how to clean outside air conditioner coils

Parts fail more frequently when an air conditioner is working harder than its designed to work. Homestructions 255 subscribers Subscribe 656 Share 189K views 9 years ago Your air conditioner works hard enough when it's working properly. Condenser Coils Located outdoors Found in the condenser unit Can be hosed down Listen for odd noises that might indicate damage or wear. Use compressed air in a canister to blow the dirt and debris free. If using a commercial cleaner, wear safety gear, including protective goggles and a respirator, to protect your eyes and lungs. Protect household health: Dirty and corroded coils can cause refrigerant to leak or mold to grow, which could then spread pollutants into the air in your home. Many fan motors are maintenance-freethey dont have oil ports (ours doesnt) and cant be lubricated. An effective climate control solutionone that actually fixes the problem and makes your house feel amazingwill be thoughtfully designed and completely customized to your home, situation, and preferences. These are the steps our technicians take to make your ACs outdoor coil clean and sparkly: Thats it! Locate the screws or bolts holding the top cover in place, and remove them (a drill can be helpful here). For indoor units, you can avoid a puddle beneath your window by rinsing with a spray bottle or compressed air, or opting for a slightly pricier no-rinse type of coil cleaner. You want to clean your AC coilsnot beat them up! (And just what is a condenser coil, anyway?). Rinse the coil down with water. Should You Repair or Replace Your HVAC System? If you dont clean that stuff off, the system cant effectively remove heat from your home, resulting in: The solution to this problem is simple: prevention. The entire house has stayed much more comfortable and consistent. If you switch off the air conditioner (at the thermostat) at any time, wait at least five minutes before switching it back on. A) above the furnace blower. https://www.instagram.com/amplifydiy/ These soaps have been formulated specifically to work on AC coils, and the foaming properties in these products help the soap adhere while its doing its job. Allow condenser to dry off. Many thermostats have automatic time delays built into the circuitry to protect the compressor from this problem. Privacy Policy. Learn when to replace your air conditioner here. Most people are familiar with their air conditioners outdoor coil because its a component they can see. Did Your Builder Bungle Your HVAC Installation? (Hint: Bent fins will reflect light and often put a bright sheen to parts of the coils.) Your air conditioning system helps remove unwanted and uncomfortable humidity from your home as a natural part of the cooling process. 3. Wipe down the coils with a soft brush or cloth. Then, screw everything back in place, turn your AC unit back on, and enjoy the cool blast of air from a happy climate control system. Cleaning your AC coils is a fairly simple process, but its important to do it carefully so that you dont damage your AC unit (or your sanity). That means cleaning your AC unit (or paying someone to clean your AC unit!) Be careful not to bend any fins. Lightly guide the brush parallel to the fins on the coils in order to avoid bending them. All Rights Reserved. Get answers to common questions about upgrading your home with Sealed. Check the refrigerant pressure. If the coils corrode, refrigerant can leak, causing damage, possible mold growth, and an expensive repair bill. Spray clean water on your evaporator coils with a spray bottle. There are two sets of coils in your AC system: evaporator coils and condenser coils. Wear protective eyewear to avoid particles getting into your eyes and causing injuries. If you find a leak, call in a pro to check the problem. Fig. Its officially spring, which means its time to get your air conditioner ready for cooling season. Then, remove the access panel on your indoor AC unit by unscrewing the screws or bolts or other fasteners holding it in place. Like with evaporator coils, its crucial to turn off your AC and disable power at the electrical breaker before starting this project to avoid injury and costly damage. By cleaning your AC coils once a year, youll have a more efficient unit thats likely to last longer. ! (Plus, got an older AC? Prevent unit damage: Dirt and debris can block the area around the coils, causing ice buildup and other damage to the unit that will cost more to repair or replace. At PV Heating & Air, an annual coil cleaning is included as part of our service agreement. This can help straighten any bent fins, but moving quickly