How To Clean an Outside AC Unit
Your air conditioner works hard to keep your home cool and comfortable, and you can extend its lifespan by understanding how to clean an outdoor AC unit on a regular basis. While it’s easy to assume that changing your indoor filters is enough to keep your system in peak condition, it isn’t quite that simple. Join us as we discuss how to clean an outdoor AC unit.
How often should you clean your outside AC unit?
It’s important to thoroughly clean your outdoor AC unit at least once a year. Here’s a closer look at what this annual maintenance can include:
Common signs of a dirty AC unit
If your AC isn’t keeping your home as cool as it should be, it might be trying to tell you something. Blowing out warm air, making strange noises, and generating unusual odors can all indicate your system needs maintenance. Keep an eye on your utility bills, as rising energy costs can also signal that your AC is struggling.
What you’ll need to clean your outside unit
In order to clean your outdoor AC unit, you’ll need the right tools. Grab a screwdriver, a shop vac with a brush attachment, a pair of gardening gloves, a water hose, and some foaming AC coil-cleaning spray. You can find this dedicated product at home improvement and big-box stores.
When is the best time to clean your outside AC unit?
The best time to clean your outdoor AC unit is in the spring before warmer temperatures hit. This will ensure it’s in good condition to handle hot weather. It also means you won’t have to turn off your system to clean it when your home is warm.
How to clean your outdoor AC unit
You don’t need to hire an HVAC specialist to clean your AC! In fact, this is an easy job that you can tackle in under an hour. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Turn off power to the unit
Killing the power to your AC unit will help you avoid a major accident. We suggest flipping off the breaker and unplugging it from the outlet, just to be safe. While most systems have removable blades attached to the top, it’s still worth powering down your unit to avoid the risk of electrical shock.
Step 2: Remove any debris inside the unit
Once your AC system is off, you can remove the lid using your screwdriver and empty any accumulated debris inside. Start by scooping out the bulky waste with your hands. Then, use your shop vac to suck up any remaining litter. Be sure to hit the seams and corners to remove compacted dirt.
At this point, you can use a soft-bristled brush attachment to remove dust and pollen from the coils. Remember to brush up and down for the best results.
Step 3: Spray coils with dedicated coil cleaner
Now that your outdoor AC unit is free of large debris, it’s time to make it sparkle. Spray your foaming coil cleaner onto the AC coils and give it a few minutes to eat away at any remaining gunk. Follow the instructions on the bottle. Most brands only take five to ten minutes.
Step 4: Rinse with water
When your timer dings, you can gently spray away the foam from your outdoor AC unit’s coils. Be sure to avoid any electrical components, and don’t use a powerful spray setting that could damage your system.
Step 5: Replace the top and test your unit
Once you’ve thoroughly rinsed the coils, you can replace the lid and crank it back up. You might notice it runs quieter and doesn’t have the musty odor of last year’s grime.
Tips for keeping your outside AC unit cleaner for longer
When you’ve seen the difference a simple cleaning can make, you’ll want to enjoy the results for as long as possible. Keep these tasks on your to-do list for a happy, healthy AC unit:
Change filters regularly
Consistently replacing AC filters throughout your home will keep your indoor and outdoor systems running smoothly. Depending on your unit, location, and the particles in the air, you should aim to swap filters every one to three months.
Spray down your outdoor AC unit
Getting into the habit of hosing down your outdoor condenser can make your job easier when it’s time for a deep clean. We suggest giving it a good seasonal rinse at the very least. However, some folks may have better results by performing this task every month.
Keep vegetation away from your unit
There’s a good chance that a lot of the build-up in your outdoor AC unit came from nearby plants. Keeping foliage, branches, and other vegetation away from your condenser can reduce your workload and boost your unit’s performance between deep cleans.
Keep your AC running right with Stellar Cooling Services
Stellar Cooling Services is here to help with all your HVAC maintenance needs! From system installation to AC repairs and maintenance, our experts can ensure that your indoor and outdoor units are operating at peak performance. Contact us today to get started!