In this article, we'll show you how to clean and maintain your central air conditioner to keep it running efficiently. We won't demonstrate the maintenance steps for a window-mounted model here. Most central air conditioners have two basic parts: an outdoor unit (compressor/condenser) that sits next to your home and an indoor unit (evaporator) that's located in a central duct near your furnace (Fig. A). If you have a heat pump instead of a furnace, the indoor unit will be in the air handler. Use the same maintenance steps we show here. If your furnace looks different from the one in Fig. A, or you have a heat pump, use the owner's manual to find your way around it. The basic parts will be the same. The most important maintenance steps are fairly simple, but if this is the first time you've cleaned the unit, allow about a half day to carefully work through the steps. If you're not up to the task, call a pro (look under “Air Conditioning Contractors” in your Yellow Pages). Cleaning and servicing a central air conditioner costs $100 to $250.

Fig. A shows a typical central air conditioning/furnace setup. Two copper tubes connect the outdoor compressor and its condenser coil (a “coil” is a combination of fins and tubes) to the indoor evaporator coil that's located in the plenum (Fig. A) above the furnace blower. One tube is covered with foam insulation. If you have a heat pump, both tubes will be insulated. Outside, your main job is to clean the condenser coil (Photos 2 - 4). The fan inside the condenser coil sucks air through the fins, and as a result, pulls dirt and debris with it. Dust, leaves, dead grass and anything else that collects on the fins will block airflow and reduce the unit's efficiency. Grass clippings thrown by the lawn mower and “cotton” from cottonwood trees and dandelions are particularly bad offenders. You might have to clear the fins weekly or even daily during the spring “cotton” season! Always begin by shutting off the electrical power (Photo 1). Then proceed with the cleaning (Photos 2 - 4).

If the fan motor (Photo 3) has lubrication ports, apply five drops of special oil for electric motors (not penetrating or all-purpose oil). You can find oil for electric motors at hardware stores. Many fan motors are maintenance-free—they don't have oil ports (ours doesn't) and can't be lubricated. Check your owner's manual if unsure. The compressor and its motor sit inside the coil (Fig. A). They're usually sealed and won't need maintenance. However, if you have an older compressor that's belt-driven by a separate motor, lubricate the motor through its oil ports. In every case, keep an eye out for dark drip marks on the bottom of the compressor case or pad (Photo 5). This indicates an oil leak; the compressor or tubes might be leaking coolant (refrigerant) as well. If you find a leak, call in a pro to check the problem. Don't tighten joints to try to stop leaks yourself! Over-tightening can make the problem worse. And only a pro with proper equipment can recharge the system to the proper level of coolant.

How to clean an AC condenser and other tips for regular central air conditioner maintenance You should refer any serious central air conditioner problems such as a defective condenser or a malfunctioning refrigeration system to a trained air-conditioner technician. However, simply keeping the components clean helps prevent most common problems. Most systems have a replaceable or reusable filter in the furnace or air-handler cabinet (usually located inside or very near the air-inlet side). ac split unit dimensionsSome systems also employ air filters in the return-air registers inside the house. thru the wall air conditioners with heatReplace disposable filters twice a year, or clean a reusable filter according to the manufacturer’s directions.carrier ac parts houston

It is also important to keep the outdoor condenser unit clean and free of debris. Before doing this, you must shut off all power to the unit, both at the main panel and at the disconnect box located near the condenser. Remove or trim any weeds or bushes around the condenser that might restrict airflow through the unit. Then use a screwdriver or nut driver to remove the access panels and the top of the unit. Because the fan unit is often attached to the top, you need to be careful not to stress the electrical wires connected to it. Cleaning the blower’s fan blades will keep your air conditioner operating efficiently and quietly. Use a rag to wipe them off and scoop up or vacuum any debris at the base of the equipment. Tighten the mounting bolts on the motor and lubricate any oil cups on the motor according to the manufacturer’s directions. Next, use a soft brush and a vacuum to clean the coils from the outside and then from the inside of the unit. In most cases, there is dirt and debris caked in the recesses between the fins, and this can be very stubborn to remove.

(See Preparing Your Air Conditioner for Summer for a complete walk-through of this process.) For more about repairing an air conditioner, please see Central Air Conditioning Troubleshooting & Repairs. If you would rather hire an air-conditioning pro to inspect and maintain your AC equipment, this FREE service will help you find a qualified local AC professional.Edit ArticleHow to Clean an Air Conditioner Three Methods:Clean the Indoor Unit of a Central Air ConditionerClean the Outdoor Unit of a Central Air ConditionerClean a Room Air ConditionerCommunity Q&A Keeping your air conditioner clean will prevent expensive repairs and increase the efficiency and reliability of your unit. While you may want to leave some air conditioner cleaning to the professionals, you can use the tips in this article to clean either a central or room air conditioner on your own. Replace the air filter. Turn off the power to your furnace or blower. If you can't find the shutoff switch on the unit, then turn it off at the main panel.

Open the blower compartment. Vacuum up any visible dust and debris. If your motor has lubrication ports, squeeze 5 drops of oil that is specifically formulated for electric motors into the ports. Avoid penetrating or all-purpose oil (such as WD-40). If you're unsure about the lubrication ports, check your owner's manual. Clean the drain tube. Shut down the power. Turn off the 240-volt power to the air conditioner at the shutoff box on the exterior of your house. You will either have to pull out the shutoff, pull down a handle or remove the fuse. If you don't see a shutoff box, then turn off the circuit breaker that powers the A/C. Vacuum the condenser fins. Use a vacuum with a soft bristle-brush attachment. You may have to unscrew a protective metal case to access the fins. Check for grass, weeds, leaves and other debris that may block airflow. Trim any foliage to leave about 2 feet (61 cm) of space around the outdoor unit. Be careful not to damage the fins as you vacuum.

They can bend easily. If necessary, straighten your fins with a dinner knife or a fin comb. Unscrew the grille on top of the air conditioner. The fan usually lifts out with the grille, so support the fan carefully as you lift so that you don't damage the electrical connections. Wipe the fan clean with a damp cloth. Check to see if your fan has lubrication ports. Lower a water hose into the empty unit. Check for proper operation. Check for drainage problems. Check the drain channels at the bottom of the air conditioner for clogs. Clean out any clogs with a pipe cleaner or a small bristled brush.Remove the front grille from the air conditioning unit. Take out the filter and clean it either by vacuuming it or rinsing it with warm, sudsy water. Make sure the filter is dry before you put it back into the unit. Dust the grille and the vents. The central air conditioner is a major appliance with electrical and plumbing connections. If you feel you cannot clean the unit properly, don’t hesitate to call a professional.