Definitely don't use the hard end on a shop vac. Use the round brush attachment. Then don't use coil cleaner unless you're confident in following directions to the T! Be exact! If you aren't sure set the top with the fan off to the side (wires still attached) and hose it with your garden hose from the inside out. Put it back together and go enjoy your ac
That AC condenser definitely needed a cleaning. I have a Lennox XC 14 and I clean it every other year. I also use a wet dry vac but I use a soft brush attachment so I don’t damage the aluminum fins. I vacuum the inside bottom also, and lift up the top and spray water from the inside out. I use a spray can foaming coil cleaner also. I change my air filters every 90 days. My HVAC system still runs great after 14 years. 👍
Yep! A soft brush would be safer for sure. Rinsing from the inside is something I think most don't understand. Rinsing inside out pushes the dirt back out from where it came, instead of pushing the dirt further in to the fins.
@unclemarksdiyauto what if your AC has a fowl odor, do I need to contact a technician? My unit is only 5 years old Jan, but I haven't had a maintenance check.
@@ginastewart5634Probably just needs a THOROUGH cleaning. Personally, I'd try that before I called a technician. But by all means, if you are not capable, or simply don't want to try it yourself, definitely call someone.
Use a brush on the shop vac, those fins are SO delicate, even tapping the plastic on them WILL bend them. You should also absolutely use a hose (NOT a pressure washer) with a flat spray nozzle to rinse the remaining dirt out that the vacuum won't get.
@@Searching-u9c ouch! I have had a few comment on the pressure washer is the way to go! (Yikes) I don’t claim to have any qualifications on cleaning ac units, but those fins are delicate.
@@abubakaromer5860 Hope some points will work. This was just me doing my own, and was meant more as something to motivate you more than specific ways that are a must. A garden hose might even just rinse off typical fluff etc and that might be enough. Make sure to have the unit shut off before doing anything!
I usually just pull the disconnect. Also we use a sprayer and mix our own condenser cleaner, but the stuff we use MUST be rinsed off or it will eat up your fins
Yeah if you have a 14acx or 16acx it’s still copper. The ML14 Ml16 Ml17 ML18 have all aluminum coils witch they don’t want anyone putting new brite on. Either way it’s going to leak and die fast. 😂
The can claims non corrosive to metals & plastics, & can also be used on window air conditioners, roof to HVAC, auto rads, small condenser & evap coils, metal filters & blades etc. & claims it will NOT harm other materials it gets splashed on.
You’re using evaporator coil cleaner. The evaporator coil sweats and rinses itself yea, but you’re cleaning the condenser coil. It needs rinsed. Just use water though. 99% of the time that’s all that’s needed. Trane/American standard systems are a different story.
Might be so. This one seems to get so packed with dirt pretty fast, I can't get it to back flush, otherwise running water into this side of the fins just pushes the dirt further in (Deeper).
@@gilbertogutierrez1658 the spine fin coil design is tough to clean with just water especially if it’s really dirty so in that case I’ll use some condenser coil cleaner
@@gilbertogutierrez1658 Not sure what I meant or what you mean. The design might be a bit different, screws in different places, housing put together a bit differently? Bolt sizes could be a little different.
Yep I blow it with the backpack blower first to get leaves and grass debris out and rinse. It’s newer so trying to keep it that way! Gonna do the air handler soon tho! Isn’t blowing like it use too! Staying on most the day.
If I accidentally spray water on anything else inside the unit (other than the fins), will water damage it or cause it to malfunction? I'm guessing the wires are attached to the top lid and connect to something inside there?
@@unclemarksdiyauto no disrespect but if you’re not licensed and have no field experience to work on HVAC/R equipment don’t do it and put info out for people. But hey homeowner hack jobs make me lots of money lol
It’s best to have done by professional especially if it’s the first cleaning on an old unit, if the unit is extremely dirty and you clean it that can then show a low refrigerant charge if it has been leaking for years, that dirty coil would hide some of the symptoms then cleaning it would reveal it
It's always better to have a pro do it, but most folks are pinching the penny's that they have left from their paychecks as inflation takes so much more now.
HVAC tech here we use water goes with spray and spray it all went then we use this commercial foam cleaner that meant for coils that cleans the coil (it irritating if touched skin) and when we finally rinse it up after a min or 2 . Then plug unit it and boom
There's a disconnect outside to cut the power, "dirt"? looks like you have a dryer vent nearby that lint is excessive. What do you consider a lot of money 💰? I only charge $125 for a proper acid wash.
$125 is very reasonable! Dryer vent is on opposite side of the house. I showed the power disconnect on the longer video. Another issue we have here is not being able to find anyone that has time to some do these types of jobs. Too many qualified personal have retired or will soon retire. We need more folks in all the trades!
