There are two very important components in every central air conditioner: the condenser and the evaporator. While the evaporator is sheltered inside the home, the condenser is stuck outside on a bare slab of concrete, exposed to all kinds of wildlife and elements. The two components are pretty much sealed up, but can still be affected by air pollution, pets, and yard debris (especially the condenser). At Duggan's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, we believe one of the best DIY projects that a homeowner can tackle in order to improve the efficiency of their air conditioner unit is to clean the unit and look for visual signs of trouble.

HVAC technician testing AC unit

Clean the Evaporator

  1. Turn off the power.
  2. Clean the evaporator only if it is accessible. This DIY task can be done by removing the insulation at the front, which is often wrapped in foil.
  3. Remove the access plate with a screwdriver.
  4. Use a heavy brush to clean the evaporator and the tray below.
  5. A small amount of bleach may be used to kill or prevent the growth of mold. Replace all parts that were removed.

Clean the Condenser

  1. Cut down and remove weeds and other plants that are around the condenser.
  2. Use a commercial coil cleaner according to the included instructions.
  3. Use a very soft brush to clean the fins (instead of hosing the fins down). If any fins seem damaged, contact an Augusta HVAC repair professional.
  4. Make sure the cement pad is stable. Use a carpenter’s level to be sure that your air conditioning unit isn’t sliding around or unsteady. If the unit isn’t level, use shims, rocks, or other items to make it level.

Wrap up the Air Conditioner During Bad Weather

Whether it is a snowy winter, a wet spring or fall, or a dry windy summer, whenever the unit isn’t in use, you should take DIY steps to keep the conditioner protected from the elements. This can keep leaves and other debris out of the fins, prevent ice from getting into the air conditioner, and generally improve and extend the life of the unit.  Contact Duggan's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® for more information in Augusta, GA at (706) 914-1617.