Stop Cleaning Your A/C Coils The Hard Way! Do This To Get Colder Air From Your Vents.
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- Опубликовано: 10 июн 2024
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What I love about your channel is, you ARE the HVAC guy to be trusted.
I can tell you love sharing your knowledge and of course making some spare cash, but that money is not your only motivation like it is for so many other channels.
Too many people who have channels covering everything under the sun will throw in an HVAC video giving all sorts of "expert" advice and tips as if they are pros. Then they load the video up with a ton of ads. I hate that.
Thanks a million for teaching the hard working families what it takes to save money. You are an example of a great human being. THANK YOU.
Wow, thank you! That means a lot
100%. not many people willing to help others nowadays.
I’ve been in the cleaning industry 32 years and you need to add some soap. The difference is night and day. You could just use a little dawn in a spray bottle and mist it. Let it sit for a minute then rinse. It will be way cleaner. I do clean frequently because my AC is right next to my dryer vent. Good job builder.
Put a pantyhose over the dryer vent !!!
@@hvacray8279That way it will take 3 times as long for your clothes to dry and cost equally more not to mention plug up twice a week
My unit literally says, water only right on it
@@integr8er66
Extend the vent down or to the side then.
@@virgil3241
Newer ones do not like the cleaners. They have very tiny fins and break down.
There is probably some cleaners for it but you have to look.
Water does work fine but probably need the lid off if its bad.
Excellent advice, been taking care of my Trane units for 32 years without calling for service.
Take time to listen to this young man folks and save yourself a lot of money.
I’m old as dirt and can still do most of the things shown in these videos.
Would be great if we lived in a world where we could trust repair personnel to always do the job properly... but since we don't, DIY is really the only way for those of us who aren't wildly rich.
@@ogre706
I mean this goes from everything.
Anywhere or anyone you give money to.
Biggest scam is 100% government but people ignore that for some reason and give them more money... Ehh off topic
Living in a very dusty farm area I think I will continue to remove my sides/ fin slats. I just really like being able to see all sides of the condenser while cleaning. Thank you for the video.
Realistic, hands-on, DIY on-site tips are the best info ever put online. Thanks.
One of The Best How To Videos I’ve seen, especially for newbies at AC maintenance! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I live in Southern New Hampshire and just last week we fired up our AC system because of a couple early hit and humid days which is actually very early for New Hampshire. Now after watching your video, I am going to wash my condenser just like you did.
So thank you for your great content!!
Super good job I clean mine twice a year and I didn't think I needed a cleaner. My coils never really looked dirty.
Good video and thank you! I used some diluted Dawn/water in an old squirt bottle as suggested by another viewer below. This worked great and got everything really clean. I'm a Mechanical Engineer with 42 years of experience and am wary about using those foam products. I have a Miitsubishi Mr. Slim Minisplit and a Comfortmaker for the other side of my house. Both units were installed in 1999 and run like new. I keep them clean and maintain them well. I had a couple of indoor unit control boards blow over the years and couldn't find replacements. I found a repair source in Australia and sent them the boards from the US. When I got them back I installed them and success! I like your channel and keep up the good work!
You create the most understandable and usable DIY content on the internet. Thanks for looking out for us homeowners. 👍🇺🇸
Thanks so much! 🙏🏻
@@diyhvacguy Hi can you give me the best brand hvac system i wanted goodman but hvac techs are telling me its the worst brand to go with amana
Good tip video. I used to have quite a few cottonwood trees around me and the coils would have a layer on them much like your lint trap. The coils would have to be cleaned twice per season. Over the years with the removal of the trees, a huge decrease in debris from the trees with cleaning once and sometimes so clean not even needing it.
Thanks for the video. I am planning to clean mine this weekend.
great video - I clean my outdoor unit myself cause the company that installed my new system 3 years ago always tells me my condenser looks clean and they don't look at the air handler much either..... so I learn a lot from you and you have become my internet service go to guy !
You are so good at what you do truly appreciate your videos thank you 😊
Ok! You are my new best friend! Thank you so much for all of your videos! I have already spent close to $2000.00 this year! I am more than happy to do the maintenance. If I know how I will do it!!
