How To Clean an Air Conditioner
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 เม.ย. 2020
- When an air conditioner is blocked, dirty, or not maintained well, it isn't very efficient. Learn how to clean an air conditioner, so that it will be ready to keep your house cool all season long.
Purchase AC Coil Cleaner on Lowes.com: low.es/3JvydEh
Purchase Fin Tool on Lowes.com: low.es/2UX2otL
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My AC wasn’t cooling the house down. It was 85 degrees inside the house. I used this video to clean my AC Unit outside and it fixed the issue. Thank you!
😂
A
I’ve been a AC tech for 9 1/2 years now I can guarantee there’s more electrical components you need to check to make sure it’s all working properly and efficient.
Doing a full tune up by a certified technician that has the right training is always needed besides temporary fixes
It’s like having transmission issues and all I did is change the oil and everything was all good and taking off on a 7 hr drive lol you will hear noises eventually again lol
Bro forgot to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit 😂
While cleaning out the leaves, dirt, twigs, etc. from the bottom, also check that the drain holes are open and remove anything that will prevent free flow of water thru those holes/openings. Doing so will help to prevent premature rust formation in the bottom because it will be able to dry out. Also, check visually that the blades in the fan are not bent or out of balance or alignment as this will create unnecessary wear on the bearings and excessive vibration. Just give it a spin with your hand and watch the blades. You will notice any misalignment.
It makes tremendous sense and logic to clean the fins from the inside out. The air has dirt in it and other contaminants as evidenced by air filters for motor vehicles. As the fins become more and more imbedded with dirt, grass, twigs, leaves, etc. the airflow is reduced accordingly and the cooling efficiency suffers/drops off. The system works longer, harder, to bring down the air temperature in the house and more $ as well to get the desired cooling.
Excellent content! More of this type of DIY projects, please.
Thank you so much this was really helpful to me I'm a single woman taking care of my mother and a house trying to keep up with everything, and keep the AC running well this really helped me thank you so much 😊👍
Ceiling Fans extremely help circulate air in a room eliminating hot spots in walls...
@@pedrocastellanos8762oh but they don't help at all to cool a house. They just push and pull air
I used 3 cans of cleaner. Had to unplug and removed fan assembly. Covered every fin area inside & out with foam about half of a side at a time. Didn't spray foam both sides, inside & outside, at the same time. First inside, rinsed then outside. Rinsed thoroughly till it ran clear. Rinsed from the side that had the foam. When you get it clean you can see your progress by looking through the fins. As a tech stated elsewhere, about 15% of the dirt is inside, the overwhelming majority is outside. I tried two Lowes brands, much preferred the Arm & Hammer to the brand in the video. Better and more powerful spray pattern.
Thank you!!
Good info but let me suggest a couple of tips. If the coil is not too dirty, skip the cleaner. Also, while you have the unit open AND POWER OFF, check the fan and make sure it moves freely. If it doesn't spin freely, motor may need lubrication or replacement.
A FEW DROPS OF DAWN IN A SPRAY BOTTLE CLEANS GREAT SAFE AND CHEAPER
@@captainamericaamerica8090 Assuming you mean a few drops of dawn in a spray bottle full of water Steve.
Can you tell me why you would recommend skipping the cleaner? Is it just for cost or could it possibly gunk up the coils?
Thanks
@@carolsiebert5835 if it isn't that dirty, the water will clean it out. If it is really dirty, a cleaner may be necessary.
Thank you Lowes for the helpful video❤
thank u for video
its interesting to watch videos similar to my work
Thank you for taking the time to make this video
You're welcome. Put a shirt on
Thanks for sharing. I need to clean my AC asap.🌴😊
Hi u should upload a video
Thanks for the Information!👍
amazing how a simple hose can make the change....easy an saves money...efficient
Thank you
Excellent video - thanks!
Simple and easy .. thank you
Great content, well done. I came here seeking help for an AC unit that just couldnt keep up. Following this tutorial my AC went from running all the time and not being able to hit the desired cooling temperature to running sporadically and holding the temperature as set. Thanks!
Plain and simple!! Thanks
Thank you so much this is so helpful I am a woman who lives alone I think I can do it thanks
I'm entering my dad era
Same. Playing golf and trying to have the best lawn in the neighborhood
Good info at least for me on the outside unit, I'm going to do this. Thanks be blessed. P.W.D.
