How to clean central air unit yourself! It's easy!
Vložit
- čas přidán 3. 05. 2023
- ☕🍩 If this video helped you & you would like to make a modest donation to the channel, why not buy me a coffee & donut? If you feel you want to give more because you see the value in this video, you can donate what ever you wish to help this channel grow! Thanking you in advance! paypal.me/unclemarksdiyauto?l... 🍩 ☕
⚠️-Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of unclemark, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Unclemark assumes no liability for property damage or injury occurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use of this information is at your own risk. Unclemark recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools, lifting tools, jacks and or jack stands, chemicals and or lubricants or anything else seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of unclemark, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or lost that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not of unclemark.
🛒 -Links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are a endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product.
🔧-You should consult a qualified mechanic for your repairs. Statements made in this video are not intended as mechanical advice. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Definitely don't use the hard end on a shop vac. Use the round brush attachment. Then don't use coil cleaner unless you're confident in following directions to the T! Be exact! If you aren't sure set the top with the fan off to the side (wires still attached) and hose it with your garden hose from the inside out. Put it back together and go enjoy your ac
That AC condenser definitely needed a cleaning. I have a Lennox XC 14 and I clean it every other year. I also use a wet dry vac but I use a soft brush attachment so I don’t damage the aluminum fins. I vacuum the inside bottom also, and lift up the top and spray water from the inside out. I use a spray can foaming coil cleaner also. I change my air filters every 90 days. My HVAC system still runs great after 14 years. 👍
Yep! A soft brush would be safer for sure. Rinsing from the inside is something I think most don't understand. Rinsing inside out pushes the dirt back out from where it came, instead of pushing the dirt further in to the fins.
@unclemarksdiyauto what if your AC has a fowl odor, do I need to contact a technician? My unit is only 5 years old Jan, but I haven't had a maintenance check.
@@ginastewart5634 I am not a AC expert, but fowl smells can NOT be good. I would have someone check it out for sure.
@@ginastewart5634most likely needs the filters changed and a good condenser cleaning
@@ginastewart5634Probably just needs a THOROUGH cleaning. Personally, I'd try that before I called a technician. But by all means, if you are not capable, or simply don't want to try it yourself, definitely call someone.
Use a brush on the shop vac, those fins are SO delicate, even tapping the plastic on them WILL bend them. You should also absolutely use a hose (NOT a pressure washer) with a flat spray nozzle to rinse the remaining dirt out that the vacuum won't get.
Yes, like anything, you have to be careful.
Please make sure you rinse it off with water after you apply that spray
lol you definitely did bent them a little 😂. For heavy stuff like that you need to use your hose spraying at a downward angle on fan setting.
U are very much appreciated❤❤!!
Your welcome.
HVAC tech here we use water goes with spray and spray it all went then we use this commercial foam cleaner that meant for coils that cleans the coil (it irritating if touched skin) and when we finally rinse it up after a min or 2 . Then plug unit it and boom
You’re using evaporator coil cleaner. The evaporator coil sweats and rinses itself yea, but you’re cleaning the condenser coil. It needs rinsed. Just use water though. 99% of the time that’s all that’s needed. Trane/American standard systems are a different story.
Might be so. This one seems to get so packed with dirt pretty fast, I can't get it to back flush, otherwise running water into this side of the fins just pushes the dirt further in (Deeper).
I have an American Standard A/C unit. Why do you say it’s different?
@@gilbertogutierrez1658 the spine fin coil design is tough to clean with just water especially if it’s really dirty so in that case I’ll use some condenser coil cleaner
@@gilbertogutierrez1658 Not sure what I meant or what you mean. The design might be a bit different, screws in different places, housing put together a bit differently? Bolt sizes could be a little different.
I rinse mine every time I cut my grass!
Good idea!
Yep I blow it with the backpack blower first to get leaves and grass debris out and rinse. It’s newer so trying to keep it that way! Gonna do the air handler soon tho! Isn’t blowing like it use too! Staying on most the day.