Really like your channel I'm enjoying it quite a bit keep it up. I'm 54 know the basics but I've been learning a lot more. I literally just walked inside from doing this lol
You explain things so well! Thank you!
I have a cottonwood tree down the block, so I have to do weekly hose-downs with just water, to keep the seed-film off the coils. I do a deeper clean in the fall, with coil cleaner for winterizing...
Nice, do what you have to do for your particular application. Nice job 👍🏼 cheers
@@diyhvacguy my window unit is under trees but the coil is protected but i still clean it when it need i got the unit from the road side because someone left the manual in the outside coil for years its super quite
I mix up a little simple green or car wash soap in a pump up sprayer, I just wet it down good with the soap and let it sit a few minutes. Then rinse as well as possible.
I just cleaned my condenser for the summer season. I have to lift my fan to remove leaves inside plugging up my weep holes. But I always sweat bullets afraid that I will pull fan wires or put a hole in condenser coils. So, I think those are good tips as usual. Being a safety professional, liked the safety message too!
I love your videos. Thank you. I love fixing my own things, but I know when I’m going to need a pro. Also These vids help honest hardworking folks from getting ripped off by the shady contractors.
Good video. Personally, I don't see any of these topics as being total myths outright. It's just that there are so many facets and conditions to these topics that most people (contractors and homeowners alike) just adopt absolute philosophies one way or the other, rather than bother with the details. That's when it starts to become myth.
Something I use the coil cleaner on is my old, basic refrigerator coils. I cant really rinse it but a light spray made a difference!
I use my $14 Amazon low pressure car wash spray foamer with 1 teaspoon of dawn. Seems to work great. Thanks, I subscribed.
Thanks
Please keep them coming.
Some of us would have to do with out things if it wasn't Awesome
People like you.
Good things happen to good people....
Thank you for your video!! 🤩 We appreciate the knowledge of this matter whether we clean it ourselves or hire someone to do it. At least we understand the process. Anyone who has a problem with this type of information probably charges customers an exorbitant amount of money (rip off) for this service or any other contractor provided repair service!
Thanks again!👍🏻
I love cleaning these little residential units or mini splits, most of the time I'm cleaning TRANE air handlers the size of a dump truck that are supplied chilled water from the plant. It's also a plus if it's micro channel coils.
Thanks for a great video!
Great info, thanks.
I know you can clean most of the dust and debris from the outside but in Arizona where we are dry and dusty, I still prefer to take the top fan off and clean from the inside out. It does get dirty inside. But for most homeowners, just cleaning the outside will be a tremendous help in their cooling efficiency. Thanks for the video.
Yea I say it really depends.
Many times you get stuff inside and the dust/pollen/grass makes a spider like coating over the back. Spraying the front will only clean the front while the back will still be stuck.
Great video, thanks!
Thank you very much for this video.
I literally just gave mine its annual wash this morning. In the past I had been doing just water and it worked okay. This year I tried some cleaner with a foam cannon and also removed the top to get the front and back of the coils. It made a very noticeable difference and I washed out a whole lot more junk than I normally do. My a/c was blowing 2 degrees cooler afterwards and the unit isn't running as long now either.
I got a DEhumidifier for my home. By lowering the humidity I can keep the temperature at 75/76 degrees and very comfortable . With a fan it is very cool or maybe too cool. Do research on brands and sizes. I am very pleased
Just wondering what you got. In FL the heat doesn't bother me, it is the humidity. If you are working, even at 65 degrees, with 100% humidity, I will be miserable. Once I was working with my neighbor heavy outside work, but no big deal. I noticed that it was actually 92 Degrees, but humidity about 40 some.
Thank you.
So glad to have come across your Channel. I’m your newest Sub.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Thanks so much! 🙏🏻
last fall wife had service come out through her employment 1 of the box stores they didn't do much. i recently cleaned my coils and ended up taking off the sides was a bit more built up dirty than expected, used simple green to help break up the dirt and little grime. kinda wondering if the dawn spray dish soap be any better and of course better for the soil/wildlife or pets?
Do these new air conditioners need freon and how often should you check it??
