How to Clean Your Central AC Condenser Unit Coil
                     How to Clean Your Central AC
Condenser Unit Coil
Whether you realize or not, the most important part of AC maintenance & repair is the 
maintenance part, especially keeping the components clean. This includes the 
condenser coil that people often forget to clean.
When we think about cleaning the central ac unit, we only pay attention to the outer 
cases and often forget about the components inside the heating and cooling system. 
We forget that the inner components are the ones that run our HVAC system. And that’s
why we should pay more attention to them.
When it comes to the air conditioner, the condenser coil might be the most 
underestimated component. We expect it to work and work without needing any 
maintenance. This can’t be further from the truth. So today, I thought I would explain the
DIY condenser cleaning process.
How to Clean Your Central AC Condenser Unit Coil 
Efficiently
Cleaning your central AC condenser unit coil is essential for maintaining the efficiency 
of your cooling system. Follow these steps to ensure your condenser works effectively:
Step 1 – Set the thermostat off
Before proceeding, make sure the thermostat is turned “off”.
Step 2 – Remove the main power switch
Remove the main power switch, which is located inside the master switch panel of your 
unit.
Step 3 – Remove the dirt, debris & dust
You can now start by removing the debris and overgrown lawn clippings from the outer 
part of the unit.
Step 4 – Remove the top part
Typically, the top portion is held with hex-head bolts and screws. But be careful 
because the fan motor is attached to the top of the unit. You certainly don’t want to get 
hurt by the blades.
Step 5 – Clean the bottom
Using a shop vacuum, you can clean the bottom. Clean all the dirt, leaves & dead 
grass. Be careful when you vacuum the crud off of those fins. Using an up & down 
motion, clean the intricate parts. But don’t vacuum across the fins cause chances are 
you are going to bend them.
Step 6 – Clean the fins with a coil cleaner
When you are done cleaning across the fins, you need to clean the outside. You can do 
this by using a good coil cleaner. Just spray and wipe off.
Step 7 – Work the fins with a cooling fin comb
By using a cooling fin comb, you can work the fins. Carefully clean and straighten up the
fins if they are bent.
Step 8 – Reassemble the unit
When you are done with the cleaning, reassemble the unit. Tightly screw the part and 
make sure nothing is left out of the unit.
8 Steps To Clean Your Central AC 
Condenser Unit Coil
For more detailed information on the best times to clean your central AC condenser unit
coil and the expected duration for the cleaning process, check out our article on When 
Should You Clean Your Central AC Condenser Unit Coil and How Long Does It Take?.
See the summary in this infographic – 8 Steps To Clean Your Central AC Condenser 
Unit Coil [Infographic]
Read Also: Types of HVAC Condensers
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