I'm going to do the same. If mine isn't working after this, I'm visiting your house to cool off this summer. God Bless you.
Thank you for this!
I cover mine with a tarp during the winter months, I have never had to clean it and still looks new. I do periodically during the summer give it a good rinsing.
If it is near grass that gets cut while it is running, it will get clogged.
Wait you cover the unit with a Tarp? You know is bad to do that specially because moisture is trap inside the unit and parts can easily be corroded. Specially the board on the unit and the capacitor.
Covering the unit can causer mold to form. It is not recommended.
We covered ours with a tarp for years until this year when the AC guy just doing normal maintenance told us that mold and critters can get inside. 😳 He told us to just use the hose on the outside of it to keep it clean. I just finished tonight. Ran the water just until the water dripping off ran clean. I'm happy. I might have someone check the insulation for us this coming week, though. It might need to be replaced.
Good info here.
Good informative ;) Love it
Regular filter check and change if need every 3 months .
When have a AC check if outside condenser needs cleaning .
Best have a pro check one time a year .
nice one Lowes, learnt something new today ! Home depot has nothing like this !
HD is for the older folks who don't like getting directions from anyone lol
Learned*
Lowe's always has quick to the point videos. I love that
Hate home' depot, love lowes.
keep up the awesome content
Good
Man, I moved several times in the past many years and i have never done any outside AC cleaning. All that I've ever done was replacing the filters inside 😱
Same!
Same
Me to and my dad's lasted 14 years
I live among some awfully messy sycamore trees that clog everything w fuzz- so badly that it resembles fiberglass insulation. I CLEAN MINE ANNUALLY.
However it’s not necessary for everyone . At my moms house the condenser is located in a super clean area. Runs great .. hardly EVER been cleaned .
Awesome editing guys
Hi
Use caution when using the hose to rinse off. I bent fins using a sprayer attachment, not a pressure washer. Use a gentle setting.
ok
wow all these years i never thought about removing the 4 bolts up top and setting motor off to side to clean it out great tip. will do next time cuz its dirty in there
Well, I was trying to see how to clean the mini split coil.
I liked it
June Cottonwood in the air is the enemy! Weekly cleanings for me.
bad news here in Colorado. agree
Does this work for compact units? Cause ours quit producing heat. And it’s freezing right now! We had an ac guy come look at it he said the sensor needed cleaned.
So its not necessary to take off the outside casing ... that is always the hardest part ... well not taking it off but getting it back on is always the most time consuming. Maybe just taking off the top is easier.
Had no idea the fan can be taken out and.....holy $@*! ....lots of debris on the bottom to clean.
Thanks for the tip!
I thought the same thing I just hose down the outside of the unit now I'm thinking to go back outside and unscrew the top to get out leaves and debris this was very helpful
I do that every year and mine still kicks ass. Also don't forget if your fan motor has oil ports be sure to use some three-in-one oil and oil that baby up and she will thank you!!!
Don't use 3 in one oil , use fan oil or non detergent motor oil
I OILED My fan motor with 3and 1 oil and it burned the motor out never use it on a motor!
You can use 3-in-One, but be sure to use the version that's for electric motors.
Not 3 in One as it gets gunky. Use motor oil in a pump oiler or a product like TriFlow which has teflon and is the best for pins in locks and doorknob locksets.
Use a teaspoon of dawn In, a spray bottle. And spray the condenser coils, and all over too. It's cheaper and safe! Cleans great
Wanted to ask for your opinion on our unit, 10 yrs old, not much debris inside the unit, and it spins when the AC is on, but the air we have coming out isn't cold at all, what can I do?
@@HokageHustle88 have it checked. Could be many things
Be right there
So you don't get tricked. Ask to see the bad parts. Make sure they leave the bad parts with YOU
@@captainamericaamerica8090 I really appreciate you for responding thank you so much!
@@HokageHustle88 Just to throw this out there. If you have warm air coming outside condenser this is correct. If you have cold air on your outside condenser you have an issue. I am no sure where you are talking about "but the air we have coming out isn't cold at all" From inside your ducts or your outside unit?
@@ronaldmiller6262 the air from the ducts inside the house was warm and not cold
Air conditioning should be ready at summer 2021
Is there a need to de-energize capacitors? Even with the power cut, isn't there a significant amount of power in the capacitors?
Yes their is,but they are located in a different part of the unit.
