If you have neglected to clean your Goodman air conditioner condenser (the part of the AC system that is fitted outside) you probably are not getting as much use from your AC unit as you should. There are several factors that can wear out your condenser faster and reduce its efficiency including:
Even though you will need a professional to help check the coolant levels, you can easily do the rest of the maintenance yourself and save an extra $120 or more that, it would cost you to have a professional do it.
This article gives you a step-by-step breakdown of what you need to do to clean your air conditioning system. We will start with the condenser then move on to the indoor unit.
Step 1:
The first thing you need to do is switch off your condenser. You can do this by using the outdoor shutoff. If you are uncertain, you can use the main electric panel to switch off the power to the AC condensing unit.
Step 2:
Next, you will need your vacuum cleaner to suck away any leaves or grass clippings and other debris that might be stuck in the exterior fins. For the best results, you should use a vacuum nozzle attached to a soft brush.
The condenser fins are metallic blades that surround the condenser unit. The accumulation of dirt and debris on the fins happens when the central fan sucks in air from the surrounding area. During this process, dead grass and leaves and especially dandelions and floating cotton get stuck in the condenser housing.
For extra measure clear away any grass, weed, and/or bushes that might be in close proximity to the AC condenser; 2 feet of clearance is a good distance.
Step 3:
Using an ordinary kitchen knife realign any crushed or bent fins. Apply gentle pressure on each fin as you do so to avoid damaging your condenser. Do not insert the knife more than ½ an inch inside the condenser otherwise; you might damage its internal components.
Step 4:
Take off the screws on the top grille and carefully take out the fan without tagging at any of the electrical wires. Set the fan aside.
Use a damp cloth to wipe down the interior surface of the condenser and take out any debris such as leaves or grass that might have gotten inside.
Step 5:
With the top still open, use a hose nozzle to spray the fins. Direct the spray from the inside out using moderate water pressure.
Step 6:
Next, inspect the fan motor and look for lubrication ports. Some newer motors have fixed bearings that cannot be lubricated. If your ACs fan motor does not have fixed bearings, add a few drops of electric motor oil on them. Take caution not to use an all-purpose or penetrating oil.
Once you are through, reinstall the fan and screw the top grille back in place.
Step 6:
Switch the condenser’s power back on and set the thermostat to “cool”. Feel the condenser’s insulated tube after 10 minutes. It should feel cool.
On the day you clean your AC condenser, ensure that the weather is at least 60 degrees F. This is because at 60 degrees F you can test your AC to find out if it is still working after doing the maintenance.
Cleaning Your AC’s Indoor Unit
Step 1:
Switch off the power to the furnace either from the switch or from the main panel. Take out the furnace filter and check it for buildup. Change the filter if you think that is necessary.
Step 2:
Open the blower compartment and vacuum out all the dirt. Inspect the motor ports to determine if there are any lubrication ports. In the event that you find them, lubricate each port with about 5 drops of motor oil.
Step 3:
You will now need to clean the drain tube. Detach the drain tube and inspect it for algae growth. Next, you will need to use a funnel to pour in a bleach and water solution. Mix one part of bleach with 16 parts of water. Alternatively, you could replace the plastic condensation drain tube.
Step 4:
Use a pipe cleaner to poke the drain port then clean out any debris then reinstall the drain tube.
Step 5:
Usually it is hard to reach the evaporator as it sits in an inaccessible spot. However, if you can reach it, use a vacuum nozzle with a soft brush to gently vacuum its fins just like you did with the condenser. The main way to keep it clean though is by ensuring that the air coming in from the blower is clean.
You can keep the blower clean by committing to cleaning the blower every year and changing its filter whenever it gets dirty.
- Low coolant levels
- Dirty blower fan
- Clogged cooling fans
Even though you will need a professional to help check the coolant levels, you can easily do the rest of the maintenance yourself and save an extra $120 or more that, it would cost you to have a professional do it.
This article gives you a step-by-step breakdown of what you need to do to clean your air conditioning system. We will start with the condenser then move on to the indoor unit.
Cleaning the 1.5 TON 13 Seer Goodman Air Conditioner Condenser
Step 1:
The first thing you need to do is switch off your condenser. You can do this by using the outdoor shutoff. If you are uncertain, you can use the main electric panel to switch off the power to the AC condensing unit.
Step 2:
Next, you will need your vacuum cleaner to suck away any leaves or grass clippings and other debris that might be stuck in the exterior fins. For the best results, you should use a vacuum nozzle attached to a soft brush.
The condenser fins are metallic blades that surround the condenser unit. The accumulation of dirt and debris on the fins happens when the central fan sucks in air from the surrounding area. During this process, dead grass and leaves and especially dandelions and floating cotton get stuck in the condenser housing.
For extra measure clear away any grass, weed, and/or bushes that might be in close proximity to the AC condenser; 2 feet of clearance is a good distance.
Step 3:
Using an ordinary kitchen knife realign any crushed or bent fins. Apply gentle pressure on each fin as you do so to avoid damaging your condenser. Do not insert the knife more than ½ an inch inside the condenser otherwise; you might damage its internal components.
Step 4:
Take off the screws on the top grille and carefully take out the fan without tagging at any of the electrical wires. Set the fan aside.
Use a damp cloth to wipe down the interior surface of the condenser and take out any debris such as leaves or grass that might have gotten inside.
Step 5:
With the top still open, use a hose nozzle to spray the fins. Direct the spray from the inside out using moderate water pressure.
Step 6:
Next, inspect the fan motor and look for lubrication ports. Some newer motors have fixed bearings that cannot be lubricated. If your ACs fan motor does not have fixed bearings, add a few drops of electric motor oil on them. Take caution not to use an all-purpose or penetrating oil.
Once you are through, reinstall the fan and screw the top grille back in place.
Step 6:
Switch the condenser’s power back on and set the thermostat to “cool”. Feel the condenser’s insulated tube after 10 minutes. It should feel cool.
On the day you clean your AC condenser, ensure that the weather is at least 60 degrees F. This is because at 60 degrees F you can test your AC to find out if it is still working after doing the maintenance.
Cleaning Your AC’s Indoor Unit
Step 1:
Switch off the power to the furnace either from the switch or from the main panel. Take out the furnace filter and check it for buildup. Change the filter if you think that is necessary.
Step 2:
Open the blower compartment and vacuum out all the dirt. Inspect the motor ports to determine if there are any lubrication ports. In the event that you find them, lubricate each port with about 5 drops of motor oil.
Step 3:
You will now need to clean the drain tube. Detach the drain tube and inspect it for algae growth. Next, you will need to use a funnel to pour in a bleach and water solution. Mix one part of bleach with 16 parts of water. Alternatively, you could replace the plastic condensation drain tube.
Step 4:
Use a pipe cleaner to poke the drain port then clean out any debris then reinstall the drain tube.
Step 5:
Usually it is hard to reach the evaporator as it sits in an inaccessible spot. However, if you can reach it, use a vacuum nozzle with a soft brush to gently vacuum its fins just like you did with the condenser. The main way to keep it clean though is by ensuring that the air coming in from the blower is clean.
You can keep the blower clean by committing to cleaning the blower every year and changing its filter whenever it gets dirty.
March 1, 2018