The condensing unit of a central air conditioner or heat pump resides outside throughout the year and needs at least annual attention just as any other aspect of your home's Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system.
Annual maintenance should include:
- Cleaning dirt, leaves and other debris from the condensing coils
- Checking condensing coil fins for damage
- Lubrication of fan bearings
- Inspection of fan for damage
Let's review how to maintain a central air conditioner or heat pump condensing unit:
Difficulty Level
- Easy
Needed Tools and Materials
- Phillips Head and Flat Blade Screwdrivers (if necessary to remove grilles)
- Small socket wrench or socket driver (if necessary to remove grilles)
- Adjustable Wrench
- Soft Brush
- Shop Vacuum
- Garden Hose and Spray Gun
- Fin Comb


