Routine maintenance today can save a lot of money in hydro and major repairs later. Keeping the outdoor condenser coil clean is part of normal maintenance as outlined in the installation and servicing instructions, or the owner's manual of your equipment. Keeping the condenser coil clean will enhance your air conditioner system's ability to operate economically and dependably. By keeping your unit operating at peak performance you will recoup any time or money invested in upkeep by lowering your repair cost and saving money on your electric bill.
The homeowner is responsible for regularly making sure the condensing unit located outside is not obstructed by shrubs, leaves, or debris and for changing the furnace filter regularly. When cutting the lawn direct glass clippings away from the unit. If the coil becomes dirty, clean the coil surface with a vacuum cleaner using a soft brush attachment. Use an up and down motion while being extremely careful not to bend or damage ANY of the delicate aluminum coil fins. If dirt is embedded deeply, the coil is discolored or fins blocked you should schedule an appointment with your dealer for a tune up and cleaning. If the unit is heavily soiled a dealer can safely take the unit apart and clean from the inside out with special cleaners to remove more dirt.
The frequency of maintenance depends on the age of the equipment, the amount of foliage nearby, the amount of dirt and type of dirt that has accumulated. The unit does contain dangerously high voltages, sharp fan blades, moving parts, and razor sharp metal edges so follow manufacturer's cautions and warning advice throughout the equipment's manuals. Homeowners should never use a hose and water to try and clean the interior of the unit. Cleaning in this way can lead to serious risk of electrical shock, and possible shorting of electrical components.
Without regular maintenance an air conditioner loses about 5% of original efficiency for each year of operation. This means the energy efficient 14 SEER unit you bought a few years ago may be operating like a 10 SEER unit of the past if you have not performed any maintenance. Well maintained equipment will last longer, is less likely to suffer a major breakdown and uses less electricity. This is why we recommend you keep the coil clean longer by using a Brinmar cover during the months you are not using the equipment. Ignoring the unit during the off season can lead to poor air conditioning performance, noise, and increased energy consumption during the cooling season. Using a Brinmar cover combined with regular maintenance is far less costly than neglecting the equipment and paying for repairs or a replacement later. Keep the coil clean, help keep the planet Green!