Found it easy to just get a small piece of that crap and then use to get the rest of. No scratches. I did start off putting my thumb over over and saw i bent the fins. So just running hose over it worked
Are you talking winter time in Hawaii, or winter time in Canada? Here in Canada, we usually turn the breaker off and cover them so they don’t get any damage from snow & ice.
I use a torch with the ac one it burns the cotton out instantly nothing gets hot because the cotton burns so easily. I wouldn't use the torch method on this one tho lol
@@unclemarksdiyauto I Google the issue and there could be different issues that would cause this the simplest is checking your filter. Then a possible thermostat issue. I ended up tripping the breaker and allowing it to reset seems to have solved the issue at the moment. I also checked my filter and replaced but I don’t believe it was that because it wasn’t bad.
Might be safer. Not as much suction. I did not bend any fins as I was careful. But use whatever make you feel comfortable and that you know you won’t cause damage!
@@spicy7109 the fan actually sucks the dirt into the sides and pushes it out the top. So you risk pushing the dirt further into the rad by hosing it from the outside. It would be better to hose it from the inside, but you chance bending fins.
@@unclemarksdiyautoThat’s evaporator foam. The part you’re cleaning here is the condenser coil. The evaporator foam only doesn’t require rinsing because once you turn the air conditioner back on, the condensation that forms on the coil will rinse it off itself. Use condenser cleaner, pre soaking and then applying the cleaner, letting sit for about 10 minutes, then spray with water from the inside of the unit out.
i just dont want yall to think its easy like that becauee once you take the outside cover off it is very difficult to get back on a lot of the time. The fan on top is not light and you really want to go from inside out. you can easily bend those fins that he vacuumed with a little too much pressure or even when you are taking the outside cover off and puttin it on
@@unclemarksdiyauto Are the wires attached to the top lid long enough to set the top on the ground? I'm afraid to try balancing it because you said it was heavy. Lol
Not sure how to show you or explain it. Also, I am not sure how or why it won't go back together. Each panel should only fit one way. A 2nd set of eyes would be a good idea. Can you call a friend to help you piece the puzzle back together?
Take the rest of the screws out of the top and lift it up. Typically the top part (fan shroud) is the final part of the case of the air conditioner to be put on.
@@Karwrecked Thank your sister very much for her help! Sorry I could not do better. I may update this video next year when I clean again, with a more step by step video. You will note the rest of my channel is basically all car repairs. Hope one of them may help you with yours someday!
I used NU-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse. 🛒 product link: (1 can) amzn.to/3oq4EMX or Nu-Cal product link: (multi pack) amzn.to/3BSCQnG They claim it is non corrosive to metals & plastics.
lol... "so i don't bend the fins..." you bent them alright... Is this what homeowners should expect from all AC techs? "It's not my unit... so let me press my hard plastic vacuum wand against the fins."
@@caall99 who is a AC tech? This is UA-cam after all. Do you think everything you see on this channel is by certified people? Never said it was certified. I was just cleaning my own AC unit.
As your house temp TRIES to go lower, but these dirty coils can't do a good job of shedding the heat to the outside air, the compressor tries harder and harder to reach its target: comfy room temp. But it consumes more electricity, wears out the fan motors, and chews up the compressor. Much sooner than you want, you end up with a completely failed unit, but not before causing you a bunch of discomfort, sleepless sweaty nights, and budget anxiety as you contemplate the upcoming replacement expense. Clean your unit. It pays - in so many ways!
In my full length video, I show the struggles. Like you say, almost a 2 person job, but think, you saved yourself about $150 vs a service call to clean this out. Thanks for watching.
No cleaners. Wash at least twice a year. Do “not” press hard on the fins if picking stuff off or using a vacuum or soft bristled brush. Clean inside out. Make absolutely sure the motor does “not” get wet. At all. Let outside unit dry completely using a battery operated but weak blowing blower before to wash it off and after to speed up the drying process. It must be completely dry or the water can get fan motor wet and cause problems down the road. Cover or keep covers “on” the electrical parts outside of fin areas. They cannot get wet. Use only hose pressure. Do not use your thumb/finger to increase hose pressure. You could bend the fins and you’ve just defeated the purpose of cleaning it. Be safe. Don’t use cleaners. Cleaners that claim to be rinsed off by condensation is not wise or smart. Just because they say they don’t damage things doesn’t mean they won’t. If you choose to use a cleaner you must rinse several times and at least twice after “all” suds appear to be gone. No residual cleaner shall be on fins after rinsing. The more you rinse the better. I never use cleaners and mine is 20-25 years old and I’ve only had to change one capacitor. I will not mention the brand. Don’t ask. It’s more about preventive maintenance inside and out. Get pleated filters for your inside unit. They have more filter area and can catch small particles. They say replace them every 3 months. They’re expensive, I know. Wanna replace your a/c? Try to replace them every month, even if you can see through them. For many reasons. Be smart. Be diligent. Be wise. Learn what you can, where you can, when you can. Use your phone to take pictures of the most easy things to remember. You may not remember and find yourself up a creek without an a/c. You have more than enough info on this thread, as a whole. Not just in my comment. I suggest you “trust but verify”. You might be glad you did. None of this is manufacturer specific. If you want to do it right, you must be smart, intelligent, vigilant use everything at your disposal and use them “properly”. You don’t need expensive tools. Be patient and thorough. It will take more time than you think or may appear. If only washing twice, do so in early spring and early fall. I suggest, if you have grass right next to the a/c, kill it, rinse off your outside unit as instructed and make sure nothing ever grows/blocks around your outside unit. Even if it’s sitting on something that raises your unit above ground. I suggest a minimum of 12” around entire unit. A small amount of grass/weeds can be killed with weed and grass killer and left alone. Never put anything around it to hide the “eye sore”. It needs room to “breathe”. This may seem like a lot. It’s not. Just be careful. You’ll get quicker (not faster) as you get used to doing it and find a routine that works best for you. No short cuts.
