap electrical

Uryss Mitchell · Answer

Hey Bienes Raices , I'm a licensed plumber in San Antonio,TX and your problem isn't that hard but first I need to know if the dryer is gas or electric.

Richard S. · Answer

Assume dryer is for vent. lint is breaching the dryers trap an sticking to condenser, resulting in additional or frequent cleaning? Would recommend an external lint trap, leave vent in place. Check your manufactures recommendations for proper vent distances, check that the additional backflow from the trap is still feasible

Dan Schemerhorn · Answer

i agree why do you need to move it?

Dan Schemerhorn

Dick M. · Answer

I wouldn't change it at all, whats the problem?