Thanks, I also noticed you didn’t go crazy with the the pressure of the hose too
Rinse with water early in the morning, once a month. Start at beginning of cooling season. All you need.
Thanks
This is fine for places that only have dust but here we have the wonderful cotton wood that looks like a blizzard some days you need to remove the steel covers to get rid of it
Thank you!
Simple green works well
I have saved a few of my neighbors units from this very thing, i could hear the units trying to suck air as if they had asthma they were so clogged. Even made a few green backs cleaning a couple out for people. Cottonwood trees are killers for any manufacturer's units.
We have Cotton Wood Trees here,
If you don't take it apart that cotton & Dirt sits at the bottom & my fins face down, when it was cleaned by a professional, 6 months later I took it apart & I got out a trash bag of crap out if the unit. & the neglected backside was packed with a thick coat of Dog Hair from Previous Owner.
Subscribed. I gotta learn more stuff!
Excellent video, thanks for existing (Y) subscribed!
Any suggestions on foam guns & cleaning chemicals?
Two summers ago I changed out the compressor capacitor and blower motor capacitor, on my 21 year old Trane system.
Both caps set me back about $25. DIY runs in my blood. 😜
I planned on just spraying the outside (no disassembly) with coil cleaner and spraying. Should be a bit better then just clean water but I did figure taking it apart is overkill.
What if the AC unit is having a hard time keeping the humidity under control? My units 2 yrs old and lately, humidity alert is being triggered multiple times a day (>59%)
Yeah......the proper way to clean is inside out, the AC coil is bascially built like an air filter.......first the tiny particals, say pollen, get caught in the fins, then the dust and dirt builds up next....then comes grass clippings......you get the idea.....inside out is the proper way to clean a coil.... (coming from the son of a HVAC contractor with 54 years experience)
This guy is a amateur at best doing a huge disservice with his "advice". He says they rarely get blockage in between. That simply isn't true and I find them like that all the time. In which case you have to run the unit while quickly and carefully whisking over with a propane torch to suck in the flame and set the cottonwood on fire. You do this very carefully and with a hose turned on and right next to you in case it gets out of hand. Don't stay in any one spot for more than a fraction of a second or you will damage the aluminum coil. After it's all burnt and the smoke was expelled through the top via the fan running you turn off the disconnect switch and go about it as normal. All the ash and residue washes right out.
22 years experience and the company I formally worked for was in business from 1912 - 2017.
@laserimage8583
2 weeks ago
Really appreciate you sharing your excellent knowledge about HVAC systems. I have question about compressor freeze up. If on a 90+ degree days and we set the thermostat temperature to 60 degree, will it cause the system to freeze up? Been getting conflicting answers, some tech said yes and some said no. What's the correct answer? Thanks in advance!
Reply
6 replies
@eDoc2020
13 days ago
It depends on your specific setup and condition of your system. If you have a "dumb" system and your airflow is limited (such as from a dirty filter or undersized ductwork) it will probably freeze up. If your system has great airflow and is properly charged it will probably be fine. Usually it's recommended not to cool below 68F or so just to be safe. If you want it colder you can get an inexpensive freeze protection control installed which monitors the operating temperature and shuts off the compressor if it gets close to freezing. If you have a modern inverter-based system like a mini-split it probably has this protection built-in.
Reply
@JohnDoeEagle1
44 minutes ago
@eDoc2020
Nope....air conditioners are only rated to cool 20 degrees colder than outside. You might get a bit more but no way you could ever pull down to 60 on a 90 degree day outside. That unit will freeze up. And yes, I am a licensed professional!
Reply
@JohnDoeEagle1
42 minutes ago
Good trap.....
18 degrees difference between the return and supply is usually ideal. Anybody who is licensed and has been professionally trained would already know that.
Reply
Highlighted reply
@eDoc2020
28 minutes ago
@JohnDoeEagle1 I just looked at some datasheets and the equipment is totally rated to cool into the sixties when it's 115 outside. Obviously the actual temperature performance depends on the unit size and thermal load. If you're in a cooler climate a sensible installer might size the equipment only to cool 20 degrees below outdoor temperature but the same building in a hot climate will get a larger capacity unit.