@@NineToes19 Long comment. Thanks. One thing I must mention about your comment about having everything dry before letting this run. This is outside. It gets wet! Actually it gets soaked. And if humidity is high or temp is hot in house, this unit turns on no matter if it’s raining outside or not. (Just a thought) Thanks for stopping by!
Don’t ever leave chemical on a condenser coil, unless you’re trying to sell units. Teaspoon of dawn in a gallon of water is safe and effective, non corrosive.
@@unclemarksdiyauto most no rinse products are for evaporator coils, which will dilute and rinse the product. It is my recommendation as a 27 year service tech and a top guy in one of the top heavy commercial companies across the gulf south, to not put anything on those coils and not rinse it off. That is of course, unless you’re trying to destroy the coil. If this product foams or brightens it gets in between the mechanical connection between tube and fin and corrodes that, creating an inefficiency of heat transfer. Do a survey amongst the real ones and they’ll all tell you the same. If you wanna sell a new one, don’t rinse. If you want it to work it’s best and most efficient, put a little mild detergent and rinse the shit out of it. Not trying to “prove you wrong” or make you look bad dude, just trying to let the people know how it’s done at a professional level, and why. Not “do it my way” but “do it the right way and save some heartache” good luck in all you do, not trying to start a war.
this is not a great video. Not doing the inside is a major miss and no hard edges against the fins. Use the furniture brush with the soft bristles to initially vacuum the big dirt. Then spray it down with a cleaner, wait for penetration and hose it down with minimal pressure. Inside and out. Ensure to do the bottom plate and evacuation holes at the bottom for better draining of rain etc.
Sorry to hear that. It was a quick video. You should start posting some soon. Although if you have not in 14 years, probably won’t start now! Probably already know it is harder to post than everyone thinks, Mr 2 subscribers!
Ah you saw this one. People complaining I should not be using that sharp plastic vacuum on the fins! (I guess if I was grinding against them, no! Lol!)
lol! It is possible. These fins are easy to bend. (Just look at your vehicle radiator. ) They bend just looking at them.! The point is try and be careful & if you bend a couple, it is not the end of the world. This unit is many times more efficient now with all the fluff that was plugging it up (even if a fin is folded) than a not bent fin and the system completely plugged up. Now if you polled a hole in the tubes that the fins sit on, that would be the end of your cooling unit.
@@mwinchester66 this fluff was stuck like cat hair! But if you don’t feel comfortable, yea use the brush. The vacuum just didn’t have as much suction with the brush on.
I wouldn’t give people this much credit best to hire professional you never wanna spray a chemical on a condenser without rinsing it away the coil and cause possible leaks in the future also evaporator should be cleaned also and it is nowhere as easy as you’re trying to make it sound for the evaporator coil
I have to agree most people should just hire the professionals. This spray is specifically made as a no rinse. It still wouldn’t hurt to rise maybe half hour later before reassembly of the covers. Thanks Robert for your comment.
In what way is it not correct? He cleaned a ton of debris that was inhibiting airflow and didn't bend any of the fins. If you're going to claim someone is doing it wrong then you're supposed to say what the right way is.
@@KingJerbear I like your way of thinking. Usually people that have concerns also have a channel with lots of experience and videos to back up the comment.
Definitely don't use the hard end on a shop vac. Use the round brush attachment. Then don't use coil cleaner unless you're confident in following directions to the T! Be exact! If you aren't sure set the top with the fan off to the side (wires still attached) and hose it with your garden hose from the inside out. Put it back together and go enjoy your ac
Turn off power first, the can could engage and put you un bad shape
That AC condenser definitely needed a cleaning. I have a Lennox XC 14 and I clean it every other year. I also use a wet dry vac but I use a soft brush attachment so I don’t damage the aluminum fins. I vacuum the inside bottom also, and lift up the top and spray water from the inside out. I use a spray can foaming coil cleaner also. I change my air filters every 90 days. My HVAC system still runs great after 14 years. 👍
Yep! A soft brush would be safer for sure. Rinsing from the inside is something I think most don't understand. Rinsing inside out pushes the dirt back out from where it came, instead of pushing the dirt further in to the fins.
