Cleaning your HVAC system periodically is essential to keep it running at optimal efficiency and prevent unnecessary breakdowns and premature equipment failures. While cleaning some components, like the evaporator coil, is best left to a trained technician, you can tackle other routine HVAC cleaning on your own. Before you begin, be sure to turn off power to the system via the breakers and the shut off box on the outdoor unit.
Clear Out Collected Debris
At the outdoor unit, use a wrench or screwdriver as necessary and lift the fan cage/grill so you can access the unit’s interior. Then, use a blower or vacuum to clean out any accumulated cobwebs and yard debris.
Wash the Condenser Fins
While the interior of the unit is still open, use the stream from your garden hose to spray out through the fins to remove collected dirt and debris. Don’t use a pressure washer, as this might damage the fins or coil.
Straighten Any Bent Fins
If any fins are bent it can reduce airflow and degrade efficiency, so straighten them gently and carefully using a fin comb or butter knife. Then, reinstall the fan cage securely.
Tidy Up Around the Unit
Clean up broken branches, dead leaves and other debris around the unit’s exterior. Then, trim back shrubs, tree branches and tall vegetation in a two-foot radius around the unit to allow ample airflow.
Clean and Flush the Condensate Drain
Over time, the condensate drain line can get clogged with dirt, mildew and algae. To make sure it’s working properly, find the end of the PVC drain pipe on your home’s exterior – it’s often located on the wall near the outdoor HVAC unit. Use your wet/dry vacuum to suction out any accumulated gunk. Then, go back indoors and clean out the collector pan situated beneath the evaporator unit. Afterwards, pour a couple of cups of white vinegar down the drain to freshen it and ensure that it’s flowing freely.
For more tips or to schedule professional maintenance and HVAC cleaning for the system in your Coastal Bend home, contact us at CCAC.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.
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