How to Clean an Indoor Air Conditioner Condenser & Evaporator

Your central air conditioner features two primary parts: the condenser, which is located outside the home on the air conditioner unit; and the evaporator, which is located inside the home near the furnace. A dirty condenser or evaporator unit can force the air conditioner to work harder to operate correctly. Keeping the condenser and evaporator clean will save money on your energy bill and make the entire air conditioner unit last longer.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Stiff brush
• 1 tbsp. bleach
• Wire
• Dry rag
• Damp cloth
• Pruning shears or scissors
• Soft brush
• Fin comb
• Professional coil cleaner product
• Carpenter's level
• Pry bar

Instructions

Cleaning the Evaporator

1. Turn off the power to the air conditioner, including the condenser, before approaching the evaporator for cleaning.

2. Remove the foil insulation from the front of the plenum. The plenum is attached to the duct work and is made of sheet metal. The air flows through the plenum as it blows from the furnace. The foil insulation may be taped into position. Remove the tape carefully so you can re-tape the insulation when you are finished cleaning.

3. Detach the access plate that is located behind the insulation using a screwdriver. The evaporator should now be exposed.

4. Use a stiff brush to thoroughly scrub the evaporator. Be sure to get any dust, dirt, or other debris completely off the evaporator. Clean the underside of the unit as well. Be careful not to bend the pipes around the evaporator unit while cleaning.

5. Wash the bottom tray of the evaporator by putting one tablespoon of bleach into the tray's weep hole. You may need to use a wire to open the weep hole. The bleach will keep fungus from growing.

Cleaning the Condenser

1. Locate the condenser unit on the central air conditioning unit outside the home. You will likely find grass, dirt and other debris inside the condenser.

2. Clean the coil on the intake portion of the unit. Brush away any dirt or debris with a rag and wipe the coils clean with a damp cloth.

3. Trim any weeds, grass, or plants that are growing around the condenser to maintain a clear airflow.

4. Clean the fins of the condenser with a dry, soft brush. Get any dirt or debris off the fins but do not use a hose or water on the fins. This will only make the dirt turn to mud.

5. Purchase a fin comb from a home improvement store to smooth out any fins that have been bent out of shape.

6. Use a professional coil-cleansing product to clean the coils. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Let the coil dry completely after cleaning.

7. Use a carpenter's level to check the concrete pad that sits underneath the condenser unit. It may have settled over time making it crooked. If necessary, use a pry bar to lift the pad into a level position. You may also move gravel or rocks underneath the pad to level it.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace the air filter on your furnace after cleaning the condenser and evaporator unit.

References

• Online Tips
• Alpine Home Air Products