Quick Answer
null
Common Symptoms
Possible Causes
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1
Shut off all power to the outdoor unit at the circuit breaker and the outdoor disconnect box.
Step 2
Visually inspect the coil fins on all sides of the unit for a matted layer of dirt, grass, or other debris.
Step 3
Check for at least 2 feet of clearance around the entire unit, trimming any encroaching vegetation.
Step 4
If the unit was just running, feel the air being discharged from the top fan; it should be significantly warmer than the surrounding air. If not, heat isn't being transferred.
Step 5
Gently touch the fins to see if they are brittle or heavily corroded, which is a more serious issue than just dirt.
DIY vs Professional Costs
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
Basic Hose Cleaning | $0-$5 | $100-$250 (often part of a tune-up) | 30-45 mins |
Chemical Foam Cleaning | $15-$40 | $150-$300 (as a dedicated service or part of an advanced tune-up) | 1 hour |
When to Call a Professional Hvac
- If you are not comfortable shutting off electricity or working on expensive equipment.
- If after cleaning the unit, it still doesn't cool properly, indicating a deeper issue like a refrigerant leak or bad component.
- If the coils are heavily corroded, crumbling, or have significant physical damage.
- If the grime is thick, greasy, and won't come off with a hose and DIY foaming cleaner.
- If you suspect the unit needs to be partially disassembled (e.g., removing the top fan) to be cleaned properly.
Prevention Tips
- Gently rinse the outdoor unit with a garden hose on a 'shower' setting once a month during the cooling season.
- Keep all bushes, plants, and other obstructions trimmed back at least 2-3 feet from the unit.
- Direct the discharge from your lawnmower away from the AC unit when doing yard work.
- Schedule a professional AC tune-up each spring to get a deep cleaning and system check-up.
- If you have cottonwood trees, check and clean the unit more frequently during their shedding season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
Frozen AC Evaporator Coil (Troubleshooting & Fixes)
Seeing ice on your AC unit? Your AC probably isn't cooling right. A veteran tech explains why your evaporator coil is frozen and how to fix it fast.
Furnace Making Various Strange Noises? Troubleshooting & Fixes from a 25-Year Vet
Furnace making strange noises? A veteran HVAC tech explains what banging, whistling, or rattling means and how to fix it. DIY tips and when to call a pro.
Furnace Ignitor Not Glowing? Troubleshooting & Fixes from a 25-Year Pro
Furnace ignitor not glowing? An old pro with 25+ years in the field shows you why it's happening and how to fix it, from DIY replacement to a pro call.
Programmable thermostat fails to retain programmed temperature schedules or settings, resulting in improper HVAC system operation and inconsistent indoor temperatures. Troubleshooting & Fixes
Clogged HVAC condensate drain line, leading to water backup and potential system shutdown or water damage. Troubleshooting & Fixes
How to replace an HVAC air filter, including why it's important, signs it needs changing, and proper replacement procedures. Troubleshooting & Fixes
Need Professional Help?
Find top-rated hvac experts in your area