How To Clean Your AC Condenser Coil

The condenser is one of the most important parts of your air conditioning unit. It is responsible for dissipating all the heat that is carried to the outside unit from inside your home. The heat is removed from the refrigerant and allowed to condense again and carry cool air back into your unit.
Your outside condenser should be cleaned at least once if not two times a year depending on how hard your air conditioning unit works.
Your HVAC professionals or service technicians should do this for you, but it is a relatively simple project any able bodied homeowner can handle.
In this video I show you step by step how to properly clean your condenser.
This simple cleaning can extend the life of your equipment by YEARS, help your unit cool more efficiently, and consequently lower your utility bill!
If you have any questions please comment or email me!
Thanks for watching!
- David
[e-mail]
Follow me on Facebook: / david-jones-ac-1010702...

[@yearounder]

David is an ex Marine and a top of the line honest guy. I've known him for 50 years, friends since High School. Thanks for the video David! Skip.

[@grundan69]

No ex, Always a Marine! Semper Fi

[@capt.shaffer8655]

former Marine

[@User91032]

Yearrounder..is David in Florida?? I'm noticing the tropical plants Desperately Seeking a good honest Florida Airman🙏

[@tanktexas]

Yuuut devil dog 🙌

[@doolittlegeorge]

Good case for building up and having Central A/C right here absolutely. Priceless advice either way with great comments too.

[@rhondastephens7438]

Thorough and easy to follow instruction. Definitely recommend!

[@sunking2001]

Your video and a couple more helped save me $380 from two HVAC contractors who were willing to charge that much to clean my condenser. What a bunch if slithering snakes they can be! WOW...they won't make any money from me, but, they will make money from other people. Videos like yours and various other videos here on KZbin are a Godsend. Thank you!

[@raymondtakeall4803]

Are they snakes or honest people charging you fair price for the labor involved?

[@MRM-wp4gr]

Most of them/ a lot of them are lying thieves. I do handyman work and can change capacitors on ac units when there is a problem. The capacitors do go out once in a while, and are very easy to replace, and very cheap too ($10-$15). I only charge $60 to do it. One ac unit I went out on because it was not cooling enough. I found that everything was working fine, but the indoor evaporator coils (you can't see but it is on top of heater unit enclosed in sheet metal) and the copper line going to the outside condenser was completely iced up! So I shut it off overnight to thaw out. I also checked the filter because the top 2 main causes of ac icing are clogged/dirty filters and refrigerant undercharge. The filter was very dirty, so I changed that, but I also told him to call someone up to check the charge because it was probably low, and I didn't have any r22 anyway to put in it. He had someone come out the next day to check it out. He got charged $380, and all the guy ended up doing was putting in a new fan capacitor. I had put in a new fan motor a year ago along with a new run capacitor, and I new from the initial check I did that the fan was working perfectly fine. The guy never even hooked up gauges to the unit! The unit was working fine when the guy turned it on because it had completely thawed out, and the filter was already changed. So really what he should have done if he didn't want to hook up his gauge set was to charge him $80 for a service call. I just wish I had been there to stop it. I really hate to see people getting ripped off!.......And they almost always tell the homeowner that they need a whole new AC that will cost $10k -$12k.Talk about getting ripped off!!! A new AC and heater and evap core only costs the company anywhere from $3k to $5k, and then they TRY to charge the customer $6k-$7k profit for a day or 2 to install a new unit! These guys are the king of thieves! Along with car dealerships :)

[@tomc.2808]

@@raymondtakeall4803 slithering snakes - is a correct answer...

[@raymondtakeall4803]

@@MRM-wp4gr Handy man work not trained or licensed professional, that's like going to drug dealer them telling you doctors ripped you off lol. Capacitors shouldn't go bad in year, you get what you pay for. Most places in my area north east capacitor, is minnum of $200. Anyone can do it for less like anything else cause they're not running a company where you have overhead cost. Yes really cheap units such as goodman are $3 to 4k, with cheap parts put it once again you get what you pay for. Being critical of pricing is good to an extent. When you buy a new car, do you tell them your getting ripped off? The actual price of car what it's resold for is significantly higher. When you go your doctor and writes a script for pill that cost $ 20 to make they charge 100 times that amount do tell them they're ripping you off?

