Cleaning an outdoor air conditioner is a job that should be done at least once every two years to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Outdoor air conditioners are often exposed to more dirt, dust, pollen, and bacteria than indoor units.
By keeping your outdoor AC unit clean, you’ll be able to save money on energy bills in the long term. Here are things you need to know about cleaning your outdoor AC unit.
Where to find your outdoor AC unit
The location of your outdoor AC unit is important to know because it determines the best way to clean it. If you have an outdoor AC unit on the ground, start by vacuuming the area around it thoroughly. Then use a hose with a wand attachment to spray down the entire surface of the unit. You can also use a garden hose and spray nozzle attachment. This will help loosen dirt and grime that might be stuck on the surface of your air conditioner.
Then, use a soft scrub brush and dish soap or vinegar to scrub away any remaining dirt or grime. Rinse off your brush in warm water after each stroke; this will prevent any dirt from getting on other parts of your air conditioner or surrounding areas. Next, use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up any dripping water from your wet brush.
Tools you will Need
The first thing you need to do when preparing to clean your outdoor AC unit is gather the necessary tools. You’ll want a broom, a vacuum cleaner, and some basic cleaning supplies like a bucket to hold water, soap, and paper towels. Here is what you will be doing with these tools:
– The broom will be used to sweep dirt from the outside around the base of the unit.
– The vacuum cleaner will be used to pick up any dust that has accumulated on top of the unit.
– Wet paper towels will be used for wiping down any dirty surfaces that have been swept or vacuumed. Soap should also be added to wet paper towels if there are stubborn stains or dirt on surfaces that can’t just be wiped off with water alone.
Step-by-step guide for cleaning an outdoor air conditioner
The first step to cleaning your outdoor AC unit is to prepare. You’ll need a bucket, water, and a garden hose. You can also clean it with dish soap if you don’t have any other options available.
Start by removing the front panel from the outdoor AC unit. Spray the water and dish soap onto the inside of the front panel in order to break down any dirt or grime on the surface. Be sure to use a scrubber brush or rag to get into all of the cracks and crevices.
Now turn off your outdoor AC unit and start spraying down the coils with a hose. This will remove dirt, pollen, dead insects, and leaves that may be stuck on your coils. It’s also important to make sure you thoroughly rinse off any residue left over from your previous steps.
Take out your compressed air canister and spray all of the corners in order to clean out any dust, dirt, or debris accumulated there.
Finally, make sure you dry everything off with a cloth before putting it back together again!
Tips to keep in mind while cleaning
an Outdoor AC Unit
- A cleaner air conditioner will produce better quality air.
- Regularly inspect the exterior of your unit to make sure there are no signs of dirt or rust.
- High pressure water should be used to remove dirt and grime from the outside of your unit.
- Inspect the compressor, blower, and fins for any signs of corrosion.
- Keep the area around your outdoor AC unit free from leaves, debris, pets’ hair, and other obstructions that can interfere with airflow.
Get a wet-dry vacuum
The first step to cleaning an outdoor AC unit is by using a wet-dry vacuum. You’ll want to start at the end of the filter and work your way up with it. Once done, you should then use the vacuum’s hose attachment to clean off any dirt that may have been left behind.
Clean the coils and fan blades
First, you’ll want to remove any dust and debris from the coils and fan blades. Use a vacuum cleaner that has a hose attachment to suck up any loose dirt. After vacuuming, use a damp cloth with soap and water to wipe the coils and blades clean.
Clean the condenser coils
One of the most important parts of keeping your outdoor AC unit clean is to take care of the condenser coils. These are the metal fins that are located on the outside of the unit. When dirt, dust, and pollen gather on these coils, it will decrease performance and efficiency. Plus, it will make an already dirty job even more difficult.
Find a ladder and climb up to reach those hard-to-reach places. Use a vacuum hose with a brush attachment or a broom to clean off any debris from the surface of the coil. Be careful not to knock down any dust from nearby trees or plants when you’re doing this task.
Conclusion
It’s time to clean that pesky outdoor air conditioner! We hope this article has given you some helpful tips on how to go about it. Outdoor units are notorious for collecting dirt, debris and even critters. But don’t worry; we have some helpful tips on how to keep your outdoor air conditioner at its best!