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can you pressure wash your ac unit

by Dominic Ward Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Never power wash your air conditioner.
Although there are ways you can clean your air conditioner, a power washer should never be one of them. These can cause damage to your coil and result in a system breakdown. Schedule a condenser cleaning appointment with your local HVAC guy.
May 12, 2016

Full Answer

Can you powerwash an outdoor AC unit?

Never use a pressure washer for cleaning your outdoor AC unit. Instead, get a garden hose and spray through the fins from the inside to loosen up dirt and debris buildup. If the fins are extremely dirty, it's best to seek assistance from your local HVAC contractor. Clean around the unit.

Is it OK to hose down your AC unit?

​Yes, you can hose down your ac unit. In fact, spraying water on your air conditioner to clear dirt and other debris, along with a regular/preventative maintenance plan can help keep your air conditioner unit running more efficiently.

How do you clean an outside AC unit?

0:331:38How To Clean an Air Conditioner - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe top this process varies by manufacturer. So check your units instructions. Clean out any debrisMoreThe top this process varies by manufacturer. So check your units instructions. Clean out any debris in the bottom by hand or with a vacuum.

Can you use a pressure washer to clean AC condenser?

0:1817:09How to clean your air conditioner condenser coil using a pressure ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're going to be clean condensing unit today with simple green industrial cleaner and degreaser andMoreWe're going to be clean condensing unit today with simple green industrial cleaner and degreaser and when I find us is that this stuff works absolutely fantastic. And it doesn't harm your condensing

Is it OK to spray AC unit with water?

The good news is that you absolutely can spray water on your air conditioner if it needs a cleaning, and nothing bad will happen. Spraying water on your AC's condenser also helps it run more efficiently. In fact, your condenser needs a regular spritzing in order to keep doing a good job.

Does spraying your outside AC unit with water help?

Spraying water on your air conditioner can help it run more efficiently if you remove enough dust, dirt and debris to help improve airflow and prevent it from overheating. It's certainly not going to damage your AC unit to do so. It's a good idea to spray off the condenser coils in particular a couple times a year.

How long should AC dry after cleaning?

If the cleaner label instructs to rinse off foam, use a garden hose on low-pressure settings. For indoor coils, you can use a rinse-free cleanser. After rinsing the coils, don't turn on your air conditioner immediately. Let the unit dry for 30 to 60 minutes.

What can I spray my AC coils with to clean?

Fortunately, all you need is some mild dishwashing detergent, white vinegar, plenty of warm distilled water, and a couple of spray bottles, as well as a soft bristle brush. Add a few drops of dishwashing detergent to a spray bottle filled with distilled water and spray the solution onto the evaporator coil.

How often should you clean your outside AC unit?

How Often Should You Clean the Outside Unit of AC System? For most homeowners twice yearly is sufficient, once before the summer season sets in and you'll be cooling your home, and once during fall before cold temperatures set in and it's time to switch to heat mode.

Should you pressure wash AC coils?

They should never use a pressure washer, because the high-powered spray will most likely damage the coil's thin metal fins. Damaged or bent fins can restrict airflow and can result in reduced heat transfer capabilities. Also be sure they are not using a detergent that is highly acidic.

How do I clean my AC condenser?

How to Clean Your Air Conditioner's Condenser CoilsInspect the Coils. Start by visually inspecting the coils for any noticeable damage. ... Remove Debris With a Coil Brush. ... Straighten the Coil Fins With a Fin Comb. ... Wet the Coils and Coat With Coil Cleaner. ... Wash Away the Coil Cleaner With Water.

Will Simple Green clean condenser coils?

Spray the coils down with Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner. Cover the condenser coils entirely with the cleaner. Let the Simple Green sit 10-15 minutes to penetrate heavier soils, and then hose it down again.

Does spraying your AC unit with water help Reddit?

LPT: If your air conditioner isn't cooling as well as it used to, spray off the outside AC unit (the condenser) with a garden hose. It's a simple way to keep your AC performing at top condition.

How often should you clean your outside AC unit?

How Often Should You Clean the Outside Unit of AC System? For most homeowners twice yearly is sufficient, once before the summer season sets in and you'll be cooling your home, and once during fall before cold temperatures set in and it's time to switch to heat mode.

How long should AC dry after cleaning?

If the cleaner label instructs to rinse off foam, use a garden hose on low-pressure settings. For indoor coils, you can use a rinse-free cleanser. After rinsing the coils, don't turn on your air conditioner immediately. Let the unit dry for 30 to 60 minutes.

How do you clean AC condenser?

How to Clean Your Air Conditioner's Condenser CoilsInspect the Coils. Start by visually inspecting the coils for any noticeable damage. ... Remove Debris With a Coil Brush. ... Straighten the Coil Fins With a Fin Comb. ... Wet the Coils and Coat With Coil Cleaner. ... Wash Away the Coil Cleaner With Water.

How to clean AC coils?

With warm water or a simple foaming cleaner (mixed with water), spray the AC coils from the outside liberally, let soak for 15 minutes. From the inside of the unit, spray water using a spray bottle, into the coils to push the dirt and debris out. Inspect the coil fins for any damage or bending.

How to use a heat pump as an air conditioner?

These instructions can also be used if you own a heat pump as the external condenser unit is constructed similar to an air conditioner: First, disconnect the power to the AC Unit. Remove any plants or weeds which may have grown around the unit. Be careful of venomous snakes that may be lurking in overgrowth.

What else can damage the coils on your air conditioning unit?

What else can damage the coils on your air conditioning unit? Power washers. Power washers (or Pressure Washers) pump out PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) by the thousands. Don’t be fooled by the smaller battery operated pressure washers, they too have immense pressurized water streams.

Do you have to clean AC units in spring?

If you live near cottonwood trees or have a lawn plagued with dandelions you may have to clean the AC unit frequently during the spring. Heat Wave NC only uses soft pressure to thoroughly clean your condenser and fins.

Can you power wash an AC unit?

Never Power Wash Your AC Unit. Every season your A/C coils should be cleaned. Whether it’s a buildup of leaves from the fall or pollen and dust from spring, not having proper air flow through the coils can potentially damage a unit. But, never power wash AC unit or A/C coils; read why here. What else can damage the coils on your air conditioning ...

Is it bad to pressure wash a deck?

While some things are OK for pressure washers, like removing gum and graffiti from concrete, they, in our opinion, are horrible for soft metals like aluminum. They are equally as bad for your wood deck – consult a deck expert about how to clean your deck and they’ll tell you the same.

Can AC coils be warped?

We’ve seen some AC coils simply warped right out of shape and have even seen a few that have had holes blasted through the tubing by power washing. Let me tell you that replacing the AC coils can be expensive depending on the unit.

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