Memorial Day DIY Project: Clean Your Outside HVAC Unit

Let's clean your outside unit! When it comes to cleaning your outside unit over Memorial Day, this simple DIY hvac project can leave your home with amazing benefits that you probably have never thought about.

Benefits to Cleaning Your Outside Unit

We've listed the top benefits to cleaning your outside unit, and they include:

It is critical to maintain the exterior unit in order to keep your energy bills low and your efficiency high. Cleaning this critical component can increase its ability to swiftly and readily release heat, which encourages lower power usage, not only protecting your pocket but also keeping your home cozy!
Regular cleaning will save you from costly repairs and breakdowns and keep it running at peak performance. Make sure you keep up with maintenance to get the maximum lifespan out of your system. Don't let dirt and debris take years off the life of your outside unit! A bit of effort today can really pay off in the long run!
Unclean external systems can permit dust, dirt, and other contaminants to make their way into your home, reducing the quality of your indoor air. Taking a few minutes for regular cleaning ensures these particles stay out, helping keep you safe from any respiratory issues while also improving your confidence in knowing that clean, breathable air is there when needed!
Regular cleaning is the best way to keep your system running at peak performance. By addressing small problems before they become full-blown catastrophes, you can ensure a longer lifespan for your beloved unit and avoid costly repairs or replacements in the long run!
Keeping your outdoor unit clean offers long-term savings that go beyond monthly energy expenses. By boosting efficiency and lessening the amount of wear and tear, you can save money on repairs, replacements, and more, making it a wise investment in keeping your HVAC system healthy!

Ok, so now you know the benefits of cleaning your outside unit, it's time to actually get to work!

How to Clean Your Outside Unit

Don't over think this! DIY projects like cleaning your outside unit can be a simple and straightforward process. But first things first, let's gather the hvac materials and hvac tools needed to get this project completed correctly. Below, find the materials needed to easily clean your outside unit.

HVAC Materials Needed

Gloves
Safety Glasses
Hose
Brush
Fin Comb
Cleaning Solution
Screwdriver

You can also check out this list of hvac technician tools to make sure you have everything you need.

Now that you have the hvac materials and tools, let's move to the fun part- actually cleaning your outside unit. Follow the simple hvac steps below and you'll be finished in no time.

Steps to Cleaning Your Outside Unit

Keep in mind that these steps to clean your outside unit may vary depending on the size of your project. Ready? Ok, let's do this!

Before you begin your cleaning process, be sure to shut off the circuit breaker or throw the power switch near your unit so that all electricity is disconnected. Doing this helps ensure safety and a successful outcome!
Keep your outdoor unit looking clean and tidy by hosing down or gently brushing away debris, leaves, grass clippings, and other materials that have accumulated around it.
Uncover the secrets of your unit—open it up and take a look inside! Use a screwdriver to connect with any screws or bolts that are keeping you from peeling away the outer cover. Carefully disassemble this protective layer, giving yourself access to all its nooks and crannies.
Keep your air conditioning running cool and efficient by giving the fins of its outside unit some TLC. Using either a soft-bristled brush or coil brush, you can easily remove any unwanted dirt from them—but be gentle! If needed, use a specialized coil cleaner for caked-on grime that won't budge. As always, though, handle with care to make sure the airflow isn't disrupted accidentally.
Ensure that your unit runs optimally by straightening any bent fins with a fin comb. This will maximize airflow and efficiency, providing you with the most effective results!
Give your outside unit a good rinse with a garden hose and spray nozzle to make sure it's free of dirt or debris. Be careful though—don't let the water flow in the same direction as the air from the fins; otherwise, you'll be pushing extra grime inside!
After a thorough cleaning, the outer cover of the unit was replaced, and all screws were tightened. With electricity restored, an operational check revealed that everything was in perfect working order; this unit shines from its renewed efficiency!

Conclusion

This amazing hvac DIY project of cleaning your outside unit checks both boxes of being very rewarding and a DIY project that can be completed over Memorial Day weekend. As long as you have the hvac supplies you need and follow the steps above, your finish this project successfully.