[@MRM-wp4gr]

@@raymondtakeall4803 $200 for a capacitor replacement for a home Ac repair from a company is acceptable. I know that they need to make a living.The example I gave above is pretty typical tho, at least in my experience. Just 2 weeks after this guy claimed that he put in a new capacitor, for $380, the ac quit working. Turns out that this brand new capacitor that was supposedly installed went bad already. I put in a new one and it was working again. I see these guys charging seniors $12,000 for Goodman, or comparable units. Besides Goodman has a better rating than many more costly brands. I have installed many $10 to $12 capacitors in home AC's that are still working after 5 years. I say it again, the heating and AC business is full of THIEVES that take advantage when they can! These guys know that when it's hot, people are probably gonna go with the first bid that they get, and vice versa when it's cold and the heater goes out

[@richardcvlr5]

I worked in the ref business and i think you did a good job with this video.

[@joeriggs8953]

Thank you for this video! It has helped us tremendously to hopefully get a few more years out of our 27 year AC that has worked very good now it will work even better. Your video was very easy to follow!

[@debe1395]

Was just thumbing thru and saw this video. Did not know this but will be doing this soon. Also good info from comments. Thanks!!

[@fazirali6247]

Maintenance is very important on almost everything thanks for your time and effort you did a great job 👍🏼

[@Liveharley1]

Thank you, it's a good reminder of why we needed to always clean it.

[@orlandoreyes3503]

Thanks a lot guys like yall is the only reason i can get stuff done right around the house

[@triciarussell7836]

Thank you! Very simple explanation and demonstration that will save us a bucket of money and lengthen the life of our system! :)

[@iammine512]

Excellent simple to understand video. Thank you sir.

[@shermanmace3773]

Had air conditioners for 50 years and never cleaned one till this summer. Got a new one about three years ago and looked at it this summer and it was solid with grass trimmings. I sprayed the best I could with water, but tomorrow I will get some of that cleaner and do it again. Thanks for the info.

[@frandanco6361]

Sherman Mace -- You do not need a cleaner if all you have is grass clippings on the coils.. Water sprayed from the Inside of the condenser (Take off the top first) all the way up and down the coils will push the dirt, etc., that got sucked into the fins..

[@periwinkle4534]

I also replaced 30yo a/c last year then this year when maintenance check guy told me it needs cleaning fr all dirt / lawn debris, i cleaned it with water but only fr outside, now 2 months after checkup, it doesnt cool. 😱

[@catfish24]

Thanks for posting this. Good job.

[@kellyspann9845]

I've always use Dawn soap in a spray bottle or hose end sprayer and it has always worked great for me. I do it a couple of times a year. It really makes a difference and is cheap and safer than chemicals.

[@dinodino6907]

Is that Down dishwasher soap?

[@kellyspann9845]

@@dinodino6907 No. It's Dawn dish soap Blue in color. I use about a quarter of the bottle in a gallon sprayer and if you don't have a sprayer you can mix it in a bucket and slowly pour it from the top and let it run to the bottom and rinse it after a minute or two. Works great .

[@kellyspann9845]

@Preston Starr Your welcome and glad it worked for you. It's pretty good stuff.

[@anitarushlow4022]

Good to know. I have some of the newer Dawn Foaming dish soap. I was thinking about trying it. Do you think it will work? TIA

[@kellyspann9845]

@@anitarushlow4022 It should be fine but you might want to fill your sprayer or bucket or what ever you use with water first then put your soap in last so it won't all turn to foam before you spray it on. Just leave it on for a couple or so minutes before you hose it off. Should be fine.

