When’s the last time you’ve cleaned your outdoor air conditioning unit? Chances are, it’s been awhile. When homeowners think about maintenance, they seem to bypass the outdoor unit. Unlike the indoor system, the outside unit has to withstand all weather conditions. In Florida, that includes rain, extreme heat, hurricanes, and spontaneous cold fronts. Leaves, dirt, and other debris can get stuck in and around your system. Sometimes things like branches or small twigs are caught inside the system, causing your fan to become blocked.
Before cleaning the unit, be sure to turn off the unit by the shut off switch located near the unit. Now that the power is turned off, you can start by clearing any debris from around the system. This may include leaves, grass, and any other small particles. If weeds or tall grass is growing near the unit, be careful when trimming the area so you do not damage the unit. After you have cleared the area, you may use an outdoor vacuum to remove other dirt and grass from the exterior fins. You may also use a soft brush to gently remove dirt. If you notice the fins are damaged, call a professional for a routine service call so they may either fix or replace the fins.
Once you have cleaned the exterior, it’s time to unscrew the grille in order to gain access to the interior. Place the fan aside but be careful not to tug too hard on the wires. Wipe down the fan with a damp cloth. Pull out any leaves and vacuum any debris you see sitting at the bottom of the unit. Take a water hose and rinse the fins from the inside out. Once you are finished, you can re-insert the grille. Don’t forget to turn the power switch back on.
If you need any assistance or have run into any issues while attempting to clean your air conditioning system, call our professionals in air conditioning service in Stuart, and surrounding Port St. Lucie, and we will be glad to help with any problems you’ve encountered.
