How to Clean Your Outdoor AC Unit: A Guide for Amarillo Homeowners

With Amarillo’s hot, dusty summers, cleaning your outdoor AC unit is important for keeping your system running smoothly and efficiently. Learn how to clean your outdoor AC unit, including the tools and supplies you’ll need for safe cleaning, and when to skip the DIY tasks and rely on an Amarillo Air technician for professional air conditioner maintenance.

What You’ll Need to Clean Your Outdoor AC Unit

Cleaning your outdoor AC unit is a straightforward process that can be done with tools and supplies you probably have at home. Before you start, make sure you have the following tools and supplies.

Tools you need:

• Garden hose or sprayer
• Screwdriver
• Shop vacuum or soft-bristle brush
• Gloves
• Eye protection

Other supplies you need:

• Gentle soap solution or specialized coil cleanser
• Water

How To Clean Your Outdoor AC Unit

Learning how to clean your outdoor AC unit helps the system run more efficiently. While the cleaning process shouldn’t take too long, it’s best to budget a few hours for the job so you don’t feel rushed when cleaning the more fragile interior AC components. You’ll also need to allow several hours for the system to dry out before you can turn it back on.

Follow these simple steps for how to clean an outdoor AC unit. 

Step one: Turn off the power

Before you start any HVAC cleaning or maintenance, always make sure the power is completely shut off. It’s important to turn off the power at the disconnect box next to the unit — never rely on just the thermostat alone.

Step two: Clear away debris

Once the power is off, it’s safe to get started. Clear debris away from the outdoor unit, leaving at least two feet of space that’s free from debris, vegetation, and clutter. This helps your outdoor unit maintain proper airflow and minimizes filter clogging.

Step three: Remove the cover

Using the screwdriver, remove the top or side panels to access the fins and coils. These components may be located in different places depending on your unit, so always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines to see whether you’ll need to access the top or the side of your system. 

Step four: Clean the fins

Gently clean the aluminum fins with a soft-bristle brush or a vacuum with a soft-bristle attachment. These parts are fairly delicate, so you don’t need to apply force. Your goal is to remove dust and dirt, but you shouldn’t need to scrub or push.

Step five: Clean the coils

The coils may require slightly more thorough cleaning, but it’s still important to proceed gently. Using your hose or sprayer, set the pressure to moderate and rinse the coils from the inside out to push dirt out of the system. Never use a pressure washer for this job because it may damage your AC unit.

Step six: Replace the cover and turn on the power

Allow your system to dry, which may take several hours. Once it’s completely dry, replace the cover, switch the power back on, and your AC is good to go. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Outdoor AC Unit in Amarillo?

While it’s typically safe to clean your outdoor AC unit once a year, the best option in Amarillo is to clean your AC twice a year. Amarillo experiences a high dust level in the summer, and cleaning once in the spring and once in the fall helps prevent dirt from sticking to your AC unit and clogging the system over time. For an even easier way to stay on top of your AC maintenance, join our Comfort Club and unlock great rates on cleaning, repairs, and more.

When To Call a Professional Instead of DIY

While DIY cleaning is a great way to keep your AC running smoothly, it’s also important to schedule an annual maintenance visit with an HVAC professional. A licensed technician can tackle deep-cleaning tasks, such as lubricating mechanical components, checking refrigerant levels, and cleaning electrical parts, which should never be done as a DIY. Alongside thorough cleaning, annual maintenance helps improve AC efficiency and prolong your system’s lifespan by catching potential issues before they become problems. 

In addition to professional maintenance, it’s also important to call a pro for air conditioning repair if you notice signs of an AC problem. These include:

• Loud or unusual noise from the AC.
• Musty odors, burning, or chemical smells.
• An AC that’s running constantly but not cooling your home.
• Inconsistent temperatures.
• Rising energy bills without a clear explanation.

Call Amarillo Air for Expert AC Maintenance, Repairs, and Installations

Whether you’re looking for routine maintenance to beat the Amarillo dust or emergency AC repairs when a heat wave strikes, Amarillo Air is your go-to local AC expert. Our team of licensed pros is on hand for all your AC maintenance, repairs, and installations. Contact us today to book an appointment and enjoy dependable cooling during the hot Texas summers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a pressure washer to clean my outdoor AC unit?

No, you should never use a pressure washer to clean any part of your air conditioner. These tools apply too much force and can easily damage the delicate components of your outdoor AC unit.

Should I clean the inside or outside of the condenser unit?

It’s best to clean both the inside and the outside of your condenser unit as part of your AC maintenance routine. Thorough cleaning reduces the likelihood of dust and debris getting trapped in the system, which can damage the unit, clog filters, and reduce overall efficiency.

What’s the best homemade solution to clean AC coils?

There are several homemade solutions you can use to clean AC coils, including a mix of water and gentle detergent like dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage your air conditioner, and never mix cleaning products. Opt for natural cleaners like vinegar mixed with water for a gentle clean.