[@jahltdyt]

Great Job David! I have a 2020 RHEEM 1.5 Ton that was frozen outside and by diffuser in the furnace froze up 30%-50%. Causing a breakdown of the complete cooling system. I turned off the AC on my thermostat but allowed the furnace fan to run defrosting the big copper gizmo inside the furnace. I put in a summer-friendly lite air filter to increase airflow. Made sure my vents throughout the house were open so the air didn't back up causing an air circulation nightmare. Hoping cleaning the outside coils will get the circulating cold air and stop freezing up!

[@albertagyemang1425]

This video is ery informative and educative. I will have my AC guy clean it up. Thank you .

[@mikecustenborder3991]

I tried this today without the soap. Water surprisingly washed out the debris. Nice.

[@jackfarrell4727]

Thank you for the great information

[@hamana2011]

Thanks for such a great video

[@tristinkirby]

Nice informative video. Thank you

[@eduardourena7018]

Great idea sir I’m going to do that right away on my unit

[@stevenstyles2363]

Thank you ,Sir.

[@olivial9402]

Thank you David! You saved us the money hiring somebody to do it.

[@ronzo7238]

Thanks Dave! I just bought my first home and will save $$ cleaning my AC coils myself.

[@letsworkforabetterworld4876]

You also need to learn about electrical issues, plumbing, landscaping..........😄😄😄😄 good luck 👍

[@ducc764]

Yes, make sure you have a meter to check MFD and amp draw. Other than that who needs technicians?

[@abelgarcia6992]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@tripjet999]

For years, we've used Dawn dishwashing liquid to help clean the coils - never needed coil cleaner. Also, the compressor bag cover should be removed and everything carefully cleaned. If the cover has broken down (lots of cracks), replace the cover.

[@alfonzoford5887]

David, you are the man!.

[@rr637]

Great job Thank you for the video

[@zsynhgd]

thanks for sharing!

[@maryhall7464]

I like your work ethics. I believe you care how you do your job.

[@gustavovega9921]

Thank you for the educational video

[@jimmy1154]

Make sure if you have mulch around the base that it's not blocking water from draining away from the base of the unit. The landscapers in my condo complex recently added too much new mulch around my Carrier unit.

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

I am going to do that this weekend, hopefully it'll help.

[@mickster1780]

thanks Mr Jones. mine needs cleaning and i think i can do it!

[@alejandro020569]

Thank you sir for the info

[@ladytiaonyx9920]

Great video. Off to Home Depot to get some coil cleaner.

[@ronaldmeldrum5576]

There is also a product called Foaminator, most plumbing supply stores carry it. It’s a 2 part mixture. Enough for a 2 gallon sprayer. Mixes with water. Just spray it on, wait several minutes. Don’t let it dry. Rinse with a garden hose and your system coils will look like new. You don’t need high pressure the Foaminator eats and removed everything.

[@rodfroelich5908]

Very good information.

[@thssxmonky]

Rule of thumb is start the rinse inside spray out then rinse the outside starting at the top and work your way to the bottom. Also the newer all aluminum coils recommend clean with water only and do not use coil cleaners.

[@janetnoel7158]

This program is very interesting

[@fernandopenilla3691]

Right coil cleaner is not good for aluminum for cleaning better water and soap only

[@2wwwilly]

I use dish soap n water...very dirty clogged fins I use water jet ..

[@JB-ex8kl]

Even better… I use shop vac with a soft brush to remove all the dry crap first, then re-assess if you need to use water.. I DON’T use chemicals!!

[@jeraldineclark5163]

Weak dawn solution , weak and Rinse well.

[@joevaldivia6733]

Good job good advice 👍

[@billpotter9716]

Excellent video.

[@mikefox7016]

Thanks for the how to. I thought I was going to vacuum the coil, probably not the best idea..

[@DOLRED]

I use the foaming spray cans and you have to buy the proper size. A 19 Oz can will handle an average size, tower type unit. As you say, it is important to force the water from inside to out as this is reverse of the operation in use. The fan pulls the air into and up through the unit, exiting at top.

