Definitely don't use the hard end on a shop vac. Use the round brush attachment. Then don't use coil cleaner unless you're confident in following directions to the T! Be exact! If you aren't sure set the top with the fan off to the side (wires still attached) and hose it with your garden hose from the inside out. Put it back together and go enjoy your ac

That AC condenser definitely needed a cleaning. I have a Lennox XC 14 and I clean it every other year. I also use a wet dry vac but I use a soft brush attachment so I don’t damage the aluminum fins. I vacuum the inside bottom also, and lift up the top and spray water from the inside out. I use a spray can foaming coil cleaner also. I change my air filters every 90 days. My HVAC system still runs great after 14 years. 👍

@unclemarksdiyauto

11 ай бұрын

Yep! A soft brush would be safer for sure. Rinsing from the inside is something I think most don't understand. Rinsing inside out pushes the dirt back out from where it came, instead of pushing the dirt further in to the fins.

@ginastewart5634

10 ай бұрын

​@unclemarksdiyauto what if your AC has a fowl odor, do I need to contact a technician? My unit is only 5 years old Jan, but I haven't had a maintenance check.

@unclemarksdiyauto

10 ай бұрын

@@ginastewart5634 I am not a AC expert, but fowl smells can NOT be good. I would have someone check it out for sure.

@Itsdenea_

Ай бұрын

@@ginastewart5634most likely needs the filters changed and a good condenser cleaning

@Mojo32

25 күн бұрын

​@@ginastewart5634Probably just needs a THOROUGH cleaning. Personally, I'd try that before I called a technician. But by all means, if you are not capable, or simply don't want to try it yourself, definitely call someone.

lol you definitely did bent them a little 😂. For heavy stuff like that you need to use your hose spraying at a downward angle on fan setting.

Use a brush on the shop vac, those fins are SO delicate, even tapping the plastic on them WILL bend them. You should also absolutely use a hose (NOT a pressure washer) with a flat spray nozzle to rinse the remaining dirt out that the vacuum won't get.

@unclemarksdiyauto

Ай бұрын

Yes, like anything, you have to be careful.

@user-jr5ru3sj2q

8 күн бұрын

lol I walked into a service call today and couldn’t do much because some chuck in a truck pressure washed all of the fins. No airflow coming in at all

@unclemarksdiyauto

7 күн бұрын

@@user-jr5ru3sj2q ouch! I have had a few comment on the pressure washer is the way to go! (Yikes) I don’t claim to have any qualifications on cleaning ac units, but those fins are delicate.

@user-jr5ru3sj2q

4 күн бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto yeah those people don’t know what they’re talking about. those fins are too delicate for that

Found it easy to just get a small piece of that crap and then use to get the rest of. No scratches. I did start off putting my thumb over over and saw i bent the fins. So just running hose over it worked

U are very much appreciated❤❤!!

@unclemarksdiyauto

10 ай бұрын

Your welcome.

Thank you

@unclemarksdiyauto

10 күн бұрын

@@TheILV17 try and keep it clean and will try to keep you cool!

You’re using evaporator coil cleaner. The evaporator coil sweats and rinses itself yea, but you’re cleaning the condenser coil. It needs rinsed. Just use water though. 99% of the time that’s all that’s needed. Trane/American standard systems are a different story.

@unclemarksdiyauto

Жыл бұрын

Might be so. This one seems to get so packed with dirt pretty fast, I can't get it to back flush, otherwise running water into this side of the fins just pushes the dirt further in (Deeper).

@gilbertogutierrez1658

9 ай бұрын

I have an American Standard A/C unit. Why do you say it’s different?