@unclemarksdiyauto what if your AC has a fowl odor, do I need to contact a technician? My unit is only 5 years old Jan, but I haven't had a maintenance check.
@@ginastewart5634 I am not a AC expert, but fowl smells can NOT be good. I would have someone check it out for sure.
@@ginastewart5634most likely needs the filters changed and a good condenser cleaning
@@ginastewart5634Probably just needs a THOROUGH cleaning. Personally, I'd try that before I called a technician. But by all means, if you are not capable, or simply don't want to try it yourself, definitely call someone.
Use a brush on the shop vac, those fins are SO delicate, even tapping the plastic on them WILL bend them. You should also absolutely use a hose (NOT a pressure washer) with a flat spray nozzle to rinse the remaining dirt out that the vacuum won't get.
Yes, like anything, you have to be careful.
lol I walked into a service call today and couldn’t do much because some chuck in a truck pressure washed all of the fins. No airflow coming in at all
@@Searching-u9c ouch! I have had a few comment on the pressure washer is the way to go! (Yikes) I don’t claim to have any qualifications on cleaning ac units, but those fins are delicate.
@@unclemarksdiyauto yeah those people don’t know what they’re talking about. those fins are too delicate for that
lol you definitely did bent them a little 😂. For heavy stuff like that you need to use your hose spraying at a downward angle on fan setting.
Please make sure you rinse it off with water after you apply that spray
Thanks John Goodman
Your welcome, John.
@blue collar llc, reach in the ac panel take off the condenser fan leads. Then take out the bottom row of screws and take the whole shell off
I will do that next time for sure, thanks!
Finally this video was meant for me I am doing Ac today
@@abubakaromer5860 Hope some points will work. This was just me doing my own, and was meant more as something to motivate you more than specific ways that are a must. A garden hose might even just rinse off typical fluff etc and that might be enough. Make sure to have the unit shut off before doing anything!
@@unclemarksdiyauto thank you
@@unclemarksdiyauto thank
@@unclemarksdiyauto thank you
I usually just pull the disconnect. Also we use a sprayer and mix our own condenser cleaner, but the stuff we use MUST be rinsed off or it will eat up your fins
@@Misfit.Profit full video shows disconnect. Own cleaner a great idea!
@@unclemarksdiyauto I suppose turning off the breaker is safer but I like to live life on the edge
@@Misfit.Profit Full video explains all that! Lol!
Lennox recommends water only. Sticker on the unit says so.
Actually mine does not have such a sicker, and never did as we are the original owners of this unit!
Yeah if you have a 14acx or 16acx it’s still copper. The ML14 Ml16 Ml17 ML18 have all aluminum coils witch they don’t want anyone putting new brite on. Either way it’s going to leak and die fast. 😂
@@mickhvac3908 Hope not. This product says safe on all metals.
The can claims non corrosive to metals & plastics, & can also be used on window air conditioners, roof to HVAC, auto rads, small condenser & evap coils, metal filters & blades etc. & claims it will NOT harm other materials it gets splashed on.
Is your dryer vent near . Or do you have cotton wood trees near . That's some thick lint
You’re using evaporator coil cleaner. The evaporator coil sweats and rinses itself yea, but you’re cleaning the condenser coil. It needs rinsed. Just use water though. 99% of the time that’s all that’s needed. Trane/American standard systems are a different story.
Might be so. This one seems to get so packed with dirt pretty fast, I can't get it to back flush, otherwise running water into this side of the fins just pushes the dirt further in (Deeper).
I have an American Standard A/C unit. Why do you say it’s different?
@@gilbertogutierrez1658 the spine fin coil design is tough to clean with just water especially if it’s really dirty so in that case I’ll use some condenser coil cleaner
@@gilbertogutierrez1658 Not sure what I meant or what you mean. The design might be a bit different, screws in different places, housing put together a bit differently? Bolt sizes could be a little different.
U are very much appreciated❤❤!!
Your welcome.
I rinse mine every time I cut my grass!
Good idea!
Yep I blow it with the backpack blower first to get leaves and grass debris out and rinse. It’s newer so trying to keep it that way! Gonna do the air handler soon tho! Isn’t blowing like it use too! Staying on most the day.
If I accidentally spray water on anything else inside the unit (other than the fins), will water damage it or cause it to malfunction? I'm guessing the wires are attached to the top lid and connect to something inside there?
