What You Need To Know About Pressure Washing Your Air Conditioner

If you’re a homeowner, you might want to pressure wash your air conditioner but are unsure whether you should.

Pressure washing an air conditioner is never advised. Your air conditioner can be cleaned in numerous ways. Simply said, using a pressure washer is not an option. Your AC coil could be harmed, which would cause system failure.

In order for the AC unit to last longer, it must be cleaned frequently.

Can You Pressure Wash Your Air Conditioner?

One of a home’s priciest appliances is an air conditioner. Owners may therefore want to clean in order to safeguard their investment.

By giving your air conditioner routine maintenance, you can save money on costly repairs. However, using the incorrect tools when cleaning can harm your system.

A system that is covered in filth won’t function properly and is more prone to malfunction. Many AC owners make an effort to clean the coils in order to prevent damage and energy waste.

The greatest solution could seem to be a pressure washer because of how well dust and mildew are eliminated by its strong force. Unfortunately, it is bad for the coils in your device.

By harming the fins, a pressure washer will only make the situation worse. Under intense pressure, these metal components could deform. As a result, the tubes could potentially sustain damage.

For AC coils, the force of a power washer is excessive. It is not recommended to pressure wash your AC system because coil repairs are pricey.

How Is The Outside AC Unit Cleaned?

While outdoors, dirt and particles build up around the cooling fins of your outdoor air conditioner. This makes it essential to clean the outside air conditioning unit. Here are detailed instructions on how to approach this.

Turn Off Your AC System

Before cleaning the equipment, put safety first by turning it off. Locate and disconnect the electricity shut-off box near the exterior unit. Do the same with the interior breaker box.

Purge The Areas Around Your Unit

Ensure that there is no dirt in the vicinity of the outdoor air conditioning unit. Clean up the dirt and grass that have gathered on and around the unit.

Any debris that you are unable to remove yourself should be taken care of by a wet-dry vacuum with a soft-bristled attachment.

Straighten And Clean The Fins

Hose down the fins from the inside out to get rid of dirt and debris. In case the fins are bent, gently straighten them.

Air Filter Cleaning

If your air filter is still functional, a strong garden hose spray will effectively clean it. It should be replaced as soon as possible if it is already damaged.

Condenser Coil Cleaning

The AC condenser coils’ ability to conduct cooling might be hampered by the buildup of dirt, dust, and debris on them. The coil must be vacuumed, and any lingering dirt must be removed with a garden hose.

As you do this, take care not to damage or bend the coils and fins. The fan blades should also be cleaned with a wet rag. If you don’t want to clean yourself, you can hire a professional to do it for you.

How Can I Tell If My AC Needs Cleaning?

Cleaning is necessary for your system to operate effectively throughout the hottest seasons of the year. Watch out for these indications that your system requires cleaning:

A Rise In Electricity Costs

Evaporator and condenser coils that are unclean can increase the energy consumption of your air conditioner by nearly 30%, according to estimations.

Clean AC may be to blame if you keep an eye on your electricity costs and see an unexpected rise. Once the coils have been cleaned, your AC’s efficiency should return, as should the size of your electricity bill.

Warm AC Blowing

When coils are unclean, heat can build up. Think of it as a bottleneck that prevents the heat from within your house from being released outdoors.

The air will still be warm or hardly cooled even with the air conditioner on.

AC Efforts More

The unit must operate longer and harder to cool the interior when the AC coils become dusty. Your unit may experience additional wear and tear as a result, shortening its lifespan.

When My Air Conditioner Is Running, Can I Spray Water On It?

Your air conditioner can be misted with water. It is advised to mist it with water while it is running, especially for cleaning. Use your garden hose to accomplish this.

Run your hose over your gadget from top to bottom while it is on a hard stream to efficiently clean it. You might also need to spray other components for improved performance.

However, you need to be aware of the parts of your air conditioner that must remain dry. You do not want to have a compromised system after cleaning it.

How Can Water Sprinkling Help My Outdoor AC Unit?

When it comes time to clean your air conditioner, you might be hesitant to use water because electrical items and water shouldn’t be in contact. However, splashing water inside an AC helps.

You can spray water on your outdoor air conditioner without fear of negative consequences if it needs cleaning.

Spraying water on the condenser will help your air conditioner run more efficiently. Your condenser needs to be sprayed periodically to keep functioning properly.

When Should You Clean Your Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit?

An outdoor air conditioner only requires cleaning twice a year. Both in the spring, before the summer season starts, and again in the fall, before the winter season starts, clean the appliance.

Over time, dust and debris can gather on air conditioners, particularly on the coils and air filter. Allowing dust to build up could reduce how well your system produces cool air. Keeping this in mind, breathe clean air.

How Much Will It Cost To Clean AC Coils?

The evaporator coil located in the air handler is included in the cost of duct cleaning, which varies from $250 to $500. This is relevant to another service.

By soaking it into the refrigerant that flows through them, coils’ purpose is to transport heat from one point to another. Your home’s air handler’s evaporator coil absorbs heat to provide air conditioning.

The heat is then transferred to the condenser coil. The heat is dispersed through this coil. With heat pumps, the scenario is exactly the opposite. If the coils are not kept clean, it could affect how well the component works.

Vinegar Or Bleach: Which Is Best For The AC Drain Line?

It is preferable to use vinegar instead of bleach because bleach can cause copper tubing in your AC’s drain line to corrode. Furthermore, vinegar only emits a smell after it has been spilled, but bleach can ruin your carpet or clothing.

Pouring one capful of vinegar down the drain will stop mildew, bacteria, and algae from growing in your air conditioner. In this situation, vinegar is a secure yet effective cleaning remedy.

Does Your Air Conditioner Need A Vacuum?

The basic cleaning of your air conditioner can be accomplished using a vacuum, including cleaning the filters on the access panels and any other dust-gathering filters or coverings.

You should carry out this procedure every three to six months to maintain the airflow through the air conditioner.

You can use the vacuum to get rid of general debris from the surface of the air conditioner’s coils and other inner components after removing the access panels.

To Sum Up

Avoid pressure washing your air conditioner because you don’t want to harm your system when cleaning. You can ask a professional for assistance if cleaning your unit is proving to be a challenge for you.