You need to leave most HVAC maintenance tasks up to the pros or risk damaging your HVAC system or endangering your safety. However, a few simple DIY cleaning tasks will keep your outdoor unit running smoothly between maintenance appointments at your Saint Augustine, Florida, home. Before you clean your outdoor AC unit or start any other maintenance tasks, even if it seems minor, you need to turn off the power.

Removing Leaves

Debris can easily get stuck in the fan’s blades and inside the cavity. A vacuum can be used to remove debris from the fan and from inside the unit. If you’re not sure how this works, don’t yank on the fan blades or try to unscrew anything. Ask one of our technicians for help.

Hosing the Fins

The fins on the sides of your unit get dirty as well. Some units have detachable sides, which you can easily unscrew so you can hose them down. If you can’t find your owner’s manual, it’s best to wait for a technician to guide you the first time. If your unit doesn’t come apart, don’t use the hose on it at all.

Cleaning Near the Unit

Cleaning near the unit is something everyone can and should do. Rake around the unit to clear away leaves, twigs, and other debris. Trim any low hanging branches so they don’t drop leaves onto your outdoor unit. Wear gloves and gently remove any large pieces of debris from the unit itself without taking anything apart.

You should not perform any of these maintenance tasks if you can’t figure out how to shut the power off. Also, leave difficult tasks like cleaning the coils and fixing any internal parts to the experts. Many of the components in the outdoor unit can be easily damaged. We’re trained to perform expert maintenance on all kinds of HVAC systems, and we’ll be able to get your system cleaned and running in no time. Call Ocean State Air Conditioning and Heating today at (904) 574-5619 to set up an appointment.

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