When the summer season heats up, you want it to work as efficiently as possible to keep your home cool. If it starts running nonstop or struggling to keep your home cool, your outdoor condenser unit could be to blame.

Over time, dirt, leaves, and debris can start building up around the unit and start putting an unnecessary strain on your system. The results? You might notice an unnecessary stress on your system and diminished airflow in  your home.

The team at Big Cat Plumbing, Heating & Cooling are here with pro tips on how to safely clean and maintain your AC condenser. Or give us a call for AC maintenance in Colorado Springs today!

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Step-by-Step Process to Clean Your AC Condenser Safely

It can feel intimidating to approach your outdoor unit for a little maintenance, but it’s actually easy to clean up your condenser without damaging your sensitive components.

1. Turn Off the AC Power

Always practice safety first and never clean or touch any HVAC component while it’s powered on. Head to your outdoor electrical disconnect box. Which you’ll probably find mounted on the wall near the unit and switch it off. If you can’t find it, turn off your air conditioner circuit breaker at your main electrical panel.

2. Clear Away Furniture Leaves and Debris

Start the AC maintenance process by moving away any patio furniture and then sweep away leaves, mulch, weeds, or grass clippings around the base of the outdoor unit. Put on your gardening gloves to safely pull away anything that’s stuck in the grate or lodged against the base. The goal is to maintain at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit to make sure you have enough airflow going on around the base of your AC.

3. Remove the Outer Cover of Your AC Unit

Some AC units allow you to unscrew the protective grate or fan top. If you can remove it, you’ll have access to clean the interior of your mode. Be careful not to tug on the fan wires and leave any screws in a safe spot. If you’re uncomfortable with this step or aren’t sure what you’re doing, it’s time to stop and call in the pros.

4. Gently Clean the Fins of the AC

Keep in mind that the aluminum fins surrounding the condenser coil are delicate and can be bent. Only use a soft brush or gentle vacuum with a brush attachment to remove any built-up dust and dirt. Bent fins should be handled by a professional to help properly restore the airflow and make sure there’s no further damage.

5. Hose Off the Coils

Once you’ve removed the debris and dust, it’s time to grab a garden hose and lightly hose off the coil. Use a gentle spray of water and rinse from the inside out to push dirt away from the fins. Using a high-pressure nozzle could damage the unit and cause issues.

6. Check the Drain and Surrounding Area

Before you start closing up the AC unit, check under the condenser to see if it’s draining well and not pooling any water. Remove weeds or brush that might grow back or get tangled with your unit and block the airflow.

7. Reassemble and Restore Power

After the coil, fins, and unit is cleaned off and dry, reattach the fan cover the panels you removed. Turn the power back on and make sure your AC resumes.

DIY Maintenance Tips for Colorado Springs Homeowners

There are also year-round tips you can take to stay on top of your AC maintenance.

• Clean your condenser at least once a year. Set a reminder for early spring before peak AC season hits. 
• Keep grass trimmed and landscaping low. Make it routine practice to keep the area around your unit tidy to reduce debris buildup.
• Change your indoor air filter regularly. Regularly changing out your filter keeps your entire AC system running smoothly.
• Listen for unusual noises. If you’re still hearing rattling or unusual noises after cleaning, you could have a loose panel or internal issue.

When to Call an AC Pro

Cleaning up your condenser coil is a preventative step, but it’s not an alternative for professional AC maintenance. Here’s when to give the Colorado Springs air conditioning service team at Big Cat a call.

• Your AC still isn’t cooling efficiently, even after cleaning up the coil
• You hear hissing, buzzing, clanking, or clicking from the AC unit
• Ice forms on the coil or refrigerant lines
• The fan isn’t spinning or the unit won’t turn on and stay on
• You haven’t had a seasonal tune-up in awhile, or have never had professional maintenance

Our certified HVAC technicians can check refrigerant levels, test electrical connections, clean evaporator coils, and catch issues early. When  you schedule routine HVAC maintenance, you’re saving you money in the long run and extending the lifespan of your unit.

Call the team at Big Cat Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Today

Whether you need routine maintenance, a repair, or new installation, give the pros at Big Cat Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a call! We’ll handle everything you need for efficients, fast cooling that keeps you comfortable all season long. We’re available 24/7! Call our AC company in Colorado Springs for an appointment today!

Call Now (719) 784-7224 Call Now (719) 784-7224