The fall season calls to mind a gorgeous changing of leaves. But once they blanket backyards in all their colorful glory, leaves can cause problems for homeowners. In this post, the experts at Gold Star Services provide tips on how to clean leaves out of AC unit compressors.

If the heating in your home relies on an electric heat pump, you’ll want to perform some important seasonal maintenance before the winter sets in. Electric heat pumps use the outdoor compressor unit to generate heat for your home. If leaves and other outdoor debris get into your compressor, it can make your HVAC system less efficient. A system working against clogs will heat less effectively, be subjected to more wear and tear and increase your energy costs.

How to Clean Leaves Out of AC Unit Compressors

Cleaning your outdoor unit (also known as the condenser or compressor), can prevent major headaches down the road. Let’s take a look at a few easy steps you can follow:

1. Turn off the Power: You’ll want to ensure the power is turned off BOTH at the breaker inside your home AND on the outdoor switch (you should be able to find this on, or near, your outdoor compressor/condenser unit.
2. Remove Debris: With the power off, you can open the outdoor unit to gain access to the floor of the compressor/condenser. Gently clean out any accumulated leaves and other debris by hand or using a wet/dry vacuum.
3. Clean the Fins: The walls of your outdoor unit are typically made up of thin, angled fins that prevent debris from getting in. These fins can build up dirt and grime over time or leaves and twigs can get stuck and even bend a few of them out of shape. This area can be lightly hosed down with water or cleaned with a fin cleaning spray. Fins can be straightened with a fin tool, but delicate work with the fins should be left to an HVAC professional.
4. The Surrounding Area: Clean/sweep the area surrounding your outdoor unit and trim back any shrubbery or trees, leaving at least 2-feet of space around the unit. This allows for proper air flow and helps prevent clogs caused by foliage.

Work with a Professional!

Take care of all your fall/winter HVAC maintenance in one go by scheduling a tune-up! A qualified HVAC technician can clean your indoor and outdoor units, replace filters and inspect your system for loose or worn-down parts.

Gold Star Services prides itself on the excellent workmanship of our skilled technicians. Gold Star offers repair, replacement and maintenance services in the areas of heating, air conditioning and water heaters. Call 1-302-947-8694 today to get started today!