Lennox recommends water only. Sticker on the unit says so.
Actually mine does not have such a sicker, and never did as we are the original owners of this unit!
Yeah if you have a 14acx or 16acx it’s still copper. The ML14 Ml16 Ml17 ML18 have all aluminum coils witch they don’t want anyone putting new brite on. Either way it’s going to leak and die fast. 😂
@@mickhvac3908 Hope not. This product says safe on all metals.
The can claims non corrosive to metals & plastics, & can also be used on window air conditioners, roof to HVAC, auto rads, small condenser & evap coils, metal filters & blades etc. & claims it will NOT harm other materials it gets splashed on.
Is your dryer vent near . Or do you have cotton wood trees near . That's some thick lint
@blue collar llc, reach in the ac panel take off the condenser fan leads. Then take out the bottom row of screws and take the whole shell off
I will do that next time for sure, thanks!
About the spray, make sure you wash it off because it will eat the fin just let it sit for 10 minutes
Please use brush tool sir.
Might be safer. Not as much suction. I did not bend any fins as I was careful. But use whatever make you feel comfortable and that you know you won’t cause damage!
That’s called a condenser bud, your central unit is in the attic containing evaporator, blower and furnace
I misspoke, Ryan. I am not a air conditioning tech, obviously. Thanks for the correction! Take care.
@@unclemarksdiyauto no disrespect but if you’re not licensed and have no field experience to work on HVAC/R equipment don’t do it and put info out for people. But hey homeowner hack jobs make me lots of money lol
Question is, why would you ever let them get like this in the first place? That right there just shows your goofiness
Good question. This was only one season! I could not believe how bad it was either!
There's a disconnect outside to cut the power, "dirt"? looks like you have a dryer vent nearby that lint is excessive. What do you consider a lot of money 💰?
I only charge $125 for a proper acid wash.
$125 is very reasonable! Dryer vent is on opposite side of the house. I showed the power disconnect on the longer video. Another issue we have here is not being able to find anyone that has time to some do these types of jobs. Too many qualified personal have retired or will soon retire. We need more folks in all the trades!
Can of spray is $15-$20, cleaning call is usually $150+
So true!
It’s best to have done by professional especially if it’s the first cleaning on an old unit, if the unit is extremely dirty and you clean it that can then show a low refrigerant charge if it has been leaking for years, that dirty coil would hide some of the symptoms then cleaning it would reveal it
It's always better to have a pro do it, but most folks are pinching the penny's that they have left from their paychecks as inflation takes so much more now.
@@unclemarksdiyautobidenomics!
@@thekantor1964 Up here in Canada, I don't have a good Canadian saying for this. I get your sense of humor though!
Thanks for saying to let a professional do the first time! Will do😊
Also...I was so sick all last summer...monthly sinus infection.. fine black dust every where....am so afraid I have mold in the unit!
Call that cotton candy😂😂😂😂
Yep! Not sure what flavour it was!
this is not a great video.
Not doing the inside is a major miss and no hard edges against the fins. Use the furniture brush with the soft bristles to initially vacuum the big dirt.
Then spray it down with a cleaner, wait for penetration and hose it down with minimal pressure.
Inside and out.
Ensure to do the bottom plate and evacuation holes at the bottom for better draining of rain etc.
Sorry to hear that. It was a quick video. You should start posting some soon. Although if you have not in 14 years, probably won’t start now! Probably already know it is harder to post than everyone thinks, Mr 2 subscribers!
Can we wet it with a hose instead?
Yes you can!
Wat if we don't have access in using a vaccum or hose like if townhouse association?
Not sure what you can do in your situation. (I guess they expect you to pay a professional?) You could buy a extension cord and a shop vac and do it.
🔧👍🔧
Ah you saw this one. People complaining I should not be using that sharp plastic vacuum on the fins! (I guess if I was grinding against them, no! Lol!)
