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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: Dee18 on June 02, 2014, 10:19:06 AM

Title: Advice for Cleaning Air Conditioner?
Post by: Dee18 on June 02, 2014, 10:19:06 AM

Having my finances in order, I am now trying to improve my homeowner skills and do a better job on maintenance.  Thanks to MMM's "can do" attitude, I fixed my washing machine and my leaky faucet.  Now I want to clean my air conditioner (having waited until June to use it).  However, the youtube and google info I have found offers some completely inconsistent advice, such as "spray with hose" vs. "do not spray with hose."  Can someone please advise me on the basics for cleaning my air conditioner?  Hose or no hose?  Worth getting foaming coil cleaner? Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Advice for Cleaning Air Conditioner?
Post by: Jack on June 02, 2014, 11:02:05 AM

Quote from: Dee18 on June 02, 2014, 10:19:06 AM

However, the youtube and google info I have found offers some completely inconsistent advice, such as "spray with hose" vs. "do not spray with hose."

The main thing is you don't want to bend the little metal fins on the heat exchanger. A hose with a nozzle on the gentle spray setting is fine. Using the "sharp stream" setting is bad. A pressure washer is right out.

Title: Re: Advice for Cleaning Air Conditioner?
Post by: phred on June 02, 2014, 12:02:26 PM

yes, worth getting coil cleaner.  Get the professional brand from an HVAC "store" -- just spray it on & let it drip-dry.