How To Clean Your AC Condenser Unit | Spring Cleaning Pro Tips

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A commonly overlooked item for most homeowners but a simple cleaning could help extend the life of your AC unit and also help it run more efficiently throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall cooling seasons.
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[@joemartinez4091]

Thank you for sharing. Not many people willing to help others. Blessings to you.

[@louisquatorze9280]

Vac the dry debris on the bottom of the pan inside *first* then apply the foam cleaner and water. Save yourself a couple of steps and it gets a lot cleaner.

[@emailac7519]

Exactly what I was thinking!

[@talkofmiami03]

Does it matter if u spray outside the unit or inside 🤔 will it make a difference

[@williamwarren7332]

😂

[@Kingfisher1215]

Amazing how someone has to point out the obvious. 😂😂.

[@creshiell]

​@@talkofmiami03 it depends! Some systems have a double row so you have to get the inside and outside, but some don't!

[@pbee73]

I open the top of the units and vacuum any debris that fell in. Then I spray the cleaner from both sides of the coils and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. I use the shower setting on the hose and flush it from inside out to assure the debris isnt pushed into the coils.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@AmmoDude]

I did this after getting a $200 electric bill in July this year. After cleaning, my August bill was $160. Not bad for central Florida where the heat index in over 100 degrees in the summer months. Thanks for the video!

[@tuan1669]

That’s pretty damn good. Glad you got it done. You saved even more if you consider that it extends the life of the unit, which is like thousands of doll hairs

[@AmmoDude]

@@tuan1669 Amen to that!

[@Lughnerson]

Yeah. Cleaning and lubricating get wonderful results.

[@Moondoggy1941]

In the desert and surrounding areas of Ca and Az we do not have a heat index, either it is or is not HOT.

[@user-hl1gm1rw3q]

Sheesh. Cheap!

[@brianoconnell2009]

Thank you do much . Albuquerque plumbing and heating A/C just tried to charge me $650.00 to do this .

[@dioniciobenavidez5386]

Glad to hear you said no. You have to make sure nobody is trying to rip you off.

[@Freedom_Half_Off]

The ones in my area are a little slicker ... they offer a spring service for 50 to 85 bucks . Then they can tell you about the 750 dollar and up problems with your unit 😅

[@gourdbox]

This hadn’t been done to my unit since I moved in years ago!! Did it myself tonight. Thanks for the video.

[@user-fp7mw5lf9d]

I do this in spring, mid summer, and at the end of summer. My large window unit is 8 years old, small ones are about 5. Run like champs!

[@user-ih6vg4rr9r]

Wow…I’ve NEVER done this before. I live in FL and my AC unit has been barely cooling lately, even though we replaced the condenser? I’m going to try it out today. Thank you KZbin university!!

[@solomongrundy3411]

Any updates?

[@PaperRouteFR]

​@@solomongrundy3411 That's what I'm trying to find out lol

[@hall0341]

How did it work out for you

[@stevenbarber3421]

Please let the customer know, To not use a power washer or a high pressure adapter for the water hose on the a/c unit= it will damage the Cole fins, they are aluminum and will bend. I have found that some units have had the fuse box bypass on the wires to the fuses because of the fuse has blown or it's a old unit,so just turn off the breaker, you possibly have to reset your thermostat if it is programmed (check the battery).

[@CiscoWes]

FYI watch the water pressure when cleaning the fins. I made a mistake of cleaning a unit at a previous home and it was more pressure than I thought and ended up bending some of the fins.

[@CiscoWes]

@@tetedur377 I didn't even know about those at the time and it would have come in handy. The unit I messed up was going to be replaced anyway, as it was too small for the house. I was trying to clean it to see if it made any difference but even the AC tech said it was just too small for the house.

[@e-spy]

fin combs are awesome. I have one and it comes with variously spaced combs. Bent fins and dirt can increase the costs of running up to 200%!

[@whatfreedom7]

@@e-spy oh wow. Mine is dirty as hell so I should probably clean it. Mine sucks grass in every time I cut the grass. I’ve cleaned it in the past but it’s been a 3-5 years.

[@whatfreedom7]

I’ve don’t that myself. Nothing bad but any focused higher pressure even on a garden hose will bend them.

[@LonjeMarie7]

Thank you! I have watched several videos about how to clean the air conditioner and they all say exactly what you said I appreciate your comment as a single woman you are a blessing a lot of things I had to learn to do myself or pay an expensive price

[@chezchezchezchez]

This is amazing. Had no idea I was even supposed to do this proactively! Thanks buddy.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Happy to help!

