Our answer to the question of whether you should power wash your AC unit is simple. The answer is never. A power washer can damage the inside your unit to the point where your air conditioner can no longer work.
With that out of the way, you do need to make sure that the inside of your outdoor unit is cleaned at least once a year. Twice a year is even better, especially if the cleaning is done right before the heating and cooling seasons. You can clean your outdoor unit, but you’ll need to do it with some care.
Washing Your AC Unit the Right Way
Dirt and debris prevent your air conditioner from operating the way it should. This makes it work too hard, which shortens its life and raises your utility bills. Here are things to do if you clean the unit yourself:
- Read the instruction manual
- Turn off the power to the unit
- Remove debris and overgrown greenery
- Protect wires and motors
- Use cleanser and an ordinary garden hose
Before you do anything else, you’ll need to read your owner’s manual. Some AC units have different conformations when it comes to their coils and fins. Turn off the power to the unit. It’s best to do this at the circuit box. Remove debris and shrubbery from around the unit.
Use a handheld vacuum with a brush attachment to get at dirt from inside your unit. If the fins are a little warped, you can use a fin brush to straighten them. Clean them with a cleanser made specifically for coils or a can of compressed air, then wash away dissolved dirt with your garden hose. Reassemble the unit, and turn the power on.
Call Gulf Shore Cooling, LLC for Help
Our HVAC professionals at Gulf Shore Cooling, LLC have served customers in the southwest Florida area since 1983. We not only service air conditioners but heating units, ductwork and home automation systems. We also service commercial buildings and are a superior insulation contractor.
Call our technicians at Gulf Shore Cooling, LLC for more information. We’re located in Fort Myers, FL.
