Protecting the condenser unit to increase longevity of air conditioners

All the air conditioning machines have some common components like the condenser, evaporator coils, filters and others, etc. Some of these parts need regular cleaning so that the machine keeps working seamlessly especially if the parts like the condenser units that are situated outside the house and is more prone to accumulate dust and debris from trees, airborne dust, and lawn mowing. The condenser usually has a fan that moves the air across the condenser coil. It is also important to clean the coil on the intake side, so before switching off the air conditioner it is important to check see which direction the air moves across the coils.

The following, as per the shops of Air conditioning repair Weston, are the steps that can be followed to clean the condenser:

Step 1: The first step is to clean the area where the condenser is placed which means grass, weeds and vines that are growing around the unit should be cut off. Since they also obstruct the airflow, it is important that they do not grow near these units.

Step 2: The condenser can be cleaned with commercial coil cleaners that are available at any refrigerator supply stores. Instructions mentioned in the label should be followed. After cleaning, the coil should be flushed clean and then let dry.

Step 3: For the soft fins, soft brush can be used. The protective grille needs to be removed. It is advisable not to clean fins with garden hose, as water turns dirt into mud, affecting the fins. These fins should be handled with care as they are made of light gauge aluminum and can be easily damaged. The fins if bent, should be straightened with a fin comb which are easily available at most appliance stores. However, it is important to use it carefully as not to damage the fins.

Step 4: Once the fins are cleaned, the concrete pad should be checked on which the condenser unit rests to ensure that it is levelled. The carpenter’s level front to back and side to side on top of unit should be set. If the pad has been settled, it is important to lift pad with pry bar or piece of 2 by 4 and then force gravel or rocks under the concrete to level the pad.

During the winters, when the air conditioners are being used minimally, the outside condenser unit should be protected from outside elements like leaf blockage and ice damage. The condenser unit should be covered with a commercial cover or a heavy plastic sheeting with secured cord will also do the job.