How To Clean An Air Conditioner Condenser
An air conditioner condenser is the outdoor portion of the cooling system. A cubical or cylindrical housing encases the fan, compressor, and other parts. Taking the time to learn how to clean an air conditioner condenser will result in a more efficient operation and cool air dispersion throughout your home.
Dirt, leaves, and grass clippings continually build up on the condenser and impede its function unless you clean it. If you live in the Delaware Valley or at the Jersey Shore and would like assistance properly maintaining your air conditioning system, contact the expert HVAC technicians at Oliver Heating & Cooling today. We offer an affordable maintenance plan that is designed to fit any budget and provide other perks such as discounts and priority service.
Tools Needed
- Screwdriver set
- Garden hose with spray nozzle
- Butter knife
- Rubber gloves
- Shop vacuum
- Rake
Step by Step Directions:
- Assemble your tools next to your outdoor condenser unit.
- Shut off electricity to the unit. You should see a box on the exterior wall of your home by the condenser. It will have an ON/OFF switch or a block that you pull out to interrupt power. If shutting off power does not appear obvious, turn off the circuit supplying power to the A/C at your electrical box.
- Rake away leaves and debris from the base of the condenser. Create a clean area around the machine of about 2 to 3 feet.
- Fit a soft brush attachment on the shop vacuum.
- Vacuum the panels of metal fins around the outside of the condenser.
- Work the brush up and down the fins to draw out as much dust as possible.
- Now you’ve reached the part of learning how to clean an air conditioner condenser that requires opening the housing.
- Remove the screws that hold the grill over the fan motor and blades.
- Carefully lift out the fan without disconnecting any wires. The wires should have enough length to allow you to move the fan and work on it.
- Wipe off debris and dirt with a rag.
- Use the hose to spray the fan blades to remove more grime and grit.
- An old air conditioning system might have lubrication ports on the fan motor. Look for the ports.
- If present, insert five drops of electric motor oil into each port. Only use this type of oil.
- If you cannot find ports, then the motor has sealed bearings, and you cannot add lubrication.
- If you see a belt that runs the compressor, check for lubrication ports there as well. Only an old air conditioning unit will have a visible belt.
- Return the fan to its original position.
- While you have the housing open, spray the fins from the inside as well. This will help to blast more dirt outward from the fins.
- Restore power to the condenser.
Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance By Oliver
As you know, the refrigerant or coolant inside the air conditioner is vital for cooling. Only trained air conditioning technicians should check the coolant level and recharge the system if necessary. Improper handling could result in a coolant leak that would disrupt your A/C system entirely. Our team is proud to offer a comprehensive HVAC maintenance plan that will keep ensure your air conditioner operates efficiently and takes the guess work out of annual maintenance. Stay cool all summer by contacting us today.