You should be fine, just maybe turn off the breaker to it before you do. The unit gets soaked in the rain as well, so it is made to get wet.
@@unclemarksdiyauto Thank you! I was worried!
@ Be careful. Make sure the power is off.
That’s called a condenser bud, your central unit is in the attic containing evaporator, blower and furnace
I misspoke, Ryan. I am not a air conditioning tech, obviously. Thanks for the correction! Take care.
@@unclemarksdiyauto no disrespect but if you’re not licensed and have no field experience to work on HVAC/R equipment don’t do it and put info out for people. But hey homeowner hack jobs make me lots of money lol
in his defense, the evap coil and condensor are the same thing. They switch names depending on if the unit is heating/cooling
It’s best to have done by professional especially if it’s the first cleaning on an old unit, if the unit is extremely dirty and you clean it that can then show a low refrigerant charge if it has been leaking for years, that dirty coil would hide some of the symptoms then cleaning it would reveal it
It's always better to have a pro do it, but most folks are pinching the penny's that they have left from their paychecks as inflation takes so much more now.
@@unclemarksdiyautobidenomics!
@@thekantor1964 Up here in Canada, I don't have a good Canadian saying for this. I get your sense of humor though!
Thanks for saying to let a professional do the first time! Will do😊
Also...I was so sick all last summer...monthly sinus infection.. fine black dust every where....am so afraid I have mold in the unit!
About the spray, make sure you wash it off because it will eat the fin just let it sit for 10 minutes
HVAC tech here we use water goes with spray and spray it all went then we use this commercial foam cleaner that meant for coils that cleans the coil (it irritating if touched skin) and when we finally rinse it up after a min or 2 . Then plug unit it and boom
There's a disconnect outside to cut the power, "dirt"? looks like you have a dryer vent nearby that lint is excessive. What do you consider a lot of money 💰?
I only charge $125 for a proper acid wash.
$125 is very reasonable! Dryer vent is on opposite side of the house. I showed the power disconnect on the longer video. Another issue we have here is not being able to find anyone that has time to some do these types of jobs. Too many qualified personal have retired or will soon retire. We need more folks in all the trades!
Found it easy to just get a small piece of that crap and then use to get the rest of. No scratches. I did start off putting my thumb over over and saw i bent the fins. So just running hose over it worked
Just like peeling lint from a dryer filter.
Can of spray is $15-$20, cleaning call is usually $150+
So true!
Can we wet it with a hose instead?
Yes you can!
How warm should the air be coming out of vent of electric a/c in winter time?
Are you talking winter time in Hawaii, or winter time in Canada? Here in Canada, we usually turn the breaker off and cover them so they don’t get any damage from snow & ice.
@unclemarksdiyauto hope ur just covering the top lol
Most furnace want a 30-60 temp in 2nd stage or if it's a just a single stage. Ur return air to supply air should be around 30-60 temp difference
Florida @@unclemarksdiyauto
@@fmills1583 Sorry, I don’t know and don’t have access to those specs.
Thank you
@@TheILV17 try and keep it clean and will try to keep you cool!
I use a torch with the ac one it burns the cotton out instantly nothing gets hot because the cotton burns so easily. I wouldn't use the torch method on this one tho lol
@@docholiday9786 might have to try that when it will a just a bit plugged!
@unclemarksdiyauto a ac tech told my dad about it a few yrs back and we've been doing it since
What’s the name of the spray to clean it?
I can't remember, sorry!
Wat if we don't have access in using a vaccum or hose like if townhouse association?
Not sure what you can do in your situation. (I guess they expect you to pay a professional?) You could buy a extension cord and a shop vac and do it.
I have a unit that keeps cooling after the set point like by 4/5 degrees or more used to be on point any suggestions on the issue
I am not sure what the problem might be. Please do a bit more research and let us know what you find out!
@@unclemarksdiyauto I Google the issue and there could be different issues that would cause this the simplest is checking your filter. Then a possible thermostat issue. I ended up tripping the breaker and allowing it to reset seems to have solved the issue at the moment. I also checked my filter and replaced but I don’t believe it was that because it wasn’t bad.
It could be the thermostat. Sometimes they just start going bad. I had one that wasnt even that old start messing up.
Please use brush tool sir.
Might be safer. Not as much suction. I did not bend any fins as I was careful. But use whatever make you feel comfortable and that you know you won’t cause damage!
you do not need to take anything off or shut off power. just spray with a hose
@@spicy7109 the fan actually sucks the dirt into the sides and pushes it out the top. So you risk pushing the dirt further into the rad by hosing it from the outside. It would be better to hose it from the inside, but you chance bending fins.
What is that spray again?
@@dewyjune I can’t remember. This was done last year.
Can u recommend someone to do the maintenance?
Are you here in Manitoba?
