Save on your electric bill by cleaning your AC condensor unit

The outside unit of your air conditioner is a big heat exchanger. The fan inside of it is designed to pull air from the ground up through the coils and fins that are in the four sides of the unit. When those coils and fins are clogged up with mowed grass, dust, anthills, etc, they don't work that well. It can consume 10 percent more energy than it needs to. A pro will charge a little over $100 to do this job, but you can save a bit by doing it yourself...

Tips:

• BE SURE TO DISCONNECT THE POWER FIRST VIA THE CIRCUIT BREAKER
• Fins are delicate and easy to damage. Be careful when cleaning or straightening.

Steps to clean:

1. ENSURE THAT POWER IS DISCONNECTED VIA THE CIRCUIT BREAKER FIRST.
2. Remove the top cover, and any other covers that are in the way.
3. carefully spray water through the fins to clear out the debris. Avoid electrical parts like the fan motor.
4. Use a fin comb to straighten any bent coil fins. You can find fin combs at appliance parts outlet stores or from an air conditioning wholesaler.
5. Replace the covers and grills.
6. Trim any tall grass or shrubbery back at least 2 feet to allow more airflow to the evaporator coils.
7. Allow the unit to fully dry before turning the power back on