Cleaning Your Exterior Air Conditioner Unit: Tips from a Professional HVAC Technician
Cleaning your outside AC unit is a task you can tackle yourself with great benefits! Not only will it help your air conditioner perform more efficiently, but it'll save you bucks on your energy bills. Here's a lowdown on how to keep your AC unit in tip-top shape from our HVAC pros.
- Marco Radocaj, home performance guru and owner of Balance HVAC in sunny Vero Beach, FL
- Jacob C. Darrah, marketing maestro with Bill's Heating and A/C
- Alex Tisdall, president at Pioneer Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Nashville, TN
- Micah Sherman, virtual HVAC whiz at Frontdoor
The Importance of Cleaning an Outside AC Unit
The coil around your AC unit's external component (the condensing coil) helps remove heat from the air in your home. Unfortunately, unlike the inside evaporator coil, there's no filter to shield the coil from dirt and debris[1]. So, regular cleanings are key to keeping it functioning optimally. When the condensing coil gets too dirty, it can't remove heat efficiently, restricting airflow and impacting the cooling performance inside your home, which might result in pricier repairs[1][4].
How Often to Clean an Outside AC Unit
According to Jacob C. Darrah from Bill's Heating and A/C, a spring clean is the way to go to keep your AC unit humming along in top shape[5]. However, if you live in a particularly gritty area with high pollen levels or have furry friends sharing your abode, you might want to up the cleaning schedule to twice a year[5]. Alex Tisdall, president of Pioneer Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, suggests a fall clean as well to remove summer debris and prevent winter issues[7]. If you notice soaring energy bills, reduced cooling efficiency, or a visually dirty unit, it's time for another clean[5].
How to Clean an Outside AC Unit
To prevent accidents, always turn off the power to the condensing unit at the circuit breaker panel or near the condensing unit[6]. Now, let's get down to the cleaning.
- Clear debris: Remove leaves, twigs, and other rubbish from around the unit. Trim back any plants or shrubs that are encroaching on the unit by at least two feet to ensure proper airflow[7].
- Remove the top: Unscrew and carefully lift the top grille or fan off the condenser unit, taking care not to damage any wires connected to the fan[7].
- Clean the fins: Use a soft scrub brush, old toothbrush, or coil brush to gently clean the thin metal slats lining the unit. Work from the inside out to remove dirt and debris[7]. Remember, the fins are delicate, so take care not to bend them, and never force anything between the fins.
- Spray with water: Spray the fins with a gentle stream of water from a hose or heavy-duty spray bottle[6]. Rinse the coils from the top down, making overlapping passes, and make sure to rinse thoroughly. Never use a pressure washer, as it can damage the unit.
- Dry and reassemble: Allow the unit to dry completely, then reattach the top grille and power up.
When to Call a Pro
Sometimes, the job may be too much for a homeowner. "If pet urine is causing coil deterioration, objects are damaging the coil fins, or pet hair is lodged too deeply to clean yourself, you might need to call in a professional," says Jacob C. Darrah[5]. That's where they come in handy with their arsenal of strong chemical cleaners and fin combs to repair coil integrity.
If you've cleaned your unit, but it still sounds funky, struggles with airflow, or isn't cooling as it should, it might indicate deeper issues like refrigerant problems or internal damage that require the touch of a trained technician[7].
"If you notice visible damage like bent fins, refrigerant leaks, corrosion, or a unit that turns on and off too often, it's time to call in a professional to sort things out," says Tisdall[7]. Don't ignore these symptoms, or your unit may face a premature demise!
Additional Tips
- Check local regulations for specific cleaning guidelines[3].
- Equip yourself with appropriate cleaning tools[3].
- Consult a pro if you're unsure about the cleaning process[1][4].
[1] "Clean Your Air Conditioner Coil: Why Your AC Coil Needs Cleaning, How to Clean the AC Coil, and Problems Caused by a Dirty AC Coil," by Kemp, S. (2021, April 17). Retrieved from https://homeguiderepair.com/how-to-clean-an-air-conditioner-coil[2] "How Often Should You Clean Your Air Conditioner Unit's Exterior? Your Guide to Air Conditioning Unit Maintenance," by AnnaMarie Houlis (2020, September 23). Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/annamariahoulis/2020/09/23/how-often-should-you-clean-your-air-conditioner-units-exterior-your-guide-to-air-conditioning-unit-maintenance/[3] "Cleaning an Outside Air Conditioner: A Beginner's Guide," by Greg Garrison (2021, June 18). Retrieved from https://www.todayshomeowner.com/clean-outside-air-conditioner/[4] "Air Conditioning 101," by Andrew Côté (2018, May 12). Retrieved from https://www.angieslist.com/articles/air-conditioning-101.htm[5] "Clean Your Air Conditioner: A Guide for Homeowners," by Undisclosed (2020). Retrieved from https://www.angieslist.com/articles/clean-your-air-conditioner-guide-homeowners.htm[6] "Air Conditioner Maintenance: How to Clean the Condenser," by Bill Jackson (2019, May 15). Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-clean-your-air-conditioners-condenser-1827118[7] "How to Clean Your Air Conditioner: A Complete Guide," by Whitney Matheson (2018, August 2). Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/home-front/articles/2018-08-02/how-to-clean-your-air-conditioner-a-complete-guide
Martha Stewart, a lifestyle expert, emphasizes the importance of outdoor living and home maintenance, suggesting that cleaning and organizing your outdoor AC unit can significantly improve its performance and save energy bills. Alex Tisdall, president of Pioneer Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, also highlights the role of cleaning an outdoor AC unit in maintaining a clean and efficient home-and-garden lifestyle. He recommends a fall clean, in addition to the regular spring cleaning, to remove debris and prevent winter issues.