What’s the spray you used
NU-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse
🛒 product link: (1 can) amzn.to/3oq4EMX
🛒 Nu-Cal product link: (multi pack) amzn.to/3BSCQnG
@@unclemarksdiyautoThat’s evaporator foam. The part you’re cleaning here is the condenser coil. The evaporator foam only doesn’t require rinsing because once you turn the air conditioner back on, the condensation that forms on the coil will rinse it off itself.
Use condenser cleaner, pre soaking and then applying the cleaner, letting sit for about 10 minutes, then spray with water from the inside of the unit out.
Aluminum Eater 2000
Thanks for the tips!
Why wouldn't you use a brush on the vacuum?
@@wildmanofborneo it was too soft and caused less suction do to further distance from the hose.
Which episode did Phil Dunphy an A/C cleaning guy?
@@noaht112 No idea!
i just dont want yall to think its easy like that becauee once you take the outside cover off it is very difficult to get back on a lot of the time. The fan on top is not light and you really want to go from inside out. you can easily bend those fins that he vacuumed with a little too much pressure or even when you are taking the outside cover off and puttin it on
Could not show everything in this shorts video. Check out the full video on my channel!
@@unclemarksdiyauto Are the wires attached to the top lid long enough to set the top on the ground? I'm afraid to try balancing it because you said it was heavy. Lol
There’s a sticker on that unit that says “water only”😂😂😂😂
@@arturofromtucson6262 That is because if they didn’t say that, people would use just about anything to clean it.
I can't figure out how to put it back together. The front panel won't go under the cover. Help
Not sure how to show you or explain it. Also, I am not sure how or why it won't go back together. Each panel should only fit one way. A 2nd set of eyes would be a good idea. Can you call a friend to help you piece the puzzle back together?
Take the rest of the screws out of the top and lift it up. Typically the top part (fan shroud) is the final part of the case of the air conditioner to be put on.
@@unclemarksdiyauto had my sister come over and we figured it out! Thank you!
@@Karwrecked Thank your sister very much for her help! Sorry I could not do better. I may update this video next year when I clean again, with a more step by step video. You will note the rest of my channel is basically all car repairs. Hope one of them may help you with yours someday!
What type of spray you use
I used NU-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse. 🛒 product link: (1 can) amzn.to/3oq4EMX or Nu-Cal product link: (multi pack) amzn.to/3BSCQnG
They claim it is non corrosive to metals & plastics.
Is it necessary or can you just get rid of the lint and call it a day?
@@douglassmith9445 get rid of the lint. It will be better. Maybe you can try to carefully run a hose from the backside.
@@douglassmith9445 A good vacuum with sure help. That is what I have done n the past.
lol... "so i don't bend the fins..." you bent them alright... Is this what homeowners should expect from all AC techs? "It's not my unit... so let me press my hard plastic vacuum wand against the fins."
@@caall99 who is a AC tech? This is UA-cam after all. Do you think everything you see on this channel is by certified people? Never said it was certified. I was just cleaning my own AC unit.
Whts the cleaner name u used
NU-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse. 🛒 (1 can) amzn.to/3oq4EMX
🛒 (multi pack) amzn.to/3BSCQnG As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Call that cotton candy😂😂😂😂
Yep! Not sure what flavour it was!
What’s that spray?
🛒 product link: (1 can) amzn.to/3oq4EMX
🛒 Nu-Cal product link: (multi pack) amzn.to/3BSCQnG
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
@@unclemarksdiyauto thank you
Does this dirt effect on cold air in the house and power of blowing cold air?
If this plugs up, the heat can't escape so the unit can't cool and your house will be warm! If it is half plugged, it takes longer to cool your house.
@@unclemarksdiyauto make sense, i can't wait to clean up🤝🙏
@@markomare9081 Let us know how it goes!
My AC never has that much dirt or debris even after 10 yrs. Where do you live?
@@inquisitvem6723 Manitoba Canada. Poplar tree fuzz.
What will happen if I didn't clean it?
Your air conditioner will not cool properly. It will not get cold enough.
I needed the answer to this question ^ thank you both 🤙
You can also burn up the compressor from it not getting enough air flow to stay cool. Ask me how I know.
@@seabass22 I bet! Maintenance is the key to everything lasting!
As your house temp TRIES to go lower, but these dirty coils can't do a good job of shedding the heat to the outside air, the compressor tries harder and harder to reach its target: comfy room temp. But it consumes more electricity, wears out the fan motors, and chews up the compressor. Much sooner than you want, you end up with a completely failed unit, but not before causing you a bunch of discomfort, sleepless sweaty nights, and budget anxiety as you contemplate the upcoming replacement expense.
Clean your unit. It pays - in so many ways!
Holy hell I had a heck of time putting the AC back together....I feel it's a two person job to actually put the pieces back....🤔
In my full length video, I show the struggles. Like you say, almost a 2 person job, but think, you saved yourself about $150 vs a service call to clean this out. Thanks for watching.
