How To Clean Outside Air Conditioner Coil
The coils on outdoor air conditioning units are an important component of the air conditioning system, allowing heat from within the system to escape into the open air.
Pollen, leaves, dirt and other contaminants can build up on the coil because of wind and rain, with the increased buildup reducing the efficiency of the coil's heat transfer.
Cleaning the outside air conditioner coil regularly improves its ability to transfer heat, making your entire air conditioning system run more smoothly.
How to Clean Outside Air Conditioner Coil
Turn off power to air conditioning unit at breaker box or outdoor power junction that unit connects to
Turn off power to the air conditioning unit at the breaker box or outdoor power junction that the unit connects to. This will prevent accidental damage to the unit that might occur during cleaning, as well as the possibility of injury.
Remove any obvious debris from outside of air conditioning unit's condenser fins with a shop vac that has a soft-bristle attachment
Remove any obvious debris from the outside of the air conditioning unit's condenser fins with a shop vac that has a soft-bristle attachment. Vacuum the entire outside surface of the condenser fins to remove any dirt, dust or grass clippings that may be present.
Mix a high-foaming coil cleaner according to package directions and pour it into a hand-pump sprayer
Mix a high-foaming coil cleaner according to package directions and pour it into a hand-pump sprayer.
Apply the cleaning solution to the condenser fins from the outside, saturating them.
Allow the solution to soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove the screws holding the grill on top of the air conditioning unit in place.
Carefully lift the grill off of the unit, removing the fan in the process.
Set the grill and fan aside, making sure that no wires are overstretched or damaged in the process.
Wipe the fan blades clean if dust or other dirt is evident.
Cover any electrical components inside the air conditioning unit with plastic bags or other waterproof materials.
Spray the condenser fins with cleaning solution again, making sure that you spray from the outside of the air conditioner and not the inside.
Remove the screws holding the grill on top of the air conditioning unit in place.
Carefully lift the grill off of the unit, removing the fan in the process.
Set the grill and fan aside, making sure that no wires are overstretched or damaged in the process.
Wipe the fan blades clean if dust or other dirt is evident.
Cover any electrical components inside the air conditioning unit with plastic bags or other waterproof materials.
Spray the condenser fins with cleaning solution again, making sure that you spray from the outside of the air conditioner and not the inside.