Hello, I was wondering if you would be alright if I took some snippets of your video to use in a school project? I am creating a project on maintenance of an HVAC system. Thanks.
Yes, you have our permission.
Looks like you need a Hatchett set to open the unit up???
I though we replace filter inside the HVAC unit. Never knew that we have to replace one at the Drywall as well!!
You’re talking apples and oranges. Either you have a single filter for the whole house or the ones in the room returns. Not both.
Good information. However, the so called air conditioner shown here is of the 'split type', which may be confusing when the 'evaporator-coil & fan are not shown. Next, educate yourself on the un-mentioned 'dirt zone.' Next, if your are a maintenance guy, get that vacuum out & remove that outside dirt, leaves, cob-webs!
Or have the company with the warrenty check it in spring and fall.
So they can pick their nose for about 30min and tell you it’s good?
So the guy can charge me $200 for something I can do with a hose and about 30 minutes of my time. I prefer not to throw money away.
@@gearjammergamer8560 you will void the warranty if a non pro removes even just the fan
I just wash it down from the outside oftenly 3-4 times a year.
Better to say avoid touching the coils or using pressure washer as it will cost you a big buck and NEVER use coil correcting tools as it will cause more damage! Just clean the leaves by hand carefully without touching the coils, and use spray coil cleaner to clean to clean the system and spray with garden hose!
I just spray from the outside oftenly, just not high pressure. I feel my ac get colder every time I do it.
It's been raining here lately and water has been sitting around the condenser unit because of this. Where it's located the sun doesn't hit for long so it stays wet, should this be a cause for concern?
My worry is mold buildup and having mold spores shot in the AC into the house. I'm allergic to mold unfortunately due to living in hidden mold for an extended time
you are in good shape. the outside unit is basically a heat exhanger. there is no air exchange function
Enercare guy came and washed from exterior while ac is running, he says that is fine, no need to turn off the breaker or did not remove the top.
Do all air conditioners have a filter. I have an outside condenser, and not sure where the filters would be.
Filter might be on furnace blower air return grill on a wall or a ceiling . If have multiple air return grills there might be another filter .
Doesnt water actually cause oxidation on cooling coils, making the situation worse?
Wonderful Tortola. However, did anyone remember that Condominiums have these units on the roof? Now how can we Home Owners clean out the Condenser Unit? There's more Dirt & Debris when an A/C Condenser is on top.
How often should you replace you A/C unit?
On average units last about 17 years. But thats on average. Some units last far longer, the oldest i’ve seen was 51 years old.
Did the cleaning make any difference in house cooling time?
I would say I could tell a slight difference but my condenser hadn't been cleaned properly in 10 years.
My air conditioner was performing poorly and couldn't cool the house below 88° on very hot days. After cleaning it was able to cool as expected. The fins were completely clogged.
@@jreina20 yep, and 3 HVAC techs told me the unit looked fine. I did it myself, people have no pride in the work they do. They just get paid and spend their money on d bag things.
What about the other part of the unit?
Thats a little more complicated to work on. Some inside units also have filters which need to be changed. There is a coil that can be cleaned but since it is using filtered air it doesn't need to be cleaned as often. I would leave the other part, the inside unit, to a pro.
How ironic. Was in Lowes the other day, and they were trying to sell me some B.S. A.C. cleaning package for an obscene amount of money. YT channel has a DIY video 😂
What’s the best time to do the cleaning? Start of summer, or mid summer?
April
@@JB-kf3zk thanks
OK, I was able to clean all the debris, but mine has an insulated hose connected to the unit of the fan, so I can't remove the top, except move it over enough to get in and clean out the debris, so I don't think I can use the foam cleaner on the fins
Any advice appreciate it. It's a fairly new unit from 2018. And it really does not get used all that much here in the Bay Area California.
Most of the HVAC pros on TH-cam spray the cleaner on the outside. Which is best - inside or outside?
Looking through the comments it would appear the inside.
Do I need to turn the power off at the breaker box first?