Reply
@eDoc2020
23 minutes ago
@JohnDoeEagle1 I know that an 18 degree drop in air temperature across the coil is good. But what does this have to do with the OP's question? We have no idea if their system was installed properly or how it's performing today.
Reply
@JohnDoeEagle1
6 minutes ago (edited)
@eDoc2020
Not true....if the equipment is big enough to go below that it's a "chiller" not a a/c. They use different Freon, different compressors, different pressures etc etc.
There's no R-22 or R-410A unit capable of such a thing.
R-23....aka "Agent Orange"....likely so.
Two things that make things super difficult, Cottonwood Fluff and the spikey wiring type cooling versus the fin type.
one particularly warm year when my condenser was running a lot, it got a thick "sweater" of Cottonwood seeds caked on it in a matter of weeks. HVAC companies in this area must really make a killing with all the "cottonwood killed" A/C condensers. Cottonwood seeds don't wash off like dirt and dust, so you have to shoot water from the inside out to remove them. Those who don't live in an area with light, fluffy Cottonwoods just don't know.
좋은 영상 흥미롭게 잘 밨습니다. 저는 대한민국에서 에어컨 설치하는 기술자입니다. 항상 건승하세요
I'm thinking what does the "self clean" button in my Midea remote does, maybe it reverses the blow of the condenser
Thanks Dave.✅👍
If I am not to remove the lid, How do I get rid of leaves on the inside bottom?
Mix Downey fabric softener in water in a sprayer. Soak the coils with this solutio and let set for a half hour or so. Then hose down with a garden hose. Do this about every 6 months. Also do it for your A coil, the evaporating, or cooling coils. No need to hose down as the condensate will rinse it away.
Mine is very dirty. Trying to get Case open. Guess I have to take the top off to slide the side panels up and off. They look like individual panels. I tried taking the adjacent screws. Figured it should be common procedure to keep it working at peak performance. Think I have to remove top assembly. With everyone being energy conscious. Would Mae sense to clean the coil. Thank you.
God bless you. Thank you
Thanks!
Thanks for the video. Does soap help to get the dirt off?
yes! Make your own soap solution in a spray bottle or garden pump up tank sprayer for pennies. Will likely work as well or close to the cleaner in the spray can. Liquid dish detergent is fine
Is it possible to use a household cleaner in place of the coil cleaner to break up dust, and if so, what would be acceptable in a pinch? Windex? Bathroom foam cleaner? Anything?
John........I have used liquid car wash soap or liquid dawn dishwashing soap. I mix a small amount in a bucket and pour into a pump up garden sprayer. You could also use a hand held sprayer. I'm not saying this is the only way to do it, it's just what I do. My old Bryant coils still look new and it's 27 years old.
Bill
@@billk5727 thanks for the common sense tip.
Hi i need a new ac houston had a bad storm last thursday now my ac dont work my lights power has been off since last thursday at 6:40pm my power just came back on today at 11.30am i lost some shingles to.
Shit for a min I though that was Rick Sanchez on that bottle haha 😂 5:27
Great video. I want to learn how to check the Freon in my unit…do you have a video for that? Thanks
You want to learn something and you almost typed the right question in the right text box, try Google and repost your question. A whole bunch of relative info might come up.
I'm nervous for you but start with checking your edit: delta t, less chance for you to hurt yourself or your equipment.
@@borshardsd I could not understand your response about typing the “right question in the right text box” nevertheless I will research it.
Yes look thorough my library and you will see my video on how to charge a system. The thumbnail has a small pink 410a bottle
@@diyhvacguy thanks again
Every HVAC company at the hospital where i work use chemical cleaning and recommend 2 times a year! Pollen in spring will find it's way in even when not in use and during sometime in August,
Home warranties don't like honoring warranties.
Your equipment manufactures don't like the homeowner screwing with stuff themselves either. Once you've put your hands on it not knowing what you are doing and wrecked something fully expect to be out all on your own.
True but my comments was about hm warranties. I am qualified to work on my own.
