Clean Your Window Air Conditioner's Condenser Coil To Remove Blockages, Surface Dirt, And Rust

If the airflow emitted through your window air conditioning unit's vents seems stifled and your living room isn't cooling down as quickly as it used to, a blockage between some of the metal pieces that form the condenser coil may need to be addressed. Learn how to dislodge dirty debris from the condenser unit with the following steps. Once you have completed the repair, turn the unit back on and you will notice that it is quickly cooling down the inside of your home.

Materials

  • shop vacuum cleaner
  • stiff-bristled scrub brush
  • small bucket of soapy water
  • can of condenser coil cleaner
  • slightly abrasive sponge
  • naval jelly
  • foam brush
  • lint-free cloths
  • filter

​Remove The Cover And Dislodge Materials Between Metal Pieces

Make sure that the air conditioning unit is turned off. Remove the front cover. Use the hose from a shop vacuum cleaner to suck up any debris that is stuck between the metal pieces that run across the top section of the air conditioning unit. Use a stiff-bristled scrub brush and soapy water to assist with dislodging materials that are difficult to remove and to clean the interior metal pieces. 

Add Coil Cleaner To Remove Surface Dirt

Spray an even coat of coil cleaner onto the metal surface. Wait a few minutes before scrubbing the metal with a slightly abrasive sponge. If there is any rusting on the metal pieces, apply an even coat of naval jelly to them with a foam brush. After several minutes, the rust will begin to dissolve. Finish removing any rust specks that remain with a sponge. Use a damp, lint-free cloth to remove any coil cleaner or naval jelly that remains on the condenser coil. Dry the metal off with a clean cloth.

Wipe Off Additional Internal Pieces And Change The Unit's Filter

Use a soapy cloth to clean any other interior pieces that are dirty. Rinse the cloth out with plain water afterwards and wipe the same surfaces. Dry wet areas with a clean cloth. Inspect the unit's filter and replace it if needed. The filter will be located behind the unit's front cover. It may need to be slid out from a bracket that is holding it in place. Replace the unit's front cover.

Turn on the air conditioning unit. Place your hands in front of the vents. If the air that is emitted through them is cold and is coming out steadily, the cleaning steps have resolved the problem that you previously experienced with the unit. If the air is still not cold or is not coming out steadily, call A Bailey Plumbing.


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