@richardbaugh8845

9 ай бұрын

@@gilbertogutierrez1658 the spine fin coil design is tough to clean with just water especially if it’s really dirty so in that case I’ll use some condenser coil cleaner

@unclemarksdiyauto

9 ай бұрын

@@gilbertogutierrez1658 Not sure what I meant or what you mean. The design might be a bit different, screws in different places, housing put together a bit differently? Bolt sizes could be a little different.

lol... "so i don't bend the fins..." you bent them alright... Is this what homeowners should expect from all AC techs? "It's not my unit... so let me press my hard plastic vacuum wand against the fins."

@unclemarksdiyauto

2 күн бұрын

@@caall99 who is a AC tech? This is KZread after all. Do you think everything you see on this channel is by certified people? Never said it was certified. I was just cleaning my own AC unit.

Please make sure you rinse it off with water after you apply that spray

@blue collar llc, reach in the ac panel take off the condenser fan leads. Then take out the bottom row of screws and take the whole shell off

@unclemarksdiyauto

2 ай бұрын

I will do that next time for sure, thanks!

I rinse mine every time I cut my grass!

@unclemarksdiyauto

11 ай бұрын

Good idea!

@brandondimmitt8467

11 ай бұрын

Yep I blow it with the backpack blower first to get leaves and grass debris out and rinse. It’s newer so trying to keep it that way! Gonna do the air handler soon tho! Isn’t blowing like it use too! Staying on most the day.

Lennox recommends water only. Sticker on the unit says so.

@unclemarksdiyauto

11 ай бұрын

Actually mine does not have such a sicker, and never did as we are the original owners of this unit!

@mickhvac3908

11 ай бұрын

Yeah if you have a 14acx or 16acx it’s still copper. The ML14 Ml16 Ml17 ML18 have all aluminum coils witch they don’t want anyone putting new brite on. Either way it’s going to leak and die fast. 😂

@unclemarksdiyauto

11 ай бұрын

@@mickhvac3908 Hope not. This product says safe on all metals.

@unclemarksdiyauto

11 ай бұрын

The can claims non corrosive to metals & plastics, & can also be used on window air conditioners, roof to HVAC, auto rads, small condenser & evap coils, metal filters & blades etc. & claims it will NOT harm other materials it gets splashed on.

@theamerican3686

11 ай бұрын

Is your dryer vent near . Or do you have cotton wood trees near . That's some thick lint

Thanks John Goodman

@unclemarksdiyauto

10 күн бұрын

Your welcome, John.

About the spray, make sure you wash it off because it will eat the fin just let it sit for 10 minutes

I usually just pull the disconnect. Also we use a sprayer and mix our own condenser cleaner, but the stuff we use MUST be rinsed off or it will eat up your fins

@unclemarksdiyauto

Күн бұрын

@@Misfit.Profit full video shows disconnect. Own cleaner a great idea!

@Misfit.Profit

22 сағат бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto I suppose turning off the breaker is safer but I like to live life on the edge

@unclemarksdiyauto

13 сағат бұрын

@@Misfit.Profit Full video explains all that! Lol!

i just dont want yall to think its easy like that becauee once you take the outside cover off it is very difficult to get back on a lot of the time. The fan on top is not light and you really want to go from inside out. you can easily bend those fins that he vacuumed with a little too much pressure or even when you are taking the outside cover off and puttin it on

@unclemarksdiyauto

2 күн бұрын

Could not show everything in this shorts video. Check out the full video on my channel!

this is not a great video. Not doing the inside is a major miss and no hard edges against the fins. Use the furniture brush with the soft bristles to initially vacuum the big dirt. Then spray it down with a cleaner, wait for penetration and hose it down with minimal pressure. Inside and out. Ensure to do the bottom plate and evacuation holes at the bottom for better draining of rain etc.

@unclemarksdiyauto

Ай бұрын

Sorry to hear that. It was a quick video. You should start posting some soon. Although if you have not in 14 years, probably won’t start now! Probably already know it is harder to post than everyone thinks, Mr 2 subscribers!