So I have 2 older Tappan (Nordyne) units with microchannel fins. I know many chemicals say don’t use on microchannel units. I found one that says it’s safe but I’m a little hesitant. Any tips for those types? Nobody really covers that on RUclips.
Those coils are all aluminum, if dogs pee on them they will start leaking refrigerant, do not let dogs pee on them ,dog pee damage is not covered by manufacturer warranty
LOVE it!
I guess you have to be careful but I think a lower pressure washer like an electric one with a like 25° or something works great
I get lot of leaves from trees inside the unit. No choice but to take top off to clean out. Lot of units in my area have same issues - leaves, leaves and more!!!
Great video. I think your myths make more sense in areas where there are no trees and little pollen. Here in North Carolina, leaves, maple tree pods, etc. add to the heavy pine pollen to really create a mess on the inside of the unit. So I do unscrew the top, vacuum out all that debris and apply cleaner and water from the inside out. I get much better access to the fins this way as the outside cover is not in the way. But I can see how my method may not be necessary in other areas of the country. Thanks for doing a great job on these videos. 👏👏👏
What are your thoughts of the Mr. Cool system. I’m thinking of installing a system like this in a garage I’m building. I’m putting in slab heating, but would be using it as a secondary heatings system and A/C
I'm just a middle aged idiot dad with no mechanical or relevant background, but we installed a 3 unit Mr cool mini split about a year and a half ago and have loved it.
We live in a double wide with one towards either end of the house (master bedroom and living room) and one in the middle (dining room), all on the same long side.
It was very easy to install* and once we figured out that you can't use the mobile app and the remote controls at the same time, have had it running flawlessly the whole time.
*The hardest part of installing it was running power from the breaker to the other side of the house, but we found a video that walked us through every step (gotta love RUclips), and changing out the power lines for each indoor unit.
They are a specific length and since we were running them further, we needed to swap them.
It was difficult because the wire goes into a tight area and is thicker than the hole it goes into which was frustrating, but once done, it was pretty easy the rest of the way.
Have you decided whether or not to get one?
@@tracy419 The build is starting in the next few weeks and o do plan on installing a three unit system.
Thanks for the reply.
Leaves always drop in the middle of my condensor and plug up the drain holes so would end up having to take the top off to clean up the middle anyway.
Can you do a video on how to safely raise an AC unit higher? I’ve seen some units on 4 risers. Is this safe? Mine is on some type of slab but it seems to have sunken down and dirt gets into it when it rains.
Raise the slab. RUclips has videos on how to do it.
I just pull the couple screws off the top, lift out the fan assembly, spray it all down with simple green -best cleaner hands down except purple power (purple power is lightly corrosive on aluminum and will etch the surface shiny clean) and hose it from the inside out/top down. It legitimately gets alot more crap out. Rather than pushing it IN like just spraying from the outside does. The airflow is drawing crap into the fins from the outside toward the inside. You cant really push it all the way through clean.. youll compact it in partially. Same as cleaning a car radiator or intercooler. Wash opposite of airflow. Youll double the amount of crud you clear out
Thanks for your comments. I have been quoted $700 to replace capacitor, and, $600 to replace contactor, both of which I replaced for $20 or less. Still not cooling, may need refrigerant. Can you suggest a service company in Marietta Ga. Many thanks for your comments.
Sorry I don’t know of any in your area. I should start compiling a list of trusted companies though!
see, that's a perfect example of a royal ripoff!
@@diyhvacguy A lot of people are wanting me to pay before any work starts thats with hvac service and roofers i dont work that way.
Are your fans turning on, main indoor fan cap very common problem
Are your coils clean? Is your outside fan AND compressor both running? And like a previous commentor, is your inside fan blowing? Try a find a way as well to inspect the evaporator coils as well. Is the inside unit frozen up? If all these seem ok then likely freon needs checking. Kuddos to ya for doing the cap and contactor work. Those were ripoffs prices.
Funny af. Ty for the content and as a field tech i find your videos interesting. Always sad to hear about the con artists.
Spray in a downward angle the motion you were doing was side to side =b just goofing i like your style!
No issues with your feelings towards cleaning product, they could corrode. If a customer pays they are getting a tare down and full cleaning and proper reassembly with new ties for wire retention.
