A home central air conditioner system is dependent on several elements. The condenser (which you might call the air conditioner), furnace, evaporator, ducts and air registers are all key to good airflow and energy efficiency in your building. The condenser unit is the only part of the system that is outside of the building. As a result, it can get dirty and normal operation can be hampered. It is very important to clean your condenser unit on a regular basis. It is smart to clean it at the end of every winter, before you start running your AC on a daily basis. This article explains a few basic cleans to do before starting your AC for the season.

Keep It Covered

First of all, your job will be much easier if you kept your condenser covered with a vinyl or plastic cover. Condenser covers are cheap and they will preserve the life of your unit. If you don't have one, at least cover your unit with a plastic sheet or tarp until you invest in one.

Clean Out the Main Compartment

First, you want to clean out the main unit that houses the fan. This is right in the center and it can be accessed by removing the bird guard on top. The guard can be easily removed by loosening a few screws with a power drill. You will want a hose vacuum to get any leaves and dirt on the bottom of the unit. You also want to use a wet rag to wipe down the fan blades and sidewalls. While you have access, make sure the fan blades don't have any rust or mold.

Clean the Condenser Fins

The chief operation of the condenser unit is to release heat from inside the house. This happens via the coils that line the outside of the unit. The coils are covered by thin aluminum ridges, which are called fins. When the fins get dirty or bent, the condensing process is seriously slowed down. Luckily, it is very easy to clean them. First, soak them in water with your hose. Then, spray on a basic cleaner or degreaser. If you are able to buy actual condenser cleaning solution (yes, that is a thing!) you will get even better results. Spray your cleaner on, let it soak in for a few minutes, and then spray it off with a strong stream of water. A fair amount of dirt should flow from the fins. Any dirt on the ground is dirt that was previously decreasing the efficiency of your condenser.

If you do these basic cleaning every year or so, your system will be that much more effective.