As a part of regular care and maintenance, many people do not know the importance of having the outdoor unit cleaned. It collects dirt and debris on the surfaces, especially in its cooling fins. When the unit is overwhelmed with grass clippings, leaves, dust, and dirt, its performance is hindered, which can result in reducing the efficiency as well as accelerating deterioration and increasing operating costs. In the outdoor heat pump unit, the compressor and condenser are located. To help the system dissipate heat more efficiently, the condenser fins are necessary. Following the heat removal from the indoor air through the refrigeration cycle, the hot refrigerant gets sent to the outdoor unit. The primary purpose of the outdoor unit is to release heat the refrigerant absorbed from your indoor air. The condenser fan will assist in blowing air over the outdoor coils to release heat energy to the outside air. However, it will take a lot longer for the refrigerant to release the heat if the outdoor unit is clogged and airflow impeded. So, today we at North Country Aire would like to share how to clean the unit and the problems that can occur if it is neglected.

Dirty AC Condenser Problems

When the air conditioner is over encumbered with filth, it takes longer for the air conditioner to cool your home, meanwhile you waste energy and money. Your air conditioner could overheat and breakdown, commonly on hotter days, when the unit is not getting proper airflow. Professional maintenance can help ensure your unit is more efficient with performance and energy use as well as reduce the likelihood of breakdowns. We will often include cleaning the outdoor unit, however, understanding the process and keeping the unit cleaned as it is needed in between visits can be especially helpful.

How to Clean Outdoor AC Unit

Collect Air conditioner coil cleaner. Consult your manual for the correct cleaning agent; vacuum cleaner with the soft-brush upholstery attachment; water hose with pressurized nozzle attachment; gloves, eye protection, pants and long sleeve shirts. Cleaning steps:
1) Switch the thermostat to off, usually on the exterior wall, find the electrical disconnect the metal box on the outside of the unit.
2) Find the switch that turns off the air conditioner when you open the electrical disconnect; possibly a pullout switch or a circuit breaker shutoff. Flip the switch to the “off” position, or pullout the plug.
3) Remove any bulky debris wearing protective gloves.
4) Using care to not bend the fins, use your vacuum with the soft-brush attachment to delicately remove the debris from the condenser fins.
5) Use the water hose to clear off the debris from the exterior of the unit.
6) Apply the coil cleaner.
7) Allow the cleaner foams and bonds with the dirt on the coils, about 10-15 minutes.
8) With the garden hose, rinse the coil.

Central Air Conditioning Repairs, Installation & Replacement & More in Cambridge, St Francis, Oak Grove, North Branch & Greater Isanti, Minnesota

The cleaning should be done at the start of the spring and at the end of the summer. Whether you have a professional get the job done or yourself, you want to ensure the job is done quickly and efficiently. For professional services, contact the experts of North Country Aire and let our certified technicians do the rest.