But if they need a simple hose down i encourage them to save money and do a little bit on their own. You might be surprised at how many people do not want to do simple things to save money or keep a warranty.
Yep, that’s the reality. A lot of people don’t want to touch it. There is plenty of work to go around. I don’t know why people who do hvac get butt hurt about the videos. 🤷🏻♂️ thanks for the input! Cheers
@@diyhvacguy keep doing you even if we hate man! F em!
@@diyhvacguy
@Raider352
2 weeks ago
Home warranties don't like honoring warranties.
5
Reply
@JohnDoeEagle1
0 seconds ago
Your equipment manufactures don't like the homeowner screwing with stuff themselves either. Once you've put your hands on it not knowing what you are doing and wrecked something fully expect to be out all on your own.
@laserimage8583
2 weeks ago
Really appreciate you sharing your excellent knowledge about HVAC systems. I have question about compressor freeze up. If on a 90+ degree days and we set the thermostat temperature to 60 degree, will it cause the system to freeze up? Been getting conflicting answers, some tech said yes and some said no. What's the correct answer? Thanks in advance!
Reply
1 reply
@eDoc2020
12 days ago
It depends on your specific setup and condition of your system. If you have a "dumb" system and your airflow is limited (such as from a dirty filter or undersized ductwork) it will probably freeze up. If your system has great airflow and is properly charged it will probably be fine. Usually it's recommended not to cool below 68F or so just to be safe. If you want it colder you can get an inexpensive freeze protection control installed which monitors the operating temperature and shuts off the compressor if it gets close to freezing. If you have a modern inverter-based system like a mini-split it probably has this protection built-in.
Reply
@JohnDoeEagle1
1 second ago
@eDoc2020
Nope....air conditioners are only rated to cool 20 degrees colder than outside. You might get a bit more but no way you could ever pull down to 60 on a 90 degree day outside. That unit will freeze up. And yes, I am a licensed professional!
Reply
@JohnDoeEagle1
0 seconds ago
Good trap.....
18 degrees difference between the return and supply is usually ideal. Anybody who is licensed and has been professionally trained would already know that.
@tedyoh7394
6 days ago
Yeah......the proper way to clean is inside out, the AC coil is basically built like an air filter.......first the tiny particles, say pollen, get caught in the fins, then the dust and dirt builds up next....then comes grass clippings......you get the idea.....inside out is the proper way to clean a coil.... (coming from the son of a HVAC contractor with 54 years experience)
3
Reply
@JohnDoeEagle1
0 seconds ago
This guy is a amateur at best doing a huge disservice with his "advice". He says they rarely get blockage in between. That simply isn't true and I find them like that all the time. In which case you have to run the unit while quickly and carefully whisking over with a propane torch to suck in the flame and set the cottonwood on fire. You do this very carefully and with a hose turned on and right next to you in case it gets out of hand. Don't stay in any one spot for more than a fraction of a second or you will damage the aluminum coil. After it's all burnt and the smoke was expelled through the top via the fan running you turn off the disconnect switch and go about it as normal. All the ash and residue washes right out.
22 years experience and the company I formally worked for was in business from 1912 - 2017.
The only way you get anything inside the condenser is from the top. They make a screen to put over the top to keep leaves out. They’re kind of expensive but may be worth it.
I have some leaves sitting on the bottom inside the unit. Not a lot but should I remove them?
They won’t hurt a thing
It it’s a mass quantity and they are always wet then yes I’d take the lid off and suck the out with a shop vac.
@@diyhvacguy The unit is less than a year old so definitely not a massive amount of leaves. Appreciate the reply. 🙂
@@diyhvacguyif you wanted to take it off would you just take the fan out our the entire top piece?
Sorry for super dumb question but if you are spraying the outside fins, why do you need to pull the power? It rains and water gets all over the unit.
because you're working on it and there's a chance of you getting shocked or the equipment getting zapped. why take a chance when it takes 10 seconds to pull the fuse?
Rain falls down. Spraying water through a hose in all sorts of directions can cause water to splash up into areas where electrical connections are. You cannot be sure the installation and subsequent repair work has been done with precision to seal off all of the electrical connections from water penetration.
