Outdoors coils cleaning: Air conditioners and heat pumps
For energy savings, clean regularly the outdoor coils of your air conditioner (or heat pump).
See also:
AC filters
Refrigerant charge
Indoor Coils Cleaning
Blower Cleaning
Room air conditioner maintenance
Steps
Cleaning the outdoor coil of a central air conditioner or air heat pump involves a typical three step job:
1) accessing the inside of the coil;
2) removing the surface dirt from the coil;
3) removing the trapped dirt
(do not forget to shut off the power before beginning the cleaning job).
To access the inside of the coil you should remove the louvers or the grillwork, and lift out the top panel associated with the fan.
Removing the surface dirt
Use a brush (a sufficiently stiff brush) to remove the surface dirt from the coil. Use water to wet the dirt and to make brushing easier and more effective. You may also use a biodegradable outdoor coil cleaner to soften the surface dirt.
Spraying the cleaner
To remove the impregnated-trapped dirt, and to soften it, use an outdoor degradable coil cleaner (spray the cleaner on both sides). And after some minutes, spray cold water from the inside through the outside of the coiler.
Straightening the Coil Fins
The aluminum coil fins are easily bent and can block air flow. If this is the case, use a “fin comb” tool to comb the damaged fins to their original position. You can buy that tool in air conditioning wholesalers.
See also:
Basics on Air Conditioning
Alternatives to air conditioners
Types of air conditioning
High-rated Air Conditioners
Ductless air conditioners
Room air conditioners
Portable Air Conditioners
Lowering AC bills
AC failures and improper operation
Maintenance
AC filters
Refrigerant charge
Indoor Coils Cleaning
Blower Cleaning
Room air conditioner maintenance
Sizing Air Conditioning
AC installation
Air conditioners vs. Heat pumps
AC Manufacturers
Professional AC Technician Services
