How To Clean Your Condenser Unit
No matter how modern your air conditioning system is, it will start to lose efficiency over the years if you don't properly maintain it. The condenser unit, which sits on the outside of the building, is probably the most susceptible element because it is exposed to rain and wind and can get quite dirty. This is why it is advisable to clean your condensing unit every year, especially if you do not cover it during the winter time. This article explains how to basically clean your condenser unit and get it up and running for the summer.
How to Protect Your Condenser
Most people call the condenser unit the air conditioner. While this is not technically wrong, the condenser is just one part of a central AC system. The most important thing is to keep your condenser covered whenever you're not using it. You want to protect that aluminum coils that line the outside walls of the unit. This does not mean that you need to cover it for a few hours or even days when your AC is turned off. It just means that you should cover it during the winter months when you won't be firing up your AC.
Cleaning the Condenser
In reality, the difficulty of this job will depend on whether or not your condenser was covered. The first thing you have to do is cut the power off to your condenser. Most condenser units don't have a power switch, so you need to cut the power at the breakers. Once the power is turned off, you are going to spray the outside walls of the condenser with water. Make sure the area around your condenser is clear. If the ground around your condenser is dirty, you could spray more dirt into the condenser, making your job harder than it needs to be.
The key is to first soak the coils in water. Then, you can spray a basic household cleaner onto the coils. Let it soak in for a bit to help break down the dirt. Then, with a stronger stream of water, spray down the coils. This should wash most of the dirt out of the coils.
Finally, you can turn the power back on and give your AC a test run. With a clean condenser unit, you should see increased efficiency in your AC system right away. For more information on how to keep your air conditioner in good condition or if you need help cleaning your unit, contact an HVAC contractor like Weather Control Air Conditioning, Inc.