[@znsaidi]

I'm going to do mine very soon. Thanks for sharing. I thought you should wash it off from the inside out.

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Thank you for your video, I had my AC. Revamped, but the AC compressor is under sized for the house. I have a compressor with two fans used to have three like yours. Got to get another compressor straighten it out, AC runs all day, without shutting off.

[@DUMPSTERMIKEMEDIA]

THANKS DAVID ‼️‼️‼️👍👍👍 I JUST LOOKED AT MINE ( 2 UNITS ) ( ONE CURRENTLY BROKEN WAITING FOR REPLACEMENT COMPRESSOR WITH HOME WARRNTY AHS .... ) AND BOTH ARE CRAZY FILTHY LOOKING. REDICULOUS FILTHY LOOKING. I'M GONNA CLEAN THEM TODAY OR TOMORROW. THANKS FOR THE GREAT VIDEO ‼️ MUCH APPRECIATED 👍 💯 👍 💯

[@orlandoreyes3503]

Love this video

[@americanking253]

Well done.

[@TheWanko11]

Excellent!!!! Thank you👍👍👍👍👍

[@jonesacnaples]

😊 Thx You

[@elinorrector6239]

Ty, wonderful vid, good advice!

[@vincentleopizzo726]

Great video very informative thanks

[@er5650]

Yes.sir...I learn today.. thanks

[@BluePlanet470]

A few drops of Dawn dishwashing soap in a hand held pump sprayer works well to clean the dirt and debris away. Just let it soak in for 10 minutes or so then spray the coils with water. Make sure all of the soap has been washed away.

[@handduggraverdronline]

I do this even when I'm scrapping them. Makes for a much cleaner tear down

[@hyukki]

Thank you!

[@balkanacbosanac]

I have 500 units that I am managing I use only water pressure it cleans good

[@cornflakeusa]

I wash mine every year in the spring. Turn off the electric, then I remove the fan bolts and lift the fan up with a rope. I put a nail under my eve to hold the rope. That keeps my fan up out of my way. Then I vacuum out any leaves in the bottom of the unit. Then I remove the outside grills and wash the coils. I like washing from the inside first, pushing all I can toward the outside. I have used coil cleaner first which seems to work well but sometimes they are sold out so I'll just use water alone. I wish the A-coil was this easy to get to. It's inside my hot attic. That's a winter job.

[@NoMoreRatRaceForMe]

Thank you so much.

[@shiweicai4872]

Thank you.

[@glock-hm3ro]

thank you sir!!

[@Chad_N_Stacey_Hopson]

Always great videos!! Also guys, make sure to not pressure wash or use high pressure on your coils. you do not want to bent the coil fins.... Some units may be different, such as Trane/American standard coils, and some of the new microchannel coils(tough like a cars radiator) are real nice and easy to clean.

[@jonesacnaples]

Thank you for your comment and thank you for watching

[@JT-sl3ui]

@@jonesacnaplesquack

[@yroncekenold878]

Good job

[@stephencalamita3384]

Thank you so much

[@saleemakhtar4704]

Excellent

[@Thoughtfulbuildsllc]

Killer video!

[@larashawvivetuvida4126]

Thank you

[@edimichaelchannel1162]

Thank u!!!😊

[@orlandezpierre2461]

Thx sir..my confidence is getting high..and im real comfortable when im infront of unit

[@jonesacnaples]

Thank you for your comment and thank you for watching

[@bhawkpilot4714]

Thank you for this. I’m hoping this helps me get below 75 tomorrow morning. New build two years old and hasn’t been cleaned.

[@kennacurry5019]

Thank you. kdc in tx

[@walterdowns3389]

good job

[@open3256]

Thanks👍🌹

[@synthogod]

Thanks Howard Baskin!

[@jocuppa4564]

Thank you s it I learned alot

[@jaymcbeth5101]

Great video, thank you!

[@jeanl4432]

Thanks! I’m on the beach & need to start washing my 2 units to get the salt off. Just dropped $11K for 2 new outside units & 1 inside. I can’t afford the typical 3-5 year life expectancy of coastal ACs.