@@amtrakusa1gotta agree with you on the potential for shoddy installation, because I installed my unit😄
Dawn Powerwash Dish spray works like Magic! $4.99 a bottle, all u need is 1. Spray and let it sit for 10 minutes, rinse.
Well, this is cute and all for a home owner but any hvac tech would laugh at this. Taking the top off is faster and easier. By taking the top off, you can clean out chunky leafs and bigger stuff first, which allows for better cleaning when you start spraying it with water. Also, this is usually an equipment check/clean for an hvac tech. There’s more that goes into this than just a simple spray and go. Nice DIY video though
I only use simple greens it is non aggressive on copper or aluminum. Other than that, I don't waste money on Canned coil cleaner.
I'm confused. Not too long ago I watched one of your videos where you recommend and demonstrate taking the top off which I did and it is a pain in the rear and risky.
Yes, one can still do that if they want to, but it’s my honest take that it’s not 100% necessary. For the average diyer, spraying it from the outside will be totally fine.
Spraying from the outside can end up just pushing dirt and pollen deeper between the fins. Due to the nature of the condenser design it’s always best to spray from the inside, especially if you have a micro channel coil or Trane’s patented finger fins.
The excess tubing on the mini split should not be left in vertical loops as shown here, if tubing is not trimmed to length, it should be looped horizontally so as to not act as an oil trap.
My condensers King Valve was leaking. Tech said more than likely they didn't shield the valve from heat when they connected the copper on the original install. Very costly repair. 😒Not being done by the original installer.
Bummer. It happens pretty often. Thankfully I’ve never had it happen to me!
one video you tell us to buy a coil cleaner foam gun and take the top and surround off and another video you say spray it with water and leave everything attached. which is it?
You need to take the top off. This video is worthless
@4:20 seriously... If you cleaned the unit once or twice a year, you don't need the cleaner. The other videos, you can see the filth built up, so you would need a more thorough cleaning.
Great videos man. Ppl must be hating on you for doing these. But good for you because in a time like this where everyone is going broke they need to learn this stuff so they don’t sit without A/C. I know a ton of ppl that do and i don’t have enough time to help them all for free. It’s not my field but i know the basics of most issues. I will watch your video on changing a unit-i basically know how and have helped a few times back when it was switching from Freon to 410A. I own gauges and use to top of ppls units that were dying while they saved money to upgrade to 410A. I might have to pay you to hop on video at somepoint when i change a unit i have to for my mother in law who’s broke. Pretty sure i can do the handler no problem run the lines from co denser and install that -it’s just the leak test stuff and I’d have to buy that and that little compressor you use.
To the ppl watching this …most everything that commonly breaks on your A/C unit or makes it stop working is really an easy fix-this next video for the capacitor is very common and super easy to do if you don’t overthink it-it’s a giant fuse but basically is comparable to changing out something like a 9 volt battery in a smoke detector. Just like cleaning these coils are like cleaning out your window screens or a 10 foot gutter and changing a fan on the outside unit is easier than changing a ceiling fan and the last thing is the drain line and just sucking that out with a shop vac. You can save yourself from no a/c or not affording to get it fixed-all these parts are pretty cheap compared to hiring someone. He’s definitely pissing off A/C companies by really showing you how easy most of the common problems are and not exaggerating on skill level or price of these things to do yourself. You can pretty much start an A/C emergency fix it company out of your car with universal Capacitors, universal fans, a shop vac, coil cleaner and foil tape & tiny tool box. You’ll be able to get 90% of people’s broken A/Cs running.
I'll add that everyone should have a capacitor on hand. They're inexpensive and probably the number 1 failure reason for AC's. Note though that the replacement is quite easy with only 3 wire terminals to unplug and then replug to your new capacitor. BUT, realize capacitors store an extreme amount of electricity that MUST be discharged before doing the replacement. Those with no basic skills around electricity should not perform this function.
Really appreciate you sharing your excellent knowledge about HVAC systems. I have question about compressor freeze up. If on a 90+ degree days and we set the thermostat temperature to 60 degree, will it cause the system to freeze up? Been getting conflicting answers, some tech said yes and some said no. What's the correct answer? Thanks in advance!
