Cleaning an air conditioner

Grim/Don

Grim/Don

Joined
Feb 1, 2003
Messages
1,221
I mow some yards for spending money, and one of the things I do is double check that the air conditioners are clean. If they're covered with the cotten-y stuff, I usually get a hose and rinse the stuff down, then pluck it off. I was wondering if theis was the best way. I've been thinking that it may be better to wait for it to stop (or flip a breaker), and then take the Shop Vac to it.

One of the one's that I did today has a plastic/rubber mesh covering the metal 'fins' (whatever they're called), which makes it hard to get all the junk off.

Any ideas, or professionals that know the best way?
 
I'm not a professional but I just turn mine off and take the wifes vacuum outside.:D Seems to work great.
 
Grim/Don said:
One of the one's that I did today has a plastic/rubber mesh covering the metal 'fins' (whatever they're called), which makes it hard to get all the junk off.
Click to expand...
That needs a cut and fit filter over those fins! Yes make sure the a.c. is off and unplugged sounds better like it and shop vac it with an upholstery brush attachment if you have one because those fins will bend with pressure put on them. Easy does it and advise to get the filter.:)
 
I don't know if this is practical but could you throw the breaker prior to mowing and put a large cardboard box over the AC unit? Mow around the unit and then reset the breaker and remove the cardboard box.

I really think the above is overkill usually, but if any of your customers use Trane AC units with the spline fins it might be a good idea. For practical purposes I don't think you can clean the spline fin type units.
 
you ARE talking about the compressor unit, are you not?
down in my parts we usually spray them down with a chemical compound to clean them
water doesn't affect the parts so long as you don't have any holes where there shouldn't be any
 
DEA said:
you ARE talking about the compressor unit, are you not?
down in my parts we usually spray them down with a chemical compound to clean them
water doesn't affect the parts so long as you don't have any holes where there shouldn't be any
Click to expand...

The big outside thing, I think it's the compressor. Has the soft metal fins, just like on a car radiator. In the midwest, we've got a cotten-like material that blows off the trees and covers the fins on the A/C. There's odd bits of leaves and grass, but they're usually not enough to cover very much. I take the hose to it every now and then. Just wondering if vacuuming would be better.
 
The outside unit is the condenser. Usually the best way to clean them is to wash the coils with a hose. Be sure not to use pressure at an angle. It will flatten the coils and impede air flow. Pull the disconnect before washing. No need to get electrocuted by accident.
 
yes, that would be the compressor unit
hosing would be the most expedient method
just exercise commonsense and not direct the high pressure stream of water at the metal fins, as previously mentioned
 
In the “for what it worth” category:

The outdoor unit is usually called a condensing unit in the HVAC field, BUT in most residential units it also houses the compressor. My parents however somehow managed to get a “true” condensing unit with the compressor in the attic housed with the evaporator coil and fan.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top