Home Garden

How to Clean a Rooftop Air Conditioner

Rooftop air conditioning units position the condenser on the roof, not the whole a/c unit. The a/c condenser coils suck in air from outside and cool it with a refrigerant. However, the roof of a home is exposed to the elements and gets covered in dust, dirt and other debris. A dirty roof a/c unit isn't as efficient as it could be, so cleaning it is important. Clean a rooftop a/c unit at least once a year.

Things You'll Need

  • Ladder
  • Vacuum
  • Hose
  • High-powered nozzle
  • Fin comb
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set a ladder against the side of your home and have someone hold it while you climb. Use caution when walking and working on your roof. If your roof is too steep, get a professional to clean the a/c unit for you to avoid personal injury.

    • 2

      Vacuum the rooftop a/c unit and the area around the unit to remove any dust and dirt.

    • 3

      Spray the rooftop a/c unit down with a hose and a high powered nozzle to rinse off any stuck on dirt or dust the vacuum didn't get. (Ref 1 and 2)

    • 4

      Brush the fin comb through the coil fins on the outside of the a/c unit to return them to their original state.