[@wheelerking8380]

I do this 1st week, last week, midweek, Sundays thru Thursdays, every holiday….runs like a champ 💪🏻

[@TheAgentAssassin]

It's not enough you need to do it 2nd week, 1/4 week, Saturdays through Fridays. Then you will achieve completeness of being.

[@Jose-gv6es]

😂😂😂

[@Wildman-zh8lg]

You need. To do it monday through friday 247 365 no sleep

[@MissyMoe28]

We never did our A/C and it’s 28yrs. old and purrs like a kitten!!

[@markp.7165]

I will wait until the pollen season is done say mid June here in the mid Atlantic. No need to clean the unit before the pollen is done.

[@bruceberger1569]

Decent video, however agree with comments about shop vac inside 1st in addition , if you are removing top portion w/ fan , it would be best to remove the outer jacket for better access , if coil fins are really matted they could be reached much easier, easily vacuumed off 1st, for best results, & then sprayed with coil cleaner, 👍👍👍

[@wannabetrucker7475]

Personally, if i could find a reliable person like you i wouldn't mind spending the money. 👍🏼.

[@dianajames4717]

Yeah, you are right I feel the same

[@benjaminjohnson9198]

Had a guy do pre season start up last year. Charged over $200 and didn’t do this. Never calling him again

[@dianajames4717]

@benjaminjohnson9198 wow I believe that

[@benjaminjohnson9198]

@dianajames4717 Yes. Everyone just trying to get paid and cutting simple corners. I would feel awful getting paid for doing shoddy work.

[@dianajames4717]

@benjaminjohnson9198 yes very true especially these days

[@LonjeMarie7]

Thank you very very much for this video. It’s hard out here on these pstreet sometimes being single I have saved so much money and time fixing stuff off of KZbin safely and I actually saved money. Thank you so much!!!!

[@hoonetic]

Time to do this before it gets really hot in central Florida. Thank you for the video! :)

[@edwinnegron7758]

Just cleaned mine, thank you for the tips

[@user-tq9kb3zr8n]

Could have used this 6 months ago - figured it from internet and KZbin videos and did it myself - had a hell of a time getting a condenser here in California - but did it

[@calebcooper2645]

Thanks bro. Loved the tutorial. Straight to the point no filler or waste. I appreciate that.

[@kristfur]

Seems the order of operations is backwards. Should have shop-vac'd the floor when everything was dry. Then rinse the outside and inside with those to get the loose dirty out. Foam the inside only, let sit 10 minutes, and then one final rinse.

[@bjbhehir]

Exactly, that's the way I do it. Plus, most of his spray is getting on the outside housing not the coils, definitely spray it on the inside and then wash it off from the inside.

[@chopchop3464]

your splitting pubic hairs

[@BWeezy-sw1wy]

I read the coil cleaner isn’t even recommended unless it’s greasy which isn’t usually the case for AC units. Also read if not hosed down enough it can remove paint. Another guy said his Trane rep said coil cleaners void the warranty. My unit is about 10 years old and I have never cleaned it. I noticed a bit of dirt inside so I will Vac and low pressure hose the inside and see from there. Thanks for the video, I will make sure to pull the tag out on the power box.

[@johnklein4558]

@@BWeezy-sw1wyour ac service guys are from the company that installed the unit and they use/recommend using a coil cleaner spray.

[@LonjeMarie7]

Yes, you are correct he should’ve. I believed cleaned it when it was dry. I think it’s a man thing my son-in-law wets the surface and then cleans it and I told him you’re actually doing it backwards. It’s more difficult to clean once it’s wet.

[@jackiecurrier730]

Thank you for this helpful and informative video! It's much appreciated!

[@Ben--David]

I was always taught you start from the top so that anything that runs down hits the lower coils.

[@diytwoincollege7079]

I’m absolutely going to take the covers off and clean the inside too. There is no point in half assing it.

[@chopchop3464]

you should always full ass it

[@LexusJDM350]

Thank you for this video. I will be doing this soon!

[@ateequrrehman2714]

Pretty good Experience ❤. Thanks

[@JeremyPeeples]

Gonna try this out - thanks!

[@kevink6420]

Thanks for the video. Very helpful

[@mannyvega7645]

Thank you for this bro. Ill be doing this tomorrow.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You bet!