@@unclemarksdiyauto I was only able to get to there sides because the 4th was too close to the house.....what can you do!
Just light the fuzz on 🔥.
It might work but I don't recommend that! LOL!
😅
@@HexicanLS460L Hope your enjoying summer!
Water and a brush will always do a way better job
Good to know! Will try that next year!
How long does it take for AC to turn back on after switching breaker back on
It should be instant. Is the breaker fully back on? Maybe try turning breaker off and back on again.
@@unclemarksdiyauto yeah it’s not turning back on for me 😭
Did someone play with the thermostat? Maybe it is not on ac or something.
No cleaners. Wash at least twice a year. Do “not” press hard on the fins if picking stuff off or using a vacuum or soft bristled brush. Clean inside out.
Make absolutely sure the motor does “not” get wet.
At all.
Let outside unit dry completely using a battery operated but weak blowing blower before to wash it off and after to speed up the drying process.
It must be completely dry or the water can get fan motor wet and cause problems down the road.
Cover or keep covers “on” the electrical parts outside of fin areas. They cannot get wet.
Use only hose pressure. Do not use your thumb/finger to increase hose pressure. You could bend the fins and you’ve just defeated the purpose of cleaning it.
Be safe.
Don’t use cleaners.
Cleaners that claim to be rinsed off by condensation is not wise or smart. Just because they say they don’t damage things doesn’t mean they won’t.
If you choose to use a cleaner you must rinse several times and at least twice after “all” suds appear to be gone. No residual cleaner shall be on fins after rinsing. The more you rinse the better.
I never use cleaners and mine is 20-25 years old and I’ve only had to change one capacitor.
I will not mention the brand.
Don’t ask.
It’s more about preventive maintenance inside and out.
Get pleated filters for your inside unit. They have more filter area and can catch small particles.
They say replace them every 3 months. They’re expensive, I know.
Wanna replace your a/c?
Try to replace them every month, even if you can see through them.
For many reasons.
Be smart.
Be diligent.
Be wise.
Learn what you can, where you can, when you can.
Use your phone to take pictures of the most easy things to remember. You may not remember and find yourself up a creek without an a/c.
You have more than enough info on this thread, as a whole. Not just in my comment.
I suggest you “trust but verify”. You might be glad you did.
None of this is manufacturer specific.
If you want to do it right, you must be smart, intelligent, vigilant use everything at your disposal and use them “properly”. You don’t need expensive tools.
Be patient and thorough. It will take more time than you think or may appear.
If only washing twice, do so in early spring and early fall.
I suggest, if you have grass right next to the a/c, kill it, rinse off your outside unit as instructed and make sure nothing ever grows/blocks around your outside unit. Even if it’s sitting on something that raises your unit above ground. I suggest a minimum of 12” around entire unit. A small amount of grass/weeds can be killed with weed and grass killer and left alone.
Never put anything around it to hide the “eye sore”. It needs room to “breathe”.
This may seem like a lot. It’s not. Just be careful. You’ll get quicker (not faster) as you get used to doing it and find a routine that works best for you.
No short cuts.
@@NineToes19 Long comment. Thanks. One thing I must mention about your comment about having everything dry before letting this run. This is outside. It gets wet! Actually it gets soaked. And if humidity is high or temp is hot in house, this unit turns on no matter if it’s raining outside or not. (Just a thought) Thanks for stopping by!
@@unclemarksdiyauto
Agreed. I just wanted to make sure people doing this for the first few times were extra careful and safe.
@@NineToes19 Yes! Good suggestion for sure. Don't be rough, be gentle. These fins bend just by looking at them!
John Goodman?
Probably wondering which John Goodman!
No water jet?
Water jet? I tried a normal garden hose with a end on it, and it didn't do much. Also, too much pressure and you will bend the cooling fins!
That’s not dirt, it’s lint or pet hair. Must be a sheep dog running around. 😂
Must be! Or Poplar tree fuzz? We have lots of poplar trees here. This is what it looks like!
Don’t ever leave chemical on a condenser coil, unless you’re trying to sell units. Teaspoon of dawn in a gallon of water is safe and effective, non corrosive.
@@joelbuff3254 this is a no rinse produce.
@@unclemarksdiyauto most no rinse products are for evaporator coils, which will dilute and rinse the product. It is my recommendation as a 27 year service tech and a top guy in one of the top heavy commercial companies across the gulf south, to not put anything on those coils and not rinse it off. That is of course, unless you’re trying to destroy the coil. If this product foams or brightens it gets in between the mechanical connection between tube and fin and corrodes that, creating an inefficiency of heat transfer. Do a survey amongst the real ones and they’ll all tell you the same. If you wanna sell a new one, don’t rinse. If you want it to work it’s best and most efficient, put a little mild detergent and rinse the shit out of it. Not trying to “prove you wrong” or make you look bad dude, just trying to let the people know how it’s done at a professional level, and why. Not “do it my way” but “do it the right way and save some heartache” good luck in all you do, not trying to start a war.
