HVAC maintenance question...

[carnutzzz]

I just had a repairmen here since my upstairs unit was having trouble keeping the house cool towards the end of last summer.

I clearly need a new evaporator(tiny leaks but getting pretty rusty, 10 years old), but he also showed me how dirty my outside condensor fins were. They want $150 to clean them. Why can't I just remove the metal panels on the outside units and blast the fins with the hose- from the inside out?

Are there any good cleaners to help with this or is water fine?

Thanks,

[peppy]

I use con-coil foaming coil cleaner. It comes in a concentrate and you dilute it with water. Spray it on with a garden sprayer and then hose off.

[Zeke]

I'm sure you can use a cleaner, just don't use a corrosive one. However, do check into how much more efficient the new units are. And, I don't know this for sure, but the IRS may extend the energy tax credits for purchases of Energy Star appliances and equipment.

[Brian 162]

Yes you can do it yourself.
First thing to do is turn off the power to the outdoor unit.
Remove the top cover. You may have to prop up the condensor motor.
Using a hose rinse from the inside of the unit from the top.
Water is all you need. Don't use a power washer. A garden hose is good enough.

[Hugh R]

+1 on the above,

Having said that newer condensors are way more efficient than old ones. Hose of the old one a few times a season and it will help alot. Try simple green or something like that to get the grunge off, works better than just water. Change your filter a few times a year.

[turbo6bar]

An HVAC supply will stock cleaners designed for condensing units. As mentioned above, the foaming cleaner will float dirt to the surface. Use a garden hose and nozzle with medium pressure to wash the fins from inside-out. Be sure to keep the nozzle parallel to the fins.

[nota]

once a year , unless your in a dusty place then as needed
those fins collect alot of dirt
cleaning the inside unit at the same time

[David]

We use Instant Powder Kegs at work. It's a foaming powder you mix with water. We buy it from our filter supplier, but it may be available at an HVAC supply store.