How to Clean Condenser Coils

Your central AC system has two coils – the indoor evaporator coil, and the outdoor condenser coil. They work together with other AC components in the refrigeration cycle that cools your home.

While homeowners might attempt to clean these AC coils themselves, we recommend hiring a professional to inspect and clean your AC unit. Your HVAC system is a high-tech system and should only be serviced by trained professionals – both for your safety and not to void your warranty. If your unit is still under warranty, certain DIY maintenance can void the warranty.

A dirty condenser coil can decrease the performance of your cooling system, making it work harder. By some estimates, your cooling efficiency can drop. That means your energy bills may increase as well.  

Again, we recommend that you have an HVAC technician provide an AC tune-up every spring. They will thoroughly inspect and clean your system, including the condenser coil and the evaporator coil.

But there are a few things you can do without opening the outdoor unit.

You can help keep your condenser coil cleaner by keeping plants and debris away and off of the unit. Keep landscaping plants trimmed to at least two feet away from the unit on all sides.

When mowing the grass, if using a side discharge mower, mow in a way such that the grass is discharged AWAY from the AC unit. Remove any leaves, twigs, cottonwood fuzz, oak pollen clumps, etc. that land on the top of the unit.

Finally, consider adding a WeatherGuard™ top to protect the inner workings of your air conditioner.

You can also use a garden hose to gently spray the condenser coil from the outside. Don’t use the jet setting or a power washer as the force of the water can bend or damage the fins.

When an HVAC professional services your unit during an AC tune-up, they will turn off the unit and assess all the components including your condenser coil. They may use compressed air to blow away loose debris. Depending on how dirty the coil is they may also use a mild detergent or chemical cleaner and use a low-pressure sprayer or aerosol spray can to spray the condenser coil fins.

The cleaner can drain naturally or be gently rinsed off with a garden hose. If they notice any bent fins, they will straighten them using a special tool.

When properly maintained, the condenser coil can last 10-15 years or even longer. However, your climate and usage habits may mean the coil doesn’t last that long. By keeping up with professional maintenance, you can help your AC unit as a whole last longer.

Even if you run your air conditioner nearly year-round, regular maintenance can help it last longer and operate better. Think about how you take care of your car – getting regular oil changes, tire rotations, brake checks, etc.

Your air conditioning system needs the same kind of TLC. The biggest thing you as a homeowner can do yourself is to change the air filter every 1-3 months based on the filter quality. Read our HVAC air filter maintenance guide for some tips.

You also need to schedule professional maintenance with your local HVAC company. The best time for an AC tune-up is in the early spring before the cooling season begins. The technician will clean the condenser coil and evaporator coil, test the system, check for refrigerant leaks, and much more.

Lastly, consider signing up for Trane Diagnostics. If you have a Trane smart thermostat, this program allows your local Trane dealer to monitor your HVAC system remotely. They get alerts when it’s time for maintenance as well as if there are any system issues impacting your comfort. They monitor your system while you’re away on vacation as well, which can give you peace of mind.

Anne Fonda, Content Writer at Trane Technologies

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

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