@@joelbuff3254 Good to know! Will rinse next time!
That spray not lookn' to g00d ,
just take top off & hose it down from the inside out
I can hear his call backs
Oh yep! LOL!
Just spray it down with a water hose without taking anything off🤷🏽♀️
You just don’t want to force the dirt in further. But that could work of it is not too dirty.
this is not a great video.
Not doing the inside is a major miss and no hard edges against the fins. Use the furniture brush with the soft bristles to initially vacuum the big dirt.
Then spray it down with a cleaner, wait for penetration and hose it down with minimal pressure.
Inside and out.
Ensure to do the bottom plate and evacuation holes at the bottom for better draining of rain etc.
Sorry to hear that. It was a quick video. You should start posting some soon. Although if you have not in 14 years, probably won’t start now! Probably already know it is harder to post than everyone thinks, Mr 2 subscribers!
DO NOT USE A SHOP VAC! MAN IF SOMETHING HARD THAT SOFT STUFF GETS JAMMED INTO THE COIL YOURE SCREWED.
Thanks Greg!
Definetly rinse it lol
So true!
Question is, why would you ever let them get like this in the first place? That right there just shows your goofiness
Good question. This was only one season! I could not believe how bad it was either!
Supertech would lite it on fire where you at?
Manitoba, Canada. Not sure what was floating around the air. (I might have missed cleaning this last year…)
Make sure you’re rinsing from the inside going out
🔧👍🔧
Ah you saw this one. People complaining I should not be using that sharp plastic vacuum on the fins! (I guess if I was grinding against them, no! Lol!)
Damn thas dirty
Poplar tree fuzz!
@@unclemarksdiyautoi kinda wanna try to clean my ac unit so u just turn the breaker off and pull that something outside the box out
@@rahilraza1344 It will go back in. Just be careful.
Bent fins 2 seconds after you said you didn't
lol! It is possible. These fins are easy to bend. (Just look at your vehicle radiator. ) They bend just looking at them.! The point is try and be careful & if you bend a couple, it is not the end of the world. This unit is many times more efficient now with all the fluff that was plugging it up (even if a fin is folded) than a not bent fin and the system completely plugged up. Now if you polled a hole in the tubes that the fins sit on, that would be the end of your cooling unit.
I always wondered how retirees wasted their days away doing
@@BlockRecordsTV Lol! Seriously these need to be cleaned every so often. Either homeowner or hire it out. Especially important in this hot weather.
@@unclemarksdiyauto my point was that you turned a 10min task into a 1hour task. Explaining how retirees waste their days away.
@@BlockRecordsTV Maybe! Hope it does not take someone a hour! Lol!
You were ruining the dents. 😕 Use THE BRUSH it comes with!
@@mwinchester66 this fluff was stuck like cat hair! But if you don’t feel comfortable, yea use the brush. The vacuum just didn’t have as much suction with the brush on.
Just use water
Lol maybe try a hose? Lol
Yikes!!!😅😅😅😅
That looks like pile of dog hair or cotton on there. I’ve lived at my place for 7 years, almost nothing in the fins and I never clean it.
@@Story_Teller_Everyone Poplar tree fluff.
I wouldn’t give people this much credit best to hire professional you never wanna spray a chemical on a condenser without rinsing it away the coil and cause possible leaks in the future also evaporator should be cleaned also and it is nowhere as easy as you’re trying to make it sound for the evaporator coil
I have to agree most people should just hire the professionals. This spray is specifically made as a no rinse. It still wouldn’t hurt to rise maybe half hour later before reassembly of the covers. Thanks Robert for your comment.
So meant things wrong or not said, horrible PSA
English not your first language? Google has a way to translate to English so we can understand what you really mean.
Guys don’t do this he is not doing this correctly!!
Maybe not exactly as it should be. I will send them to your channel to see your qualifications as to any projects you have posted!
In what way is it not correct? He cleaned a ton of debris that was inhibiting airflow and didn't bend any of the fins. If you're going to claim someone is doing it wrong then you're supposed to say what the right way is.
@@KingJerbear I like your way of thinking. Usually people that have concerns also have a channel with lots of experience and videos to back up the comment.
Please don’t do this
Lets go to your channel and see why!
Most useful straight to the point video on this. Thank you mf you are dope
I’m dope, Thanks man!
What spray did you use
Evap Foam No Rinse: 🛒 product link: (1 can) amzn.to/3oq4EMX
🛒 Nu-Cal product link: (multi pack) amzn.to/3BSCQnG
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