How to Clean a Heat Pump Condensing Unit
A dirty condensing unit lowers the entire heat pump system's efficiency and can lessen the condensing unit compressor's lifespan. A heat pump's condenser needs air to flow freely through its coil and across the compressor's housing to work properly. The air passing through the coil cools, and condenses, super-heated refrigerant after it leaves the compressor but before it enters the inside unit. Properly cleaning a heat pump's condensing unit involves more than just cleaning the unit itself, it involves cleaning and removing debris from the area around the condenser. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Hand saw
- Garden shears
- Shop vacuum with soft brush attachment
- Screwdriver set
- Aerosol coil cleaner
- Water hose
Instructions
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1
Clear away all grass, trees and shrubs from the heat pump's condensing unit with a hand saw or garden shears. Keep a minimum 18 inches of clearance between the side of the condenser and any bush. Remove all overhanging branches extending within 5 feet of the condenser's top. Carefully pull any grass that has grown into the condensing unit's coil.
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2
Turn off the electricity to the condensing unit at the condenser's circuit breaker or disconnect box. Many newer unit use a disconnect box, the small box the wires from the condenser enter that mounts to the side of the home within arm's reach of the condenser. Open the disconnect box, if equipped, and pull out the buss bar. Otherwise, turn off the circuit breaker labeled "Heat Pump."
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3
Vacuum the loose material from the outside of the condensing unit's coils with a shop vacuum equipped with a soft brush attachment. Press the soft brush attachment against the top of the coil and work with the grain until the brush reaches the bottom. Continue this all the way around the coil. Never work against the coil's grain.
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4
Remove the screws holding the condenser's lid with the correct screwdriver, often a 5/16- or 3/8-inch hex-head screwdriver. Move the lid to gain access to the center of the condensing unit. On some condensing unit models, the condenser's fan connects to the lid. If so, lift the lid from the opposite side that the fan's wires enter the condenser's electrical connection box. Lean the lid against the side of the condenser without disconnecting, pulling or damaging the fan or its wires.
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5
Remove the debris from inside of the heat pump condensing unit with the shop vacuum.
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6
Cover the inside and the outside of the condensing unit's coil with an aerosol coil cleaner. The coil cleaner foams as it works. Wait five minutes before continuing.
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7
Wash the coil cleaner from the coil with a water hose. Spray the coil from the inside of the unit toward the outside. Avoid damaging the coil's fins with excessive water pressure. Do not soak the fan or the electrical box with water.
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Align the heat pump condenser's lid over the unit's housing and set it in place. Verify each screw hole matches and the grate that covers the outside of the coil fits inside of the lid. Insert and tighten the lid's screws with the correct screwdriver.
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Tips & Warnings
If the condensing unit rattles after cleaning it, verify all of the screws are in place and tight.
References
Resources
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