HVAC tech here we use water goes with spray and spray it all went then we use this commercial foam cleaner that meant for coils that cleans the coil (it irritating if touched skin) and when we finally rinse it up after a min or 2 . Then plug unit it and boom

Please use brush tool sir.

@unclemarksdiyauto

2 ай бұрын

Might be safer. Not as much suction. I did not bend any fins as I was careful. But use whatever make you feel comfortable and that you know you won’t cause damage!

There's a disconnect outside to cut the power, "dirt"? looks like you have a dryer vent nearby that lint is excessive. What do you consider a lot of money 💰? I only charge $125 for a proper acid wash.

@unclemarksdiyauto

11 ай бұрын

$125 is very reasonable! Dryer vent is on opposite side of the house. I showed the power disconnect on the longer video. Another issue we have here is not being able to find anyone that has time to some do these types of jobs. Too many qualified personal have retired or will soon retire. We need more folks in all the trades!

Can of spray is $15-$20, cleaning call is usually $150+

@unclemarksdiyauto

Ай бұрын

So true!

Wat if we don't have access in using a vaccum or hose like if townhouse association?

@unclemarksdiyauto

Ай бұрын

Not sure what you can do in your situation. (I guess they expect you to pay a professional?) You could buy a extension cord and a shop vac and do it.

Call that cotton candy😂😂😂😂

@unclemarksdiyauto

Ай бұрын

Yep! Not sure what flavour it was!

Can we wet it with a hose instead?

@unclemarksdiyauto

Ай бұрын

Yes you can!

I use a torch with the ac one it burns the cotton out instantly nothing gets hot because the cotton burns so easily. I wouldn't use the torch method on this one tho lol

@unclemarksdiyauto

5 күн бұрын

@@docholiday9786 might have to try that when it will a just a bit plugged!

@docholiday9786

5 күн бұрын

@unclemarksdiyauto a ac tech told my dad about it a few yrs back and we've been doing it since

There’s a sticker on that unit that says “water only”😂😂😂😂

@unclemarksdiyauto

6 күн бұрын

@@arturofromtucson6262 That is because if they didn’t say that, people would use just about anything to clean it.

It’s best to have done by professional especially if it’s the first cleaning on an old unit, if the unit is extremely dirty and you clean it that can then show a low refrigerant charge if it has been leaking for years, that dirty coil would hide some of the symptoms then cleaning it would reveal it

@unclemarksdiyauto

11 ай бұрын

It's always better to have a pro do it, but most folks are pinching the penny's that they have left from their paychecks as inflation takes so much more now.

@thekantor1964

10 ай бұрын

​@@unclemarksdiyautobidenomics!

@unclemarksdiyauto

10 ай бұрын

@@thekantor1964 Up here in Canada, I don't have a good Canadian saying for this. I get your sense of humor though!

@colleencarpenter1200

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for saying to let a professional do the first time! Will do😊

@colleencarpenter1200

4 ай бұрын

Also...I was so sick all last summer...monthly sinus infection.. fine black dust every where....am so afraid I have mold in the unit!

Don’t ever leave chemical on a condenser coil, unless you’re trying to sell units. Teaspoon of dawn in a gallon of water is safe and effective, non corrosive.

@unclemarksdiyauto

Күн бұрын

@@joelbuff3254 this is a no rinse produce.

@joelbuff3254

Күн бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto most no rinse products are for evaporator coils, which will dilute and rinse the product. It is my recommendation as a 27 year service tech and a top guy in one of the top heavy commercial companies across the gulf south, to not put anything on those coils and not rinse it off. That is of course, unless you’re trying to destroy the coil. If this product foams or brightens it gets in between the mechanical connection between tube and fin and corrodes that, creating an inefficiency of heat transfer. Do a survey amongst the real ones and they’ll all tell you the same. If you wanna sell a new one, don’t rinse. If you want it to work it’s best and most efficient, put a little mild detergent and rinse the shit out of it. Not trying to “prove you wrong” or make you look bad dude, just trying to let the people know how it’s done at a professional level, and why. Not “do it my way” but “do it the right way and save some heartache” good luck in all you do, not trying to start a war.

