Outside Unit A/C

Home Serve

I'm not a hvac guy, my son and I do siding/windows.
At his home it is getting into cooling season and last time I was over there I noticed that the fins on the outside unit is so full of dust, debris, etc. that I don't know how it can cool. I was going to suggest that we get a pressure washer and take off the housing around the unit and under low pressure wash the unit from the inside out. Any danger in cleaning it this way?
Any better ideas?
Thanks,
Dave

acefurnacefxr

Agarden hose and some strong household cleaner will do fine......DO NOT use a pressure washer.

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Induc3r

Definately do not use a pressure washer - ever!
I recommend getting a winter cover for the unit when not in use,
they're cheap around $40

hf05

i'm with ace and induc3 never pressure wash you'll end up ripping it to shreds.it's quite funny in retrospect ,wondering what the hell your going to do now!!. i've used some citrus coil cleaner b4,its ok, but garden hose works good.

troubleseeker

Absolotely no pressure washer, even a strong "jet" from the garden hose will fold the fins over. Go to an ac supplier and get some cleaner and a "comb" to straighten the fins back up after cleaning. Be careful about some of the generally available cleaner/degreasers like the Castrol purple stuff it is pretty caustic and aluminum unfriendly. I have used "Simple Green" to clean my unit and it works well.

FemaleAstarCO

Agreed on the NO PRESSURE. Find a good Citrus Coil Cleaner I think Home Depot sells some kinds of cleaners. Get yourself a fin comb and gently comb out any fins that are totally folded over. You can get both at Johnstone Supply too