[@stanleyoneil8579]

Really enjoy you videos. Great tips.

[@harlemworld4169]

Your videos helped me successfully clean my indoor and outdoor ac coils and I've never touched an ac before. Excellent videos!

[@lisamorales3914]

Thank you!!!

[@donaldgarrison4313]

Thanks !!😊

[@mrsmucha]

A very helpful video! Thank you for posting it!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@donaldgalardi9813]

great video. I'm sure coil cleaner works. We've always used a general purpose foaming cleaner. You're only washing off packed on dust and pollen.

[@Joe-lj3ir]

Great video. Thanks for sharing

[@RandyNorberg-zo4nn]

Great information

[@kjisnot]

I use Tuff Stuff that's easy to find at local discount and auto parts stores. Great all around cleaner to keep handy.

[@johnthompson5319]

I put tough stuff in my COI POND,, saves a BUNDLE ON FISH FOOD

[@craigpennington1251]

Take off the louvered shroud to get the product on the condenser fins for a thorough cleaning. I have to do this 3 times from April to end of Oct. It's on that much because of the heat & humidity. Plus all the horrendous pollen counts we have here. In 40 days, you can't see the fins-completely clogged over.

[@ektrne1874]

Do I need special tools to remove the cover?I’m trying to do it myself because I know I have to remove the cover

[@jasonbarner9931]

@@ektrne1874 typically held on by 1/4" socket hex head self tapping screws so no nothing super special.

[@reset-xs9ql]

I enjoy my back yard with a buzz.

[@anitaperez5235]

Thank you

[@kerrylouden4833]

Thanks very good information…

[@judysterling9018]

❤ this works great thank you so much

[@captainstress]

I would like to know more about the compressor noise cover, but the in-video card went to a video about installing a ductless mini split.

[@markgarry2921]

Awesome. Thx

[@KhalidAli-lb2lc]

Thank you so much

[@MikesAutoDetailing]

Great job

[@jerrybrooks4717]

Very helpful

[@lovethosebudgies]

Excellent.

[@Kingfisher1215]

I do this at least once a year. I don’t use the coil cleaner, just a hose. Be careful with your spray intensity, the cooling fins are delicate.

[@hassanbazzi3545]

Great tips. Thanks for sharing

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You bet!

[@timothyotoole8224]

that's awesome, appreciate the tip

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You bet!

[@SodomyHussein]

Thanks friend

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You bet!

[@michellecoleman2020]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU !!!!!!

[@Pfagnan]

Mine is only 3 yrs old but accumulated lots of ‘fuzzies’ up against the outside of fins. I took top and sides off and used my shop vac with soft brush to suck all crap off the unit. No water no toxic cleaners, just suction!! 👍🏻😎

[@bruceberger1569]

It’s good , however that’s like taking a shower & NOT USING SOAP 🧼 😊

[@lljl5310]

​@@bruceberger1569🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mrwill1779]

A dirty coil can draw more amps which can cause your circuit breaker to trip or higher electric bill or cause compressor to work harder which can shorten the life of the unit

[@Dougie1969]

​@@Carguy0882 It's not necessarily OBVIOUS to the majority of people. The normal Joe just turns the AC on and off. Kind of like my wife with her car. She knows it goes Vroom, she just doesn't know how. PS Don't be a dick

[@markemma5]

@@Carguy0882 You're a mean guy. Reevaluate and start over.

[@bretyoung1869]

Very interesting 🤔 Thanks

[@nassuel4522]

Thank you for the video. Definitely saving me from having a guy come out and makes up for a cool DIY project plus saving $$$!

[@hokekeller14]

Fresh water works great. Newer coils say don't use anything but water.

[@MrSilvervw]

Fantastic content 👌 👏 👍

[@swainlach4587]

I use the green concentrate in the gallon container.

[@hotchihuahua1546]

Would it not have been more effective to open the unit up and spray the cleaner from the inside ? Then spray from the inside out as you showed ? Just asking .

[@stevesquick92]

Thanks! I’m going to try this product. Wouldn’t it be more efficient/effective if you took the guard off?

[@ernestbrooks399]

Once a year is nothing it's easy, takes 30 mins. well worth the results.

