How to Clean a Carrier Compressor

Cleaning your carrier compressors helps your HVAC system run cooler all summer long.

Installing central air conditioning in your home is an effective and energy efficient way to keep your home cool in the summer. These units are very expensive and are sometimes attached to the heating furnace. A central air conditioner requires regular maintenance in order to run efficiently all the time. It's hard for a carrier compressor to run when it is clogged up. The compressor can become obstructed by dust and mold, which can make it difficult and dangerous to run the system. Cleaning the compressor periodically can save money as well as avoid a hazard.

Things You'll Need

• Safety glasses
• Screwdriver
• Nut driver set
• Filter
• Coil cleaner (for air conditioner)
• Lubricating oil
• Shop vacuum
• Garden hose
• Spray nozzle
• Funnel
• Coil brush (for refrigerator)

Instructions

1. Turn the power off to the furnace so the blower doesn't kick on while you are trying to clean it.

2. Use the screwdriver to unscrew the mounting bolts at each of the corners of the front cover and remove the front of the carrier compressor unit.

3. Remove the old filter by sliding it out of the holding slots. Vacuum it off with shop vacuum or replace it with a new filter.

4. Locate the blower compartment underneath the compressor and vacuum it out.

5. Lubricate the oil cups on the motor with the oil and tighten up the mounting bolts using the nut driver set.

6. Brush off the coils in and around the unit with the coil brush.

Tips & Warnings

• Give your unit an extensive cleaning twice a year---once before you turn the air compressor unit on and again after you finish using it for the year.

References

• FamilyHandyMan.com: Cleaning Air Conditioning