Can u recommend someone to do the maintenance?
Are you here in Manitoba?
I have a unit that keeps cooling after the set point like by 4/5 degrees or more used to be on point any suggestions on the issue
I am not sure what the problem might be. Please do a bit more research and let us know what you find out!
@@unclemarksdiyauto I Google the issue and there could be different issues that would cause this the simplest is checking your filter. Then a possible thermostat issue. I ended up tripping the breaker and allowing it to reset seems to have solved the issue at the moment. I also checked my filter and replaced but I don’t believe it was that because it wasn’t bad.
It could be the thermostat. Sometimes they just start going bad. I had one that wasnt even that old start messing up.
Holy hell I had a heck of time putting the AC back together....I feel it's a two person job to actually put the pieces back....🤔
In my full length video, I show the struggles. Like you say, almost a 2 person job, but think, you saved yourself about $150 vs a service call to clean this out. Thanks for watching.
@@unclemarksdiyauto I was only able to get to there sides because the 4th was too close to the house.....what can you do!
I can't figure out how to put it back together. The front panel won't go under the cover. Help
Not sure how to show you or explain it. Also, I am not sure how or why it won't go back together. Each panel should only fit one way. A 2nd set of eyes would be a good idea. Can you call a friend to help you piece the puzzle back together?
Take the rest of the screws out of the top and lift it up. Typically the top part (fan shroud) is the final part of the case of the air conditioner to be put on.
@@unclemarksdiyauto had my sister come over and we figured it out! Thank you!
@@Karwrecked Thank your sister very much for her help! Sorry I could not do better. I may update this video next year when I clean again, with a more step by step video. You will note the rest of my channel is basically all car repairs. Hope one of them may help you with yours someday!
What spray did you use
Evap Foam No Rinse: 🛒 product link: (1 can) amzn.to/3oq4EMX
🛒 Nu-Cal product link: (multi pack) amzn.to/3BSCQnG
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Water and a brush will always do a way better job
Good to know! Will try that next year!
Just light the fuzz on 🔥.
It might work but I don't recommend that! LOL!
😅
@@HexicanLS460L Hope your enjoying summer!
What’s the spray you used
NU-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse
🛒 product link: (1 can) amzn.to/3oq4EMX
🛒 Nu-Cal product link: (multi pack) amzn.to/3BSCQnG
@@unclemarksdiyautoThat’s evaporator foam. The part you’re cleaning here is the condenser coil. The evaporator foam only doesn’t require rinsing because once you turn the air conditioner back on, the condensation that forms on the coil will rinse it off itself.
Use condenser cleaner, pre soaking and then applying the cleaner, letting sit for about 10 minutes, then spray with water from the inside of the unit out.
Aluminum Eater 2000
Thanks for the tips!
Just spray it down with a water hose without taking anything off🤷🏽♀️
You just don’t want to force the dirt in further. But that could work of it is not too dirty.
How warm should the air be coming out of vent of electric a/c in winter time?
Are you talking winter time in Hawaii, or winter time in Canada? Here in Canada, we usually turn the breaker off and cover them so they don’t get any damage from snow & ice.
@unclemarksdiyauto hope ur just covering the top lol
Most furnace want a 30-60 temp in 2nd stage or if it's a just a single stage. Ur return air to supply air should be around 30-60 temp difference
Florida @@unclemarksdiyauto
@@fmills1583 Sorry, I don’t know and don’t have access to those specs.
That’s not dirt, it’s lint or pet hair. Must be a sheep dog running around. 😂
Must be! Or Poplar tree fuzz?
I can hear his call backs
Oh yep! LOL!
Whts the cleaner name u used
NU-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse. 🛒 (1 can) amzn.to/3oq4EMX
🛒 (multi pack) amzn.to/3BSCQnG As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
DO NOT USE A SHOP VAC! MAN IF SOMETHING HARD THAT SOFT STUFF GETS JAMMED INTO THE COIL YOURE SCREWED.