[@MrSeth166]

I thought you was going to use the Coil Gun that you showed on a previous video... You said that because is better than the spray can... Great videos bud... 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@juanmanuelpalomaresramos6925]

Buen producto para la limpieza del serpentín

[@carter1431]

There is also a cheaper way which is to just spray the coils with the water hose and use a leaf blower to push away the debris

[@genemaverick5705]

I just use the water hose to clean it off , works just as good !!

[@normanmcintyre7687]

I am looking for the video description to see the products you use where is it at ?

[@Suncast45]

Very good video ! Thank You! My son just bought a home where the AC condenser is under some overhanging bushes. Will trim that all away but the interior is littered with muck. Even the fan blades have leaf debris stuck on them. The unit is very similar to the one in your video. Question is will I have trouble getting the top cover back on. I took one off a Carrier 3 ton unit some years back and had great difficulty getting it back on! Thanks!

[@Suncast45]

Meant to add that is says on a label it is a Copeland Scroll compressor. No cover on it!

[@bruceberger1569]

Try having someone hold it or gently tilt it back, & lean against house if unit is set in this fashion, that’s what I 👁do , remove entire casing 4 panels fan attached lid w/ 4 panel supports , power supply OFF, & also very small brush or very carefully vac inside where electrical wire panel is inside unit, just be careful NOT to touch wires, or capacitor etc… sometimes mice 🐭 find their way inside or other pests 👍👍👍👍👍

[@Suncast45]

Thanks. I did get it thoroughly cleaned!@@bruceberger1569

[@user-gy1ju3zz5w]

Question? I have 2 outdoor units. Will one can of cleaner be enough to do both units?

[@daveyt4802]

Wait until you get double coils on commercial units. Using a tank of CO2 from the party bars worked best for me. Blowing from the inside out. That is hard to get. I have a dewalt battery leaf blower, you could try that too! Dry is best.

[@theadjuster151]

Oh yeah, commercial rates! 👊💯

[@readyplayer2]

How about cleaning the outdoor unit for a mini-split / ductless heat pump? Does the top typically lift off in the same way? I have a Mitsubishi unit and I think it’s due for a cleaning this spring. Thanks!

[@c.blakerockhart1128]

No. Your common mini split has a horizontal condenser fan. Shut off the power, wet the coil ( located in the rear usually ) after you wet it with MEDIUM - LOW PRESSURE, spray the foam or greased lightning or your preferred cleaner that does NOT contain ammonia or chlorine . Let it sit for 5 minutes and then start rinsing from the front (use something to hold your fan blade still, a small dowel will work ) after you rinse from the front, finish rinsing from behind. Let sit and drain for a few minutes before you turn it back on. Most mini splits WILL lose your current settings when power is lost. But all in all my advice is DO NOT REMOVE ANY SCREWS OR PANELS. If the unit is under warranty, you WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY. If you read your warranty papers closely you will find that ONLY a LICENSED PROFESSIONAL can "open" your unit without making the warranty VOID. These DIY guys never seem to mention any of this. I am an HVAC TECH with 20 years experience.

[@Sylvan_dB]

Simple Green Pro (it's purple) advertises "Safe for Aluminum" .

[@mgelliott86]

I love simple green products

[@curtissanjenko285]

Would it makes sense to foam spray inside of coils as well prior to rinsing?

[@raymondjones9533]

You can use fantastic spray. Spray on coil let sit for 5 mins .then rinse off with the hose .

[@AudiophileTubes]

I have an old, but still working Sears unit, with condenser fins showing on the outside (no cover). I'm not really mechanically inclined, and am fearful of opening the unit. Can I just gently spray the fins from the outside to clean them? Would this do something beneficial? Thanks.

[@bobbywanger8123]

There's no video in the end I was going to check that out was very interested in

[@joesimonetti]

click on the video on upper right at the end of the video

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Here ya go kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6CXinWNo6tnkJI

[@diyhvacguy]

Should be there now

[@gaylefriedman3773]

Excellent demonstration. How can We Clean our Condenser/Compressor on a Rooftop? Now that's impossible with all these rules and regulations. Thank You!

[@patrickstockton2091]

Does the cleaner have acid in it?

[@marmaladesunrise]

Dors the cleaning include a heat pump, too?

[@wholeNwon]

Personally I'm very wary about using any harsh chemicals on my units. I do keep the area around them very clean and put a lid on the top spaced with soft cushions in the winter to keep debris from falling in. I'm very careful about doing anything that could scratch the paint and promote rust. If air flow is good and I can see light passing through the coils, I leave them alone. My old systems lasted 47 yrs. and would likely still be running if the previous owner had been more careful.

