Cleaning The Condenser Coils And The Evaporator Drain

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Cleaning The Condenser Coils
Clean the condenser coils and fins on the outdoor unit once a year, at the beginning of the cooling season and more often if they get particularly dirty. Shut off the power to the unit and turn up the thermostat. Remove the metal grill and if necessary the housing from the unit. The grill is often held by bolts with cap nuts and the housing by screws. Cover the compressor, fan motor and other electrical parts with plastic bags and seal them with string or tape. Gently brush away any visible dirt from the coil then use a garden hose to wash it from the inside. Let the unit dry before removing the electrical systems.

Cleaning The Evaporator Drain
The evaporator coils on most central air conditioners are sealed and inaccessible within the inside unit so if the coils are clogged you will need to coil in a licensed service technician. But you can deal with the drain that carries away condensed moisture from the evaporator coils. If you find water puddles beneath the coils, the drainpipe from the evaporator is probably clogged with algae and bacteria. Disconnect the drainpipe near the evaporator and flush the trap with a hose. Pour in 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach and reattach the drainpipe.