Yes, he said to do that first.
yes , you dont want that fan to cut on whilst your taking it off
Just saved me 179.00 a con artist tried to get me for haha
The only coil cleaner you need is a a cleaner that has a wetting agent.. something like Dow bathroom cleaner which has a wetting agent...You don't want to use something that leaves a residue...Dollar store or Tea..1$
The inside evaporator coil can get dirty also and should be cleaned by a professional , not mentioned in this video
Indoor evaporator should nevert need cleaned if a proper sized and quality air filter is kept in place, and replaced 4 to 6 times a year, depending on the environment. Animals in the house, more often Birds, such as parakeets are the worst. I've been doing this for 45 years and replaced evaporators that are 40 years old and look brand new because the owners replaced their filters. Rental homes are the worst. Tenants will run the furnace or A/C without a filter. Then the coil will have to be cleaned, along with the blower wheel. Most manufactures do not recommend any type of coil cleaner except water. Coil cleaners can damage the aluminum fins. Water works just fine, unless the a/c is on a restaurant roof next to an exhaust fan that allows grease to get discharged into the air.
How do you clean a roof top A/C aircondioner in Arizona?
Hello Jeanine
How are you doing today?
Well folks now you know what your $100 A/C “tune ups” are
The leaves and dirt inside make zero effect on the operation or efficiency of the condenser. The debris would have to fill up about a third of the way before there would be any detectable effect. Just rinse the outside. You’ll be fine. (20+year HVAC vet)
That’s what I did... I sprayed a soap and water mixture and gave it a light pressure wash. Perfect.
Sure, but that crud will hold moisture, rust metal, and not do you one bit of good. Clean it out.
NOT TRUE. POLLINATING, POLLUTION BUILDS UP RESIDUES, VERMIN, ALSO NEST, IN BEDS OF LEAVES. YOU'RE LAZY. MY GRAMPS HAS 70 YEARS EXPERIENCE, WAY MORE THAN YOU
@@captainamericaamerica8090 😂😂😂
@@captainamericaamerica8090 cool ya jets down
I'm just going to use a hose. No cleaning spray or opening the AC. Seems risky.
I clean just the outside fins with a garden hose. That’s what the tech always tells me. He said never open it up
@@MrUnsolvedMysteryyou'd still need to turn off breaker if you're gonna be hosing the outside of it, right?
I clean mine but I know a lot of people don't clean their
Small unit tutorial?
Thank you for the input! Great idea.
Why do so many people in America have bars on the condenser outside? Is it a tornado/hurricane protection system?
What do you mean? It's so that they don't get touched and ruined? I think?
@@zenchilladas I was told after it's to stop theft. Blows my mind.
@@friendlyzombie1460 people will steal anything I guess 😆
@@zenchilladas lol so true.
In some locations there is a lot of AC condenser thefts same as cat converters .
Hi, some misinformation. If your A/C is under warrantee, and you remove the fan or any other part of the condenser, YOU WILL VOID the warrantee. How do I know, my A/C company told me so when they installed my new unit last summer. Only a certified A/C tech can remove any A/C parts while the unit is under warrantee. Be advised.
That's pretty obvious bro. If your unit is under warranty you would obviously have a certified technician come out and clean it. But for people like us that have a unit that's over 10 years old we need to take care of it ourselves and that's who this video is for.
Thanks for the info Nicholas. My unit is under warranty and I did not know that.
It is not in the Warranty that they clean it for free. The warranty is for covered parts like the compressor. There is nothing in this video that would void a warranty. You are only extending the life of the unit by doing the yearly cleaning. I have 2 units, one being 27 years old and still going strong all because I did the yearly proper maintenance cleaning. The bigger unit lasted 22 years, but I used it more.
This is not misinformation and that is wrong of you to say. You could have said "Just a little FYI" or "Heads up before you do this, check your warranty first". You are implying that Lowe's is giving bad information when really it's you who is doing that.
Even if that was true, how are they going to know you removed the fan unless you tell them ? As if the tech is going to see that your unit has been cleaned by someone other than him and then going to call the warranty police and void everything. Cmon man, stop it.
10 years never touched the unit ....all I do trim around it and cover it in fall and uncover in spring ....every year our place is like a fridge .......
Then you're not wise. There's soot, and dirt there
Couldn't hurt to spend 7bucks on a can of spray. Cleaned mine after 10 years & couldn't believe how much filth there was.
@@jtee9548 That's only because you didn't clean it. IT COSTS 3 CENTS WORTH OF DAWN DISH SOAP. AND CLEANS LIKE NEW.
And if you don't have access to a water hose then what do you do?
Then you get a water hose
pay your water bill then go buy a hose and spray nozzle
I called my favorite HVAC company and they want $499 for HVAC Cleaning- PSH!!! Mad 😡 unreal
Water works fine by itself
Why are so many of these units designed without any kind of protection from rainwater coming in from the top? They could so easily incorporate a little metal or plastic roof that is open on the sides. It's an invitation to rust.