@unclemarksdiyauto

Күн бұрын

@@joelbuff3254 Good to know! Will rinse next time!

Can u recommend someone to do the maintenance?

@unclemarksdiyauto

3 ай бұрын

Are you here in Manitoba?

That’s called a condenser bud, your central unit is in the attic containing evaporator, blower and furnace

@unclemarksdiyauto

4 ай бұрын

I misspoke, Ryan. I am not a air conditioning tech, obviously. Thanks for the correction! Take care.

@FiercefoxProductions

4 ай бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto no disrespect but if you’re not licensed and have no field experience to work on HVAC/R equipment don’t do it and put info out for people. But hey homeowner hack jobs make me lots of money lol

@DB-xc5zu

2 күн бұрын

in his defense, the evap coil and condensor are the same thing. They switch names depending on if the unit is heating/cooling

Why wouldn't you use a brush on the vacuum?

@unclemarksdiyauto

3 күн бұрын

@@wildmanofborneo it was too soft and caused less suction do to further distance from the hose.

What spray did you use

@unclemarksdiyauto

Ай бұрын

Evap Foam No Rinse: 🛒 product link: (1 can) amzn.to/3oq4EMX 🛒 Nu-Cal product link: (multi pack) amzn.to/3BSCQnG As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

I have a unit that keeps cooling after the set point like by 4/5 degrees or more used to be on point any suggestions on the issue

@unclemarksdiyauto

Ай бұрын

I am not sure what the problem might be. Please do a bit more research and let us know what you find out!

@MrElmo01us

Ай бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto I Google the issue and there could be different issues that would cause this the simplest is checking your filter. Then a possible thermostat issue. I ended up tripping the breaker and allowing it to reset seems to have solved the issue at the moment. I also checked my filter and replaced but I don’t believe it was that because it wasn’t bad.

@hitcher82

Ай бұрын

It could be the thermostat. Sometimes they just start going bad. I had one that wasnt even that old start messing up.

What’s the spray you used

@unclemarksdiyauto

Жыл бұрын

NU-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse 🛒 product link: (1 can) amzn.to/3oq4EMX 🛒 Nu-Cal product link: (multi pack) amzn.to/3BSCQnG

@pkmnoak

Жыл бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyautoThat’s evaporator foam. The part you’re cleaning here is the condenser coil. The evaporator foam only doesn’t require rinsing because once you turn the air conditioner back on, the condensation that forms on the coil will rinse it off itself. Use condenser cleaner, pre soaking and then applying the cleaner, letting sit for about 10 minutes, then spray with water from the inside of the unit out.

@joshmaxwell7968

Жыл бұрын

Aluminum Eater 2000

@unclemarksdiyauto

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tips!

I can't figure out how to put it back together. The front panel won't go under the cover. Help

@unclemarksdiyauto

Жыл бұрын

Not sure how to show you or explain it. Also, I am not sure how or why it won't go back together. Each panel should only fit one way. A 2nd set of eyes would be a good idea. Can you call a friend to help you piece the puzzle back together?

@wotw4777

Жыл бұрын

Take the rest of the screws out of the top and lift it up. Typically the top part (fan shroud) is the final part of the case of the air conditioner to be put on.

@Karwrecked

Жыл бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto had my sister come over and we figured it out! Thank you!

@unclemarksdiyauto

Жыл бұрын

@@Karwrecked Thank your sister very much for her help! Sorry I could not do better. I may update this video next year when I clean again, with a more step by step video. You will note the rest of my channel is basically all car repairs. Hope one of them may help you with yours someday!