[@joesimonetti]

Agreed...I just hose mine out yearly so nothing ever accumulates.

[@scottschulte1157]

47 years.....wut....lol

[@MikeP1030]

@@scottschulte1157 my old system was 27 yrs old ...ran as smooth as a babys' behind 😁

[@joenewman6494]

Just because it is still running doesn’t mean it is efficient

[@wholeNwon]

@@joenewman6494 Don't care. Electricity here is cheap and the added cost of AC in the summer is almost trivial. The increased cost (and complexity, therefore likely failure rate) of very high efficiency systems is such that they would never pay for themselves during their lifespans (or mine).

[@lazarogonzalez5722]

Thank you for your help great t job

[@richardsmith4187]

Never did see or find the link he mentioned down below for " cobra coil cleaner " ??

[@HateDietPepsi]

Best to start at the top spray vertical from top to bottom in the direction of the fins, not horizontal.

[@mikebryant8082]

Would simple green or crud cutter be ok to do this?

[@alexciocca4451]

My air conditioner man said don’t use anything but water to clean coil

[@claytidwell]

I would drill some bottom holes to save all that time in the future. But...great video thanks.

[@Freedom_Half_Off]

I'm not even sure if that might not be better . Having that water running down the outside wall would be a problem to me .

[@dontderockmerizz3211]

I heard you can’t use this on microchannel coils. Any idea what can be used in its place?

[@LindaG858]

Geez…I just paid a $100 for an ac tune up but stated it is $450 for clean up of outside unit (which I turned down) (in shock) & then was informed that the motor compacitor should be replaced for $370 (which I turned down as well…so being on fixed income, I may try $ clean the coils myself.

[@eosjoe565]

is there any particular reason you can't just spray down the coils with something liker Fantastic or Simple Green and rinse off? I've used the fancy expensive coil cleaner myself in the past but I didn't see any advantage over normal spray cleaners.

[@RCinginSC]

I'm going to guess that the product shown in video has a foaming action and expands between coils ensuring near 100% contact between rows while general purpose cleaner may only lay on the top side of the coils leaving the underside of the coils untouched. I personally feel like citrus based cleaner would work just fine as long as you can spray it liberally from all angles to ensure 100% coverage on the coils.

[@adenahsea7340]

Good video but please also advise what not to do to avoid any damage to the unit.

[@susanselke6158]

Thank you for the tip 👍

[@valatchison1126]

Which cleaner do you recommend?

[@beatriceatorres4185]

After the cleaning do we have to wait to turn the breaker on or can we do it right away

[@craigcoffman69]

Looking for a wand that connects to garden hose but narrow enough to fit inside top cover by spreading sheet medal a little bit. Any pro suggestions? Thanks 😊

[@BWeezy-sw1wy]

Ooh good idea. I have a flower pot watering wand adapter

[@donaldotsig6818]

How do you clean it if its on the fourth floor balcony of a condo ty

[@tonyy33055]

Can I use that same product to clean my truck radiator and ac coils??

[@mrchew1982]

Dish soap works just fine most of the time!

[@Arctic5fox]

Foam is better for pushing the dirt out. Soap doesn't do that. If there's no major buildup, I think the soap will do a good job.

[@captainamericaamerica8090]

@@Arctic5fox Wrong. Dawn. Palmolive. Have lots of fats. Which kLING! INTO ALL PARTS. AND BREAK DOWN ALL THE GUNK. AND IT COSTS PENNIES A CLEANING. ME GRAMPS IS A MAINT. MAN. 44 YEARS! AND HAS CLEANED THOUSAND OF THESE. BEFORE YOU WERE EVEN BORN😊☺HE'S A EXPERT! AND HIS UNITS RUN NOW SOME 53! YEARS!! SO!! 🏆🏆🏆🐯🐯🐯🐯👑👑👑👑

[@theadjuster151]

​@@captainamericaamerica8090they don't make 'em like they used to! 💯

[@JoeS97756]

@@captainamericaamerica8090 how do you spray the palmolive into the coils?

[@deandee8082]

I suggest spraying in through the louvers at the same angle, get more on the condenser fins not the louvers

[@doghairdontcarelindaniel7531]

My mini split coils look yellow from pollen. I did the spray and rinsed. Still looks yellow. I’ll try taking off top an redo an rinse from inside to outside.