It depends on your specific setup and condition of your system. If you have a "dumb" system and your airflow is limited (such as from a dirty filter or undersized ductwork) it will probably freeze up. If your system has great airflow and is properly charged it will probably be fine. Usually it's recommended not to cool below 68F or so just to be safe. If you want it colder you can get an inexpensive freeze protection control installed which monitors the operating temperature and shuts off the compressor if it gets close to freezing. If you have a modern inverter-based system like a mini-split it probably has this protection built-in.
@@eDoc2020
Nope....air conditioners are only rated to cool 20 degrees colder than outside. You might get a bit more but no way you could ever pull down to 60 on a 90 degree day outside. That unit will freeze up. And yes, I am a licensed professional!
Good trap.....
18 degrees difference between the return and supply is usually ideal. Anybody who is licensed and has been professionally trained would already know that.
@@JohnDoeEagle1 I just looked at some datasheets and the _equipment_ is totally rated to cool into the sixties when it's 115 outside. Obviously the actual temperature performance depends on the unit size and thermal load. If you're in a cooler climate a sensible installer might size the equipment only to cool 20 degrees below outdoor temperature but the same building in a hot climate will get a larger capacity unit.
@@JohnDoeEagle1 I know that an 18 degree drop in air temperature across the coil is good. But what does this have to do with the OP's question? We have no idea if their system was installed properly or how it's performing today.
Parts warranty and Labor warranty are different
How long do we have to let it dry before using the ac again?
I don't think you need to. You are unplugging it primarily to keep you safe if there's anything wrong with the wiring when you are spraying it out.
How dirty is dirty though. I mean if its only dust, then whats the issue. If its caked on sure, but I clean mine yearly with a garden hose and I have is dust on my coils My Lennox has the doors you can remove and swing do you can access the coils better, and the just shut and put the screws back in.
I'd say if you happen to be nearby with the garden hose anyway, it's worth it to suggest a couple minutes rinsing it.
Even light dust impedes the efficiency of air temperature transfer.
Might not make a huge difference, but every little bit can help from a longevity, or even power bill standpoint.
@@tracy419 I do it once a year. But in theory, in dusty places, that cleaning may last what, a week or two. So unless a person plants to spray it every week, dust will be an issue, but a non issue issue
I was wondering if you could do another video on gauges. What is best if you want a gauge for R22 R410a R134a and R600 . This would cover most home ac's most vehicles and newer fridges. Also a video on getting a 608 cert. I have a class one but i'm looking to get auto and home cert.
I have a video on gauges as well as one on getting your epa certificate, it’s in our hvac training videos. You must be a member to access that one as well as some other great hvac training videos. Just go to my home page, click join and you will see hvac training videos there.
Cheers
Thanks I don’t like the extra work removing the top.
Depends on the level of efficiency you want. The cleaner, the better and less it has to run. I dismantle mine completely early in the morning and do a thorough clean. Takes about an hour.
That aerosolied coil cleaner that you get from Home Depot is basically just a foaming detergent, it's pretty harmless to the coils.
It's the "brightener" cleaners like NuBrite and the other professional HVAC brands that are actually caustic and repeated applications at the strongest dilution can eat away at the metal not to mention you need to take your PPE seriously for that.
My HVAC professor said that this is a very good way to get FIRED!
Do it right and or, don’t do it at all
Don't just blindly follow anyone. Test it. Clean a coil this way. Then benchmark your head pressure & ODT after 20 minutes.Next clean it inside out, then benchmark head & ODT. You will find no discernable difference if you cleaned it well the first time.
This video isn’t even made for hvac techs 🤣 why so many hvac techs watching these videos? 🤷🏻♂️
Why disconnect the system if you are not going to take the top off and you are just spraying it with water? It gets wet from rain anyway right so whats the difference?
Just curious...
Spraying forced water into a unit from multiple directons can cause water to get into areas where normal rainfall does not. Think safety. You are spraying water into a huge capacity electrical system with many exposed electrical connections and water conducts big time.