How to Clean an Air Conditioner Condensing Unit
The condensing unit of a central air cooling system is located outside the home. Since air is pulled into this unit, it often gets covered in dirt, pollen and debris. To ensure that the unit continues to function properly, it should be cleaned at least twice each year. If the unit gets too dirty, it will not cool properly and could even overheat or be overworked, which could lead to costly repairs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Roll out enough hose so that you can easily spray each side of the condenser. Attach the spray nozzle to the hose and set it for a powerful stream, or jet, of water.
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Spray the outside of the unit, working your way around the top of the vents on all four sides and then downward. Clear as much dirt and other debris, like cottonwood in the spring and summer, from the vents so that they allow free air flow.
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Scrub the vents with a wire brush to remove more persistent debris. Scrubbing a few inches of the vents, spraying it with the hose, and working downward is the best method.
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Look through the top of the unit to the fan assembly. If there are any large pieces of debris, remove the top cover with a screwdriver and take them out. This is fairly rare, as the top grill should keep out most debris.
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Use the hose to spray the fan blades and the interior of the unit. The water will not harm the unit. There is no need to dry the unit off.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep your condensing unit free of snow and leaves by covering it when it is not cooling season.
Cleaning may be required often during the spring as much of the pollen and cottonwood floating in the air will be pulled into the condenser.
Perform all maintenance with the unit turned off. Turn off the main breaker inside the home, to be certain that power is shut off to the condenser.
