How to Clean an Air Handler Compressor

Cleaning your outdoor air conditioner unit can help maximize its efficiency.

A central air conditioner is most efficient when it cools your home to the desired temperature at a low cost. If your air conditioner runs but does not produce cold air, the air handler compressor and overall unit may need a good cleaning. Cleaning your unit will prolong the life of your air conditioner and help it run more efficiently, lowering your cooling bills. If this is your first time performing maintenance on your unit, you may want to reserve an afternoon or a half-day to complete the task.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Soft-bristle brush
• Vacuum with brush or hose attachment
• Plastic covering or trash bag
• Hose with nozzle and trigger
• Electric motor oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Shut off power to the air conditioner by turning off the 240-volt power at the appliance shutoff box, which you will usually find on an outside wall near the unit. If you see no shut off button to pull out, switch to pull down or fuse to remove, turn off the power at the circuit breaker located at the main panel that controls the outside unit.

2. Remove any debris such as leaves and branches from the area near the outdoor condenser. Trim any bushes or plants that could block the airflow.

3. Unscrew the protective grille or cover grille on the top of the compressor. If the fan is attached to the actual grille, be careful not to pull any wires loose.

4. 

   Use a soft-bristle brush to clean initial debris.

   Remove dirt and debris from the fins with a soft-bristle brush. Vacuum to remove any more loose dirt. Be gentle with the vacuum cleaner to avoid damaging the fins.

5. Cover the wiring and motor with plastic or a trash bag. Use the hose with a nozzle and trigger inside the unit. Point the hose downward and pull the trigger to remove any more residue on the fins.

6. Lubricate the fan motor with electric motor oil if the unit's owner's manual recommends.

7. Reassemble the unit by replacing the protective grille or top cover after the water has dried.

8. Test the unit by turning the thermostat to "off." Turn the power back on. Wait five minutes before switching the thermostat to "on." Let it run for a few minutes and then check the pipes that connect the condenser unit to the air handler. One pipe should feel warm, the other, cool.

Tips & Warnings

• To protect your outdoor unit in the winter, cover it with plywood.

• If you see any dark marks on the bottom of the compressor case or pad, your unit may have an oil or refrigerant leak. Do not try to tighten any joints to stop the leak yourself because over-tightening can make the problem worse. Call a professional who has the proper equipment to fix the problem.

• If you do not notice a change in air temperature after cleaning or notice anything amiss, call a professional air-conditioner technician to inspect the unit.

References

• Don Vandervort's Hometips: Central Air Conditioner Repairs
• The Family Handyman: Cleaning Air Conditioners in the Spring