AC condenser service

[Smoky14]

I know this should be simple, but I hate to stumble on something I didn't know.
I want to clean inside the unit which has leaves etc. accumulating in it. I want to remove the top so I can vacuum the bottom. The top has the cooling fan; do I just remove the screws and lift it or will the wiring give me trouble. Block it up?, try to disconnect? any hints will be appreciated.
Lennox 4T split unit. Should I wash the coils while I'm in there.

Thanks guys for helping and old man.

Smoky

 

[acmikee]

you should be able to remove the top and block it up to remove the debri. you can also water wash the coil with simple green just don't the fins over and make sure u get it all off.

 

[sparelman]

Don't forget to turn your unit off, and pull the disconnect for your unit before you remove the top/fan assembly. If you have a lot of bent fins you may even want to get an a/c fin comb/rake to straighten them out while you have things apart.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I can just take the fan blade and motor assembly's out the top. I then get the shop vac in there. I do it every spring and fall. I keep them covered in the winter. I have (2) two ton Payne units. Keeping the cooling fins clean is important. So is removing all the crud that can build up on the bottom near the non copper parts.

 

[joel63]

you should be able to remove the top and block it up to remove the debri. you can also water wash the coil with simple green just don't FLATTEN the fins over and make sure u get it all off.

As he said^

Just adding to the above: If you have to electrically disconnect the fan motor, be very careful to note where the the wires are connected so you can reconnect them correctly. (very easy to forget where they go when it's time to put everything back) Power off too!

Good luck.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Are any of the cleaning solutions worth their cost ?

 

[joel63]

Are any of the cleaning solutions worth their cost ?

This is difficult to answer.
It largely depends on the situation, i.e. how dirty the coil is, condition of the coil, and environmental conditions.

Some commercial cleaners are designed for indoor (evaporator) coils and some are designed for outdoor (condenser) coils.
When I use them, I follow the manufacture's instructions.
I dont subscribe to the "more is better" method.
I have used Simple Green with good results.
Some times plain water does a good job on outdoor coils.

I also try to stay away from the alkaline based cleaners.
Finally, always finish up with a good rinse.
Cleaning coils is a slow process that you don't want to rush.