How to clean an air conditioning condenser

There’s nothing worse than having your air conditioner fail in the sweltering summer. To prevent this, be sure your AC condenser is free of dust, dirt and other debris.

Tools required

Cordless drill

Hose and spray nozzle

Screwdriver w/socket

Soft-bristle brush

To start this project, disconnect the service at the air conditioner condenser by pulling the plug connector in the power box, or you can also flip the AC breaker switch off in your main breaker panel.

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Use a cordless drill or screwdriver with a socket to remove the screws.

Pro tip: Have a container to put the screws in.

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Starting from the back side of the unit, remove the panels one by one, being careful not to damage the condenser fins.

Pro tip: As you remove the panels, keep them in order so you remember how to put them back.

Use a soft-bristle brush or a hose with a spray nozzle to clean the fins.

Pro tip: Always brush up and down, never side to side. And spray the water from the top, not straight on the fins.

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Re-install the panels in the reverse order you removed them. Use a screwdriver. Leave the screws loose until all the panels are in, then tighten the screws.

Pro tip: Depending on the unit, it may help to install the corner panels first before the flat panels.

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Source: Family Handyman