[@Randylazz]

Very important and useful tips.........😎

[@jonesacnaples]

I always appreciate your positive responses thank you

[@perryfroze]

Seek the Lord and saviour Jesus Christ before it's too late. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Hell is real and Heaven is also real. You don't want to spend an eternity in Hell torment without God. The only way to escape Hell is to follow Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour. Study the KJV Bible to know more and pray and seek until you find Jesus. Don't delay tomorrow might be too late. You are not promised even the next minute. Do it now

[@SteveXNYC]

Oh mi. I love making drinks with at green stuff. Love the flavor like mountain dew.

[@DanL57]

???

[@elc2k385]

I will clean my new AC now.

[@MDR-hn2yz]

Great advice to keep your wife happy!

[@callmeworm8441]

I love the part (probably wasn't intentional) it's like driving down the road with a mask on 😂😂😂

[@jec_ecart]

Good.

[@cosandraodame7623]

I use Dawn detergent mixed with water good video though. I would be curious to know how long do you have to let a draw before you turn back on the electricity. I know that it when it rains it rains right on it when it's moving.

[@PBS-nm1uu]

please do one on parallel wiring on a capacitors, no one gets it right, example you have a fan, herm and common,

[@lawrenceleask9670]

It would help if you cleaned in the counterflow direction (from the inside), all you need is a long reach hose

[@colejster]

Just wondering about the cleaner that you used. Is it safe to use? Environmentally friendly? Is it going to damage any vegetation or veggie garden that may be nearby?

[@Jay_Dahl]

It would have been interesting if you would show the pressures before and after, and calculate the electric/BTU savings

[@svtcontour]

wouldnt it be better to spray from inside out if the air is being pulled inward?

[@bernardolopez2770]

Good gob!

[@josephmarino2048]

I will definitely be cleaning my new heat pump coils after seeing this video. Will too much pressure bend coils?

[@SuperReznative]

Yes,.. too much pressure.. wil... 👍🇨🇦

[@dennisboyd144]

Good video, will get out there right now and clean that dirty little puppy !!!!

[@sheltdog8463]

Rinse from inside out, top to bottom with low water pressure! High pressure will bend the coil fins!

[@balkanacbosanac]

No it will not

[@zzman5306]

Definitely don't use a power washer

[@znsaidi]

@@balkanacbosanac yes it will and very easily.

[@ltorres871]

Do I have to let the unit dry completely before turning it back on?

[@specialk5548]

When I go out stealing ac units I always look for the clean ones 👍💨

[@UsmanHomeRepair]

I like it

[@balkanacbosanac]

You need only water pressure to clean it.No cemicals needed

[@joecool97]

Do you need rinse the unit with a water hose first before using the coil cleaner? What should the measurement be for mixing the water with coil cleaner?

[@zbubby1202]

"It'd be like you going down the road with a mask on, you can't breathe." Well that aged well lol

[@craigjohnson4271]

Doesn't hurt to wear kitchen gloves, mask, long sleeves, and pants, while messing with coil cleaner, especially if you use a pump sprayer, or hose adapter. This same principal applies to your refrigerator, but you typically don't need coil cleaner, just a long coil brush, and a shop vac--that can extend the life of your fridge for a good while.. Those two things, along with draining your hot water heater every year or two, and your house will stay happy.

[@anitarushlow4022]

Thanks for this video. My question is this: Do you need to remove the other 2 sides of the a/c unit when cleaning? I saw you remove 2 sides but was wondering about the other 2 sides.

[@timm.1049]

Same question. I’m sure it’s a silly question, but were you just taking off the two sides to show you should remove all covers at once or do only certain sides need cleaned? I’m assuming you normally do two on one side, button it up, then do the other two sides, correct? And is there any validity to people saying only use dish soap on new coils?

[@matthewvalentine3549]

Yo. An remove all sides if it's not been done in awhile. Also make sure the bottom drains are clear