Cleaning Blower Motor and Condensing Unit

There are some general DIY steps that can be taken when maintaining the outdoor unit of any split system for central air conditioning or a mini-split system.

1. 1. Turn off the electrical power to the unit.
2. 2. Using a garden hose to wash the condensing coil is one of the most important things to do.
   This may involve removing some screws to access the other side of the condenser coil in order to force water through the coil in the opposite direction of the normal airflow. This will push dirt and debris out of the coil the opposite way it entered and became deposited.
3. This is much better than trying to force debris through the coil in the same direction as the airflow, because some of that debris may not fit between the coil fins.
4. 3. With the cover opened, you can easily access large debris like leaves and dirt that have collected at the bottom of the condensing unit cabinet. This debris often holds moisture and accelerates rust and corrosion of the metal base of the unit.
5. 4. With the power still off, you can inspect the electrical wire connections for signs of loose connections. Burn marks, melted plastic surfaces, or damaged insulation on wires are signs that attention may be needed.
6. If electrical conductors are getting hot enough to show evidence of heat damage, you should have that looked at by a professional.
7. 5. At this point, you can check for lubrication ports on the fan motor.
   Most modern fan motors are permanently lubricated and do not need oiling. Cobwebs can also be a nuisance around electrical components—these can be removed with a cloth, brush, or shop vacuum.
8. 6. Now you’re finished with cleaning the equipment, so reassemble the unit and restore power.

Anything beyond these basic DIY steps—such as checking refrigerant pressures and temperatures—requires EPA certification, which professional HVAC technicians have for performing that work.