How to Clean a Compressor Evaporator

The compressor is a part of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and is typically located outside of your home. It is housed in a large vented metal box topped with a fan. The coils on the compressor of your HVAC unit cool hot refrigerant gas until it becomes a liquid again. To save electricity and ensure your unit is operating at its peak effectiveness, these coils should be checked each year and cleaned as necessary. Leaves, grass, dirt and other items can clog the coils and prevent them from working correctly. This will not only make your unit work less effectively, but it can shorten the life span of your compressor.

Screwdriver
Work gloves
Water hose with spray nozzle
Rake
Workshop vacuum

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the HVAC unit at the thermostat and at the breaker. Locate your compressor. This is typically found installed on a concrete pad outside the rear or side of your home.
- 2
  Unscrew the screws securing the top cover of the compressor unit outside your house. This is typically held in place by six to eight screws along the top of the side of the unit. Lift the top off and lay it out of your way on the rear of the top of the compressor. The fans wires will still be connected, so you will not be able to remove it fully.
- 3
  Remove the screws holding the metal shell in place on your compressor. These are located at the bottom corners of the unit. There are typically four, with one in the center of each corner.
- 4
  Put on heavy work gloves, and remove the metal casing from the unit by lifting it up and pulling it away from the coils. This is easier with two people.
- 5
  Hold the nozzle of your water hose inside the unit, and spray with the strongest jet of water possible. Start at the top of the coils, and spray across then down. Repeat on each side. This will rinse the debris through the coils and to the outside of the unit.
- 6
  Replace the metal casing and the four bottom screws. Align the top cover and fan and replace the screws.
- 7
  Rake away yard debris and use a workshop vacuum to collect any dirt on the concrete pad. Do not allow any debris or foliage to remain within 2 feet of the compressor.

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