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Central Air Conditioning Unit and Heat Pump Maintenance

By Bob Formisano, About.com

4 of 7

Clean Condenser Coils


Cleaning the coils of debris is the first step. When cleaning the coil fins, be careful not to bend them. You'll be cleaning the coil from the outside and the inside. Once the power is shut off proceed as follows:
  • Clean the outside of the coil of any sticks or debris.
  • Vacuum the outside of the coil fins using a soft bristle brush attachment. You do not want to bend the fins when vacuuming.
  • Once the outside is relatively cleaned, turn your attention to the inside of the condensing unit. Using a hose with a spray gun, spray water from the inside of the coils through to the outside of the coils which will remove stuck debris.
  • Do not spray the fan motor or wires.
  • Vacuum out or remove by hand, any debris that is littering the inside bottom of the unit.
  • If your unit has no bent coil fins, then replace the grille covers. If your unit has bent fins, then proceed to the next step.

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