Thanks Greg!
What type of spray you use
I used NU-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse. 🛒 product link: (1 can) amzn.to/3oq4EMX or Nu-Cal product link: (multi pack) amzn.to/3BSCQnG
They claim it is non corrosive to metals & plastics.
Is it necessary or can you just get rid of the lint and call it a day?
@@douglassmith9445 get rid of the lint. It will be better. Maybe you can try to carefully run a hose from the backside.
@@douglassmith9445 A good vacuum with sure help. That is what I have done n the past.
I wouldn’t give people this much credit best to hire professional you never wanna spray a chemical on a condenser without rinsing it away the coil and cause possible leaks in the future also evaporator should be cleaned also and it is nowhere as easy as you’re trying to make it sound for the evaporator coil
Bent fins 2 seconds after you said you didn't
lol! It is possible. These fins are easy to bend. (Just look at your vehicle radiator. ) They bend just looking at them.! The point is try and be careful & if you bend a couple, it is not the end of the world. This unit is many times more efficient now with all the fluff that was plugging it up (even if a fin is folded) than a not bent fin and the system completely plugged up. Now if you polled a hole in the tubes that the fins sit on, that would be the end of your cooling unit.
What’s that spray?
🛒 product link: (1 can) amzn.to/3oq4EMX
🛒 Nu-Cal product link: (multi pack) amzn.to/3BSCQnG
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
@@unclemarksdiyauto thank you
Lol maybe try a hose? Lol
What will happen if I didn't clean it?
Your air conditioner will not cool properly. It will not get cold enough.
I needed the answer to this question ^ thank you both 🤙
You can also burn up the compressor from it not getting enough air flow to stay cool. Ask me how I know.
@@seabass22 I bet! Maintenance is the key to everything lasting!
As your house temp TRIES to go lower, but these dirty coils can't do a good job of shedding the heat to the outside air, the compressor tries harder and harder to reach its target: comfy room temp. But it consumes more electricity, wears out the fan motors, and chews up the compressor. Much sooner than you want, you end up with a completely failed unit, but not before causing you a bunch of discomfort, sleepless sweaty nights, and budget anxiety as you contemplate the upcoming replacement expense.
Clean your unit. It pays - in so many ways!
No water jet?
Water jet? I tried a normal garden hose with a end on it, and it didn't do much. Also, too much pressure and you will bend the cooling fins!
How long does it take for AC to turn back on after switching breaker back on
It should be instant. Is the breaker fully back on? Maybe try turning breaker off and back on again.
@@unclemarksdiyauto yeah it’s not turning back on for me 😭
Did someone play with the thermostat? Maybe it is not on ac or something.
Yikes!!!😅😅😅😅
Make sure you’re rinsing from the inside going out
So meant things wrong or not said, horrible PSA
English not your first language? Google has a way to translate to English so we can understand what you really mean.
Guys don’t do this he is not doing this correctly!!
Maybe not exactly as it should be. I will send them to your channel to see your qualifications as to any projects you have posted!
In what way is it not correct? He cleaned a ton of debris that was inhibiting airflow and didn't bend any of the fins. If you're going to claim someone is doing it wrong then you're supposed to say what the right way is.
@@KingJerbear I like your way of thinking. Usually people that have concerns also have a channel with lots of experience and videos to back up the comment.
Does this dirt effect on cold air in the house and power of blowing cold air?
If this plugs up, the heat can't escape so the unit can't cool and your house will be warm! If it is half plugged, it takes longer to cool your house.
@@unclemarksdiyauto make sense, i can't wait to clean up🤝🙏
@@markomare9081 Let us know how it goes!
Definetly rinse it lol
So true!
Most useful straight to the point video on this. Thank you mf you are dope
I’m dope, Thanks man!