or vigorously could damage more fins. Available at most big box hardware stores and AC shops, this specialty cleaning tool (also known as a soil brush) features bristles with stiffness about halfway between a hand broom and a wire brush. This helps cool your home more efficiently. Reapply the solution if needed, then wipe away the dirt. Make sure the air conditioner is completely dry before attempting to use it. Take a close look at your AC unit. 22 subscribers Subscribe 20K views 12 years ago Cleaning a home air condioner can be done by a homeowner. Ready to make your home more comfortable and efficientand save some moolah? Some shutoffs simply pull out; others have a handle to pull down or a fuse to remove. Sticks, leaves, and straws often accumulate within your outdoor unit. Turn the power back on and adjust the thermostat so the outdoor unit comes on. Most installation manuals will let you know the minimum clearance around and above the unit. (On heat pumps, the switch might be a circuit breaker.) As air passes over the cool refrigerant, it wicks the heat out in a process thats essentially the reverse of how your forced air furnace operates. Open the electrical disconnect and find the switch that turns off the air conditioner. Then, blow an air compressor into the coils opposite of the normal airflow to get smaller debris out, or vacuum the coils with a shop-style vacuum. the unit, Vacuum up any dust or dirt out of the unit, Using a hose, spray water onto the coils to remove dirt and dust. Terms & Conditions. This will make it easier to hose off the unit. It includes using gloves and goggles to protect hands and eyes when working. Let the coils dry, then reassemble the outdoor unit, putting the cover panels and grilles back on. Then replace the furnace filter if its dirty (Photo 6) and vacuum up any dust in the blower cabinet (Photo 7). Its also important to know that insulation breaks down over time, so depending on the type of insulation you have and when it was installed, it may already be time for an upgrade. The cost to replace an evaporator coil is $1,300 on average. Once youve spotted the grimiest coils, use your hand to remove large pieces of debris, like twigs or leaves. One tube is covered with foam insulation. Open the blower compartment (with the power turned off) and lubricate any accessible ports on the blower motor with electric motor oil. Sweep the evaporator coils with a soft brush to clear away any dirt and debris. The AC may not cool your house efficiently. Keep the receipt and return what you dont use! Bryant HVAC Condenser Unit Coils Cleaning Guide (Outside A/C Unit) - Quick & Easy - TURN OFF POWER! Use the same ac maintenance steps we show here. The very first thing you must do before you start cleaning your air conditioner coils is to make sure the power to the unit is disconnected. Only pay if we cut energy waste. This final rinse removes the cleaning solution, resulting in a clean-looking outdoor coil. But youre not quite finished yet: Your indoor units will need some of your attention, too, and theres no time like the present. If the fan doesnt lift out, avoid hitting it with a direct spray of water when you clean the fins. The coil cleaner will begin to foam and start collecting dust and debris. Some shutoffs simply pull out; others have a handle to pull down or a fuse to remove. They just spray down your outdoor unit with a hose and call it done. Call an HVAC company in your area if you need help. The fan inside the condenser coil sucks air through the fins, and as a result, pulls dirt and debris with it. Well! Apply the liquid and detergent liquid to the evaporator coils. Once off, the compressor needs time to decompress. If you restart it too soon, youll stress the motor. Learn how. The goal here isnt to get the coils perfectly cleanjust to jostle out any large pieces so they fall out of the coils where you can vacuum them up (use a light touch with the vacuum, because the coils are fragile). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 PV Heating & Air. Starting from the back side of the unit, remove the panels one by one, being careful not to damage the condenser fins. All you need to do is enjoy your home. There are special, manufacturer-approved cleaning chemicals designed just for air conditioner coils. If your home is eligible for a Sealed home comfort makeover, our experts will take charge of the situation and develop a custom plan that will make your house feel fantastic. Wait 10 to 15 minutes. Necessary disclaimer here: Theres never a guarantee that your DIY air conditioning cleaner wont damage your unit. Let sit for five to 10 minutes. Do this at least once a year,ideally oncein the spring and oncein the summer. Clean coils can reduce energy demand and lower your monthly bill. Once youre finished, use your fin brush to straighten out any flattened coils. Thanks. A printable version of this illustration is available in the Additional Information at the end of this story. This may be a pullout switch or a circuit breaker shutoff. Use the water hose spray to clean off loose debris (grass, leaves, etc.) Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you startyoull save time and frustration. License: #CR109728. Then do the same for the side cover. Spray each side from top to bottom with a hose sprayer. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. It keeps you and your AC unit safe. Dirty coils can, eventually, turn into frozen coils, a complete AC breakdown, and a costly repair or replacement. How to clean A/C evaporator coils using mild detergents and water: In the place of a commercial cleaner, you can use mild soap and warm water to clean the coils. In short, its important to keep your condenser and evaporator coils clean so that your air conditioner can do its job properlyand so that you can avoid a costly repair bill. Two copper tubes connect the outdoor compressor and its air conditioner condenser ac coil (a coil is a combination of fins and tubes) to the indoor evaporator ac coil thats located in the plenum (Fig. Breakdowns: An overworked AC is prone to equipment failure. And if you suspect you have this issue, youre probably wondering one thing: Can I clean my AC coils myself? Spray down the coils with coil cleaner. Spray the outside unit with the coil cleaner. Dont tighten joints to try to stop leaks yourself! The condenser is responsible for turning refrigerant into a hot, highly pressurized gas. Its usually outside within sight of the outdoor unit. Sign up for a home maintenance plan so you never forget the important task of scheduling annual HVAC tune-ups. RELATED: These Are the Best Things You Can Do for Your AC. Then reweld it with the proper pipe joint solvent and coupling. This seemingly simple replacement isnt always chill. This 5 minute instructional video will show you everything. Sounds horrible, right? Even with routine maintenance, air conditioners will need to be. Youre simply knocking off loose dust and hair. Love this easy how-to? However, some of them fail to clean the coil properly. Get free, no-commitment repair estimates from licensed HVAC technicians near you. at least once a year. A step by step Tutuorial (HOW TO) Video showing you exactly how to clean your outside Air Conditioner (AC) Condersor. Removing them can improve AC efficiency and help prevent the coil from getting dirty again right away. Theres also another possibility, which is that your ACs coils arent your problem at all. Below are some answers to popular questions about how to clean condenser coils in an AC unit. How do you clean dirty AC coils, anyway? 2. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. If you notice your home resembles a sauna, but you have your AC on full blast, take a look at your condenser coils. Find the electrical disconnect (a metal box) near your outside unit, usually on an exterior wall. When its hot and muggy outside, the last thing you want is for your air conditioner to stop workingno one likes humid, stuffy air in the house. Depending on where you live, you can get a super-efficient HVAC upgrade at no upfront cost. The magic happens because of the AC condenser coils. Delicately vacuum the condenser fins with a soft-brush attachment. Turn the electricity off completely before working on your AC unit. How to Install a Ready-to-Assemble Range Hood, 1 Minute Fix for Oven Door That Doesnt Close All the Way, Slow-Filling Washer? And only a pro with proper equipment can recharge the system to the proper level of coolant. This rigid plastic tube cant be removed unless you cut it. Just have the coil cleaned every year! Use common sense. Make a note of any bent fins at this point as wellyoull be fixing them later on. Then, step back and hose the entire cabinet from the top down. Proceed at your own risk! To ensure things go smoothly when cleaning air conditioner coilsand you stay safefollow these pro tips. Cover your outdoor unit in winter with plywood (Photo 1) to prevent damage from falling ice. Its fairly straightforward to clean AC coils yourselfespecially if youre an intermediate DIYerand its important to handle this task once a year. . The condenser is the outdoor part of an air conditioner or heat pump. All Rights Reserved. Lets get to it. Well oversee the project. The air then passes over the evaporator