Service an Air Conditioning System with Central Air
Condensor (outside part of system)
Shut down all power to the condensor
Remove protective cages on the sides and top to expose cooling fins. The fan attached to the top cage will have wires that restrict where the assembly can be placed. Set it upside down on the top to the side.
Clean any grass or large debris while being very cautious not to damage the fins
Spray coil/fin cleaner on the cooling fins and let the chemicals sit for the specified period of time indicated on the bottle (i.e. usually 2-5 minutes).
Spray the chemicals off with a garden hose. Keep the water spray on a mist as to not damage the sensitive fins.
Replace the cages.
Service Evaporator (inside part of the system by the furnace)
Remove access panel to the evaporator exposing the heat exchanger coils.
Clean the coils with compressed air or a spritzer water bottle. Unlike the condensor, there should be little debris on the coils and should be fairly clean if the vent filters are replaced regularly.
Optional: Spray coil/fin cleaner on the cooling fins and let the chemicals sit for the specified period of time indicated on the bottle (i.e. usually 2-5 minutes).
Spray the chemicals off with a spritzer water bottle. Be sure to let the water drain from the drip pan and to not let the water overflow.
Replace the access panel.
Clean Drip Pan (water pan under evaporator)
Locate drip pan and drain pipe.
Locate the end of the pipe and place a catch (eg bowl) under the pipe.
Pour one cup of undiluted bleach down the drain.
Pour 3-4 cups of water after the bleach to help flush it through.
Remove outside access panel to expose condensor coils
Clean any grass or large debris while being very cautious not to damage the fins
Spray coil/fin cleaner on the cooling fins and let the chemicals sit for the specified period of time indicated on the bottle (i.e. usually 2-5 minutes).
Spray the chemicals off with a garden hose. Keep the water spray on a mist as to not damage the sensitive fins.
Replace access panel.
Next remove inside access panel to expose evaporator coils
Clean the coils with compressed air or a spritzer water bottle.
Optional: Spray coil/fin cleaner on the cooling fins and let the chemicals sit for the specified period of time indicated on the bottle (i.e. usually 2-5 minutes).
Spray the chemicals off with a spritzer water bottle. Be sure to let the water drain from the drip pan and to not let the water overflow.
Replace the access panel.
Examine drip pan on the bottom and clean if needed
