• Home
    • residential Service

      commercial service

How to Clean Your Outside AC Unit

how do you clean an outside air conditioning unit

Just as filter changes keep your interior HVAC system clean, air conditioner maintenance tips include regular cleanings of your exterior AC unit. How do you clean an outside air conditioning unit? Disconnect its power and remove visible debris before vacuuming and spraying the condenser fins. This step-by-step guide illustrates how to clean your outside AC unit, maximizing its function and extending its lifespan.

How Often Should You Clean Your Outside AC Unit?

Why is it necessary to clean AC unit outside? Keeping the condenser coils clean can maximize efficiency, saving you money. It also prevents malfunctions that can result in costly repairs. How often should you clean your outside AC unit? Cleaning it twice a year, before the summer and fall seasons, will help it properly cool and heat your home. 

Follow these simple steps to clean your exterior AC unit with the right supplies and methods.

Step 1: Turn Off Power to Unit

Before you begin to clean your outside AC unit, ensure your safety by turning off its power sources.

Here’s how to turn off power to your AC unit:

  1. Turn the inside thermostat off.
  2. Turn off power at the exterior electrical disconnect. Open the disconnect box and, depending on the unit, unplug the pullout switch or switch the circuit breaker off. 

Step 2: Remove Large Debris

Put on a pair of work gloves and remove large debris such as leaves, twigs and grass clippings from around the exterior. A shop vac or standard vacuum hose attachment can remove smaller pieces of debris from the unit’s base and external surfaces.

clean your outside AC unit

Step 3: Clean Air Conditioner Coils

Cleaning air conditioner coils requires delicate but thorough vacuuming to remove accumulated debris.

Use these tips to clean the condenser coils or fins:

  1. Carefully remove the top of the unit and set it safely aside.
  2. Use a vacuum’s hose attachment to remove dirt, dust, and debris from the base of the unit.
  3. With the vacuum’s brush attachment, gently vacuum the fins or coils in an up-and-down motion to avoid bending them.

Step 4: Apply a Coil Cleaner

Spray the fins or coils with an AC coil cleaner. Alternatively, you can also spray the coils with a mixture of dish detergent and water. Wait 5-15 minutes for the cleaner to foam and adhere to dirt and debris.

Step 5: Spray or Wipe Down the Coils 

Use a garden hose and spray nozzle to spray the coils, removing the cleaner and debris. Is it ok to spray water on your air conditioner? As long as you avoid spraying the motor, water will ensure that the coils are completely cleaned and rinsed.

If you prefer not to spray the coils with water, you can wipe them down with a damp cloth. After spraying or wiping the coils, use the hose or wet cloth to remove lingering dust from the outside of the unit.

Step 6: Restore Power to the Unit

After you clean your outside AC unit, replace the top access panel. Open the exterior disconnect box and plug the pullout switch back in or switch the circuit breaker to the on position. Turn on your interior thermostat and run the air conditioner to make sure it functions properly.

Don’t want to clean your outside AC unit yourself? Let the experts at Dependable Heating and Air take care of it for you. Schedule an HVAC maintenance plan with us today!

Troubleshoot Error Codes

carrier furnace error codes
Heating

What Do Carrier Furnace Yellow Light Codes Mean? Your Ultimate Guide to Error Codes

When the light on your Carrier furnace is yellow and flashing, it’s like your furnace …

Read More
Goodman Air Conditioner Codes
Air Conditioner

Goodman Air Conditioner Codes: Troubleshooting Common Goodman AC Failures

Your Goodman AC may flash codes if it detects a failure. Understanding the Goodman Air …

Read More
Maintenance

How to fix the American Standard HVAC 3 Flash Error Code

Wondering how to troubleshoot the American Standard HVAC 3 Flash Error Code? We cover the 3, 2, & 22 flash error codes.

Read More

Breathe Cleaner Fresher Air

Save $204 on iWave Air Purifier installation and get a free HVAC tune-up.
SAVE $204
air conditioner smells
Air Conditioner

6 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Smells and How to Stop the Odor

Facing odd smells when you turn on your AC? Discover the causes and learn preventative tips to keep your home smelling fresh all summer long! 💨🏠✨

Read More
how to improve home air quality
Air Conditioner

How to Improve Home Air Quality and Breathe Easy

Is your home feeling stuffy or triggering allergies? Dive into these preventative tips to ensure you’re breathing the cleanest air possible. A healthier, fresher home awaits! 🌿🍃 #CleanAir #HomeTips

Read More
How to Prevent Mold in HVAC Systems
Air Conditioner

The Ultimate Guide on How to Prevent Mold in HVAC Systems

Today, we’re diving into a topic that may seem small but can be very important …

Read More
Air Conditioner Tripping the Circuit Breaker
Air Conditioner

Why Is My Air Conditioner Tripping the Circuit Breaker?

Have you ever been enjoying a perfectly chill day indoors only to suddenly sweat bullets …

Read More
Air Ducts Making Noise
Air Conditioner

Are Your Air Ducts Making Noise? This Could Be Why.

Have you been dealing with air ducts making noise constantly in your home? The sound …

Read More

want a $45 service call?

We'll send you a sweet 50% disount coupon you can use on any HVAC service call when you subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

atlanta water attractions free
Local

Best Places to Cool Off in Atlanta: Atlanta Water Attractions

It’s called “Hotlanta” for a reason. Whether you live here or you’re planning on visiting, …

Read More
air purifier prevent covid-19
Air Conditioner

Can an Air Purifier Prevent Coronavirus?

When waging the war against coronavirus, having multiple tactics in our arsenal seems to be …

Read More
can i get BBQ delivered
Local

5 Best BBQ Delivery Atlanta Restaurants

For a true BBQ fan, few cities offer more authentic options than Atlanta. But while …

Read More