Your air conditioner’s coils need to be cleaned every season. Lack of adequate air movement through the coils might possibly harm an appliance, whether it’s a pile of leaves from the fall or pollen and dust from the spring. However, never power wash the AC unit or the coils.
Water pressure from power washers may reach tens of thousands of PSI. There are hundreds of PSI in even the smallest battery-operated power washers. Condenser coils are not among the many things a power pressure can clean. Here are some reasons why it could be dangerous to power wash your AC unit.
Power washers use high-pressure water jets, which can damage electrical components or rubber seals in an HVAC system.
The powerful water pressure from a power washer can knock loose dirt and debris outside an AC unit and blow them into a system.
Compressed air and high heat can cause buildup in the system that might require professional maintenance.
If you notice issues with your AC system, don’t try to fix it yourself. Even if you’re just trying to keep it clean, contact an HVAC contractor or technician to ensure that your unit stays safe and functional.
Can I Pressure Wash My Outside AC Unit?
Pressure washing your outdoor air conditioning unit stops mold and algae growth, but not all AC units are compatible with this process. It is essential to take care of your AC unit to prevent possible health risks. Pushing the water in one direction will often create a mist that can cause bright spots on your window seals and shingles as well as discolor paint, so it is imperative that you make sure that you are brushing off the hose while pressure washing the area. Using a light trigger hold is important as a heavy touch will likely move the dirt around without actually removing it.
Regular AC unit maintenance will improve the system performance and save you from costly repair expenses. However, cleaning it with the wrong tool will cause more damage to the units and might result in a total breakdown of your system.
A system that is full of dirt and junk cannot operate effectively. More so, an overworked AC unit is prone to failure and other mechanical issues such as overheating. In an effort to avoid damage and energy loss, most people prefer to clean their AC units. At first, power washing it might appear to be the perfect option due to how well dust and mildew are removed by its high force. Unfortunately, the stream is too strong for your unit’s coils.
A pressure washer will not solve the issue; it will make things worse by harming the fins. The soft materials that make up the AC unit, mainly aluminum and copper, will bend or break when subject to an intense pressure stream. As a result of being hit with tens of thousands of PSI, the tube may develop holes. Generally, the force of a power washer is too great for an AC system’s coils.
What Should You Use to Wash Your AC Unit?
While you can use regular old, non-chlorine bleach solution to clean your AC unit and its components, there are quite a few more effective ways to keep your equipment in proper working order.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal can be used with chlorine bleach for more dirt-trapping power. While you need to use the two together carefully, it is good to have them both on hand when dealing with a particularly bad spill.
The Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach is perhaps one of the most effective cleaners on the market today. When you add hydrogen peroxide to water, its cleaning properties can go from one extreme to the other. The hydrogen peroxide cleans and sanitizes while the oxygen keeps your AC unit operating crisply.
Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine bleach is a great household cleaner, but it can be challenging to get into those tight corners of your AC unit. But vinegar is amazing at getting into those spaces between the cooling parts. Because of this, vinegar will clean right through the fins and other small details that chlorine bleach just can’t reach. The key to using chlorine bleach is getting it into all of the nooks and crannies that need some serious cleaning.
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide is an excellent cleaner to clean your AC unit. It can clean and sanitize just about anything, but when it comes to AC units, it can get the job done without any real difficulty.
How to Clean a Window AC Unit
The first thing you’ll want to do is determine what kind of cleaning you need to do. If it’s just a little dirt on the unit like a sprinkling of dust or grime, then a quick wipe will show it. If it’s more like sand or something sticking out, then it will take some scrubbing.
If there are just a few spots and smudges of dust on the unit, then you can use a microfiber cloth to wipe it off. You’ll be surprised how much dirt and grime comes off with a gentle wipe. This is especially nice if you want to leave the AC unit in place during the warm summer months but don’t want to deal with cleaning it yourself.
You don’t want the unit to get too dirty; if there are cracks and scratches on the unit, they may not work effectively after a scrubbing. While you’re wiping, check to see if there’s anything loose and remove it immediately. This can stop it from falling off later.
It should be noted, however, that a quick wipe and some dusting will not completely clean your AC. If you want the full effect of a great cleaning, then you need to use some light scrubbing and a cleaning agent. The cleaning agent will be a little more expensive than the wipe, but it’s crucial to your AC unit’s efficiency.
Here are a few examples of cleaning agents that you can get in any store:
- Bleach – Good for stains and dirt but may harm the unit if used too much
- Vinegar – An all-around cleaner that keeps the unit shiny and clean but may not do very well on tough stains
- Baking soda – May work depending on the severity of your stain
It may take a few days for the unit to dry off after you clean it, so you’ll want to close up any places that air may leak into. This can include windows, vents, doors and anything else that the air will flow through.
Why Choose HB Home Service Team (MD) for AC Unit Services?
At HB Home Service Team, we take great pride in offering various home services throughout Randallstown, Maryland. Our services are each expertly crafted to satisfy your specific comfort requirements. Our highly qualified experts can handle anything from furnaces and air conditioners to boilers, ductless mini-split systems, well pumps, and Plumbing services. Additionally , we provide round-the-clock emergency support so you can rest easy knowing we’re always there for you. Contact us today!
