Before you begin disassembling any portion of the condenser, it’s crucial that you disable the power supply. If you cannot find the power outlet where the compressor unit is plugged in, or if you’re inclined to be extra cautious, you can simply flip the switch to “OFF” in the circuit breaker box which controls power to the AC condenser.
The condenser unit sucks in air through these fins. Over the course of time, these will become dirty with bits of leaves, grass, and dust. If you don’t have a wet/dry vacuum, see if any of your friends or neighbors have one. You may also be able to rent a wet/dry vacuum from your local hardware store.
If you use excessive force, you risk snapping off the fins or damaging them further.
Due to the wires connecting the fan motor to the compressor unit, you may not be able to fully lift off the fan. You’ll simply have to lift the fan as far out of its housing as possible.
Rinsing the fins from the inside will make sure that any obstructions are cleared, and the unit can effectively draw in air.
At this point, you can also turn the power supply back on.
Over time, the air filter will become clogged and dirty with all of the dust and dirt particles that it has filtered out of the air. A dirty filter will obstruct airflow within the AC system, and will cause the system to function with much less efficiency.
To quickly tell a disposable from a reusable air filter, inspect the material it’s made from. Disposable filters will be made of thick, papery material, while reusable filters are made of a rubbery frame and metal mesh.
If the plastic pipe is flexible, poke the wire into the bottom of the pipe as well, to make sure that it’s not clogged. In some more modern units, the pipe which drains water runs directly into the floor, and does not have a drain. In this case, you do not need to clean the setup. Call a AC professional cleaner—or your landlord—if you notice water pooling around the base of the evaporator unit, or see water-damaged flooring nearby.
This space will maximize the unit’s efficiency by allowing plenty of free-flowing air.
Over the course of time, the outdoor condenser unit can become covered in a layer of dirt and pollen kicked up by the wind. This coating of dust can reduce the efficiency of the condenser unit by blocking the unit from pulling in air.
If you live in an apartment or a rental house, the landlord or property owner will likely have annual inspections performed. If you notice that your AC unit is not working properly or seems to be broken, contact your rental agency.
