The most important step: Clean the outdoor air conditioner condenser unit
- Shutoff power to the air conditioner. Turn off the 240-volt power at the appliance shutoff box. …
- Remove the outer case and vacuum the fins. Vacuum the condenser fins with a soft-bristle brush attachment. …
- Remove the grille.
Also, is AC coil cleaning necessary?
In most cases, your AC coils only need to be cleaned once a year unless you are located in an abnormally windy/dusty/dirty environment where it would come into contact with more debris than typical. If you use your AC unit heavily, it may also need to be cleaned more frequently.
Then, is it OK to spray water on your air conditioner?
Spraying water on your air conditioner can help it run more efficiently if you remove enough dust, dirt and debris to help improve airflow and prevent it from overheating. It’s certainly not going to damage your AC unit to do so. It’s a good idea to spray off the condenser coils in particular a couple times a year.
Can I use vinegar to clean AC coils?
Yes, vinegar mixed with water is often used to clean AC coils at home. However, vinegar is usually effective only against lighter dirt build-ups. Nevertheless, you can keep your coils in good shape by mixing white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spraying the mixture onto the coils.
What are the symptoms of a dirty coil?
Symptoms of a Dirty Coil
- Air Conditioning Loses Cooling Capacity. One thing that will be noticeable when the evaporator coil is dirty is that your AC won’t produce air that’s as cold as it should be. …
- Air Conditioning Runs Longer. …
- Coil Develops Frost During Operation. …
- Have an HVAC Professional Clean Your Coils.
Can you clean AC coils yourself?
To clean your indoor evaporator coil, the contractor will most likely clear larger debris by hand or with a special brush, then follow up by applying a self-rinsing evaporator oil product. This product will clean the coil effectively and rinse off during the cooling process when the system is turned on.
What happens if my AC coils are dirty?
If your coils are dirty, they won’t be able to work properly and your AC will work longer and harder than it should. The more your AC strains, the more likely it is that your AC will break down. … The evaporator coil is located in your indoor AC unit near the air handler.