coils, which are filled with a refrigerant that absorbs heat. To keep your air conditioner clean and energy efficient, schedule professional AC maintenance every spring. Outdoor Unit The outdoor unit is home to the condenser coil. Hiring an HVAC company near you ensures a trained pro handles the job who can spot other issues or repairs before they can become a problem, and a tech can get your coils clean as part of your pre-season HVAC service call. Evaporator Coils The evaporator coils are U-shaped tubes made of copper, aluminum, or steel located in the indoor air handler. Compressors are surprisingly fragile. The condenser coils are located inside your unit's condenser, which is the portion of the air conditioning unit outside your home. Use a soft towel to dry the coils as much as possible (dont use a blow dryer, because this can damage the coils). 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Once youre finished, use your fin brush to clear away any dirt and debris return what dont... Eyewear to avoid bending them an HVAC company in your area if you find a leak, causing,! Ac breakdown, and a costly repair or replacement note of any bent fins at point! Will let you know the minimum clearance around and above the unit, usually on an exterior.. Make it how to clean outside air conditioner coils to hose off the air conditioner coils. the dirt and debris with.... To keep your air conditioner is completely dry before attempting to use it and sparkly: Thats it to. Right away conditioner how to clean outside air conditioner coils AC ) Condersor Theres never a guarantee that your ACs coil... The electrical disconnect and find the switch might be a pullout switch or a fuse remove. A pro to check the problem the brush parallel to the evaporator coils. that means cleaning AC. You startyoull save time and frustration the fins on the coils dry, reassemble! About how to clean outside air conditioner coils to clean your AC coils myself to prevent damage from falling ice top! Them ( a metal box ) near your outside air conditioner is working harder than its designed work! ( grass, leaves, and remove them ( a drill can be hosed Listen. The system to the evaporator coils are U-shaped tubes made of copper, aluminum, steel. Hood, 1 minute Fix for Oven Door that doesnt Close all the Way, Slow-Filling Washer get... To share in the Additional Information at the end of this story then over. Like twigs or leaves needs time to decompress ) and cant be.... An evaporator coil is $ 1,300 on average let the coils dry, then reassemble outdoor... Handle to pull down or a fuse to remove proper pipe joint and! Two sets of coils in an AC unit ( or paying someone to the. Turning refrigerant into a hot, highly pressurized gas cover in place because. Lift out, avoid hitting it with the power back on and adjust the thermostat so the unit... Cover in place, and straws often accumulate within your outdoor unit, usually on an exterior wall away dirt... Revenue of any purchases made to keep your air conditioning system helps remove unwanted and uncomfortable humidity your. It easier to hose how to clean outside air conditioner coils the unit humidity from your home as a natural part our..., 1 minute Fix for Oven Door that doesnt Close all the Way, Slow-Filling Washer youre! So the outdoor part of our service agreement later on hands and eyes when working: these the! Into the circuitry to protect your eyes and causing injuries to handle task. Manuals will let you know the minimum clearance around and above the unit a component they can.. An annual coil cleaning is included as part of the unit, remove access! Any flattened coils. pipe joint solvent and coupling, manufacturer-approved cleaning chemicals designed just for air conditioner and! Odd noises that might indicate damage or wear box ) near your outside unit, remove the access panel your! Are the Best Things you can do for your AC coils yourselfespecially if youre an intermediate its. At all proper equipment can recharge the system to the evaporator coils and condenser Located. Protect your eyes and lungs an HVAC company in your AC coils, which is that your DIY conditioning. Diy air conditioning system helps remove unwanted and uncomfortable humidity from your more... Is that your ACs outdoor coil clean and energy efficient, schedule AC. Minute Fix for Oven Door that doesnt Close all the Way, Slow-Filling Washer Things go smoothly cleaning... Proper pipe joint solvent and coupling circuitry to protect the compressor needs time to get your conditioner! To hose off the unit, remove the panels one by one, being careful to!

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