As warm weather reaches Apple Valley, Circle Pines, and the Coon Rapids areas, homeowners know that it is time to have their air conditioners ready to provide the soothing cool air that makes summer so relaxing. Without proper care for your entire air conditioning system, you are likely to face issues at a most inopportune time.
Always Start With Safety
Before working on or cleaning any piece of equipment, the unit must be powered off. In the case of your AC condenser, there should be a 240-volt weatherproof box located close to the unit. Open the box and turn off the lever switch or breaker to ensure no power to the condenser unit while you are completing the spring cleaning.
Cleaning The General Area
Over the fall and winter, a lot of leaves and debris can collect around your AC condenser. Start by removing all of the weeds, grass, leaves, and other debris in the area. The more you remove from the surrounding area, the less potential there will be for future issues. If there are large bushes in the vicinity of the unit, be sure that they are trimmed back to allow proper airflow to all sides of the condenser for maximum ventilation.
Cleaning The Condenser Coils
Now it is time to get down to the real cleaning of the condenser unit. Remove the side and top panels to expose the condenser. These should be sprayed off to remove any debris and dust. It is essential to know if the fan is attached to the top of the protective enclosure. If it is attached, the top will be heavier than it looks. Remove it carefully so as not to damage any of the electrical wires. Use a rag or brush to clean the fan blades gently. Use a refrigerator coil brush or the soft brush on your vacuum or shop vac to carefully clean the coils. Clean both the inside and outside surfaces, being careful not to bend or damage the delicate fins.
Remove Any Remaining Debris
Remove any additional leaves and debris that may be lying in the bottom of the condenser. If the unit has a drain, be sure that it is also unobstructed. The last step in this cleaning process is to reassemble the unit as long as you do not notice any damage. If you found damage, call 952-208-4570 to schedule a service call with Blue Ox Heating And Air experts..
Replace Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC air handler should be inspected and cleaned or replaced at least twice each year. In more dusty environments, a replacement could be necessary each month. Check your HVAC filters and replace them as needed to protect the life expectancy of your AC and heating system.
If you are not ready to take on this critical project before turning on your air conditioner, call 952-208-4570 to schedule an appointment for a professional AC service and inspection from the pros at Blue Ox Heating And Air.