Water will get all over the condenser simply because of the fact that it is a condenser. It cools the air enough and will get wet, they design them fully aware of this. Your idea is nice tho, maybe build one from some simple wood or 3D print a cover but make sure there’s enough airflow.
@@TheCinderDude Thanks.
I know trane has that
Bingo! You no doubt have been taking smart pills. Should also point out that the condenser installer should locate the unit out of the 'dirt zone.' Just suggesting.
rainwater does not hurt the unit so long as they are painted as the paint provides a moisture barrier for the underlying metal surfaces.
I hate being a home owner.
Everything is expensive and it never ends
Dont pull the top. Dont use cleaner. Just spray from the outside. coil cleaner destroys coils.
Nope.
I wonder what's in that "cleaner" and can't you just use dish soap and water or something. But, good idea, I've never done this and mine is 7 years old.
I have Dawn dish soap or even some Mean Green I’m gonna try.
I'd use dish soap. Harsh chemicals could cause corrosion on the metal... I know because I fell for those tablets that suppose to eliminate rust on the inside A-coil pan - they made the situation much worse. Wish now I had not used them.
Serious chemicals that you would never use on your dishes...hahahaha
@@AbelieverofourLord That won't do anything. A real condenser coil cleaner that is blasted with water pressure is your best bet
It was suggested to me to use “Simple Green”. It’s biodegradable & breaks down most dirt & oils. Read the directions for the application. I prefer a spray bottle & spray from the inside & let sit & hose off from within pushing out all the dirt in the process.
When I go out stealing ac units I always look for the clean ones. 👍💨
My air conditioner needs to be cleaned
Got bad news for you.. using a vent filter does not increase air flow, it reduces it.
It saves the lifespan of your air conditioner by mot allowing dirt and debris into the evaporator
Replacing an existing used filter would increase it slightly.
Protecting evap at the expense of the compressor.
so you have nothing there and let everything into your house? I couldn't live with you. My allergies would kill me.
Especially pleated
The cleaners are not allowed by the EPA without recycling the run off water. Even “biodegradable “ and “non toxic “
Thanks Karen.
@@thereve Exactly!!!
Is this for bryant
Who is Bryant ?
@@OGCJ10 Bryant Central air conditioner, same as a Carrier air conditioner.
Really, the spray can comes out in a 'Stream'... what a joke trying to get complete coverage of the fins. I found (and use) an automotive product that makes complete coverage a breeze as well as seriously dissolves dirt, leaves and debris from the fins with ease... Yup, and cost less to boot.
i'm sorry but you can improvise it it's such a hassle. You tried to discredit a good video but you failed. Sorry...
Bought the foaming spray and it didn't do squat. Waste of money. Just hose it off from the outside, after removing the outer panels. Not a helpful video at all imo.
What your showing is a Central Air unit not an Air Conditioner.
Good point.
Title should be: "How to clean an outdoor condenser unit" which is part of a central Air Condition System.
How do I clean dog piss on the condenser?
If I break it you’re replacing it
Guys I can't do this every year. Is there any other regular maintenance that needs an AC guy??
My neighbor is a retired heating and cooling guy. I told him i was going to call a company to spring service my A/C. He told me all that needs done is exactly what you see in this video. He said they will only really hook gauges up or anything further if your having an issue.
The overall problem is that you need the "proper person" to work on or do anything mechanical. There are plenty of tech guys & so on, but their references & background is lacking, usually. Just saying. The last tech man that I paid for his service had been a Navy veteran who had piping-experience working aboard a ship. Most vets are usually highly trained, skilled & will show on time.
This is not something you should do on your own. There could be electrical issues etc and you may in fact cause damage to the pount you need it replaced instead of repair.
nah, same parts get wet when it rains, all your doing is spraying the dirt out of the fins, same gets wet when it rains
Listen to ozman. He's got it right.
Warning xxxxx this video was made by a unlicensed contractor and is the incorrect way to clean a coil.
Wait until you try pulling out your disconnect see how dangerous that is.
Oh BS
OMG DO NOT REMOVE THE REMOVE THE TOP!!! DAMAGE THE AC COILS N THE FAN BLADE! Not to also mention risking scratching AC
K you can't form a coherent sentence, so imma go ahead and not listen to ya