Whts the cleaner name u used

@unclemarksdiyauto

Ай бұрын

NU-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse. 🛒 (1 can) amzn.to/3oq4EMX 🛒 (multi pack) amzn.to/3BSCQnG As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Holy hell I had a heck of time putting the AC back together....I feel it's a two person job to actually put the pieces back....🤔

@unclemarksdiyauto

Ай бұрын

In my full length video, I show the struggles. Like you say, almost a 2 person job, but think, you saved yourself about $150 vs a service call to clean this out. Thanks for watching.

@iLLNOVA79

Ай бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto I was only able to get to there sides because the 4th was too close to the house.....what can you do!

Just light the fuzz on 🔥.

@unclemarksdiyauto

Ай бұрын

It might work but I don't recommend that! LOL!

@HexicanLS460L

21 күн бұрын

😅

@unclemarksdiyauto

21 күн бұрын

@@HexicanLS460L Hope your enjoying summer!

What type of spray you use

@unclemarksdiyauto

11 ай бұрын

I used NU-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse. 🛒 product link: (1 can) amzn.to/3oq4EMX or Nu-Cal product link: (multi pack) amzn.to/3BSCQnG They claim it is non corrosive to metals & plastics.

@douglassmith9445

11 ай бұрын

Is it necessary or can you just get rid of the lint and call it a day?

@unclemarksdiyauto

11 ай бұрын

@@douglassmith9445 get rid of the lint. It will be better. Maybe you can try to carefully run a hose from the backside.

@unclemarksdiyauto

11 ай бұрын

@@douglassmith9445 A good vacuum with sure help. That is what I have done n the past.

How warm should the air be coming out of vent of electric a/c in winter time?

@unclemarksdiyauto

7 ай бұрын

Are you talking winter time in Hawaii, or winter time in Canada? Here in Canada, we usually turn the breaker off and cover them so they don’t get any damage from snow & ice.

@chanclanproduction

7 ай бұрын

​@unclemarksdiyauto hope ur just covering the top lol

@chanclanproduction

7 ай бұрын

Most furnace want a 30-60 temp in 2nd stage or if it's a just a single stage. Ur return air to supply air should be around 30-60 temp difference

@fmills1583

7 ай бұрын

Florida @@unclemarksdiyauto

@unclemarksdiyauto

7 ай бұрын

@@fmills1583 Sorry, I don’t know and don’t have access to those specs.

Water and a brush will always do a way better job

@unclemarksdiyauto

4 ай бұрын

Good to know! Will try that next year!

I can hear his call backs

@unclemarksdiyauto

11 ай бұрын

Oh yep! LOL!

What’s that spray?

@unclemarksdiyauto

Ай бұрын

🛒 product link: (1 can) amzn.to/3oq4EMX 🛒 Nu-Cal product link: (multi pack) amzn.to/3BSCQnG As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

@joyherring81

Ай бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto thank you

🔧👍🔧

@unclemarksdiyauto

3 ай бұрын

Ah you saw this one. People complaining I should not be using that sharp plastic vacuum on the fins! (I guess if I was grinding against them, no! Lol!)

John Goodman?

@unclemarksdiyauto

10 күн бұрын

Probably wondering which John Goodman!

That’s not dirt, it’s lint or pet hair. Must be a sheep dog running around. 😂

@unclemarksdiyauto

Ай бұрын

Must be! Or Poplar tree fuzz? We have lots of poplar trees here. This is what it looks like!

Damn thas dirty

@unclemarksdiyauto

6 күн бұрын

Poplar tree fuzz!

What will happen if I didn't clean it?

@unclemarksdiyauto

Жыл бұрын

Your air conditioner will not cool properly. It will not get cold enough.

@CjPoz

Жыл бұрын

I needed the answer to this question ^ thank you both 🤙

@seabass22

11 ай бұрын

You can also burn up the compressor from it not getting enough air flow to stay cool. Ask me how I know.

@unclemarksdiyauto

11 ай бұрын

@@seabass22 I bet! Maintenance is the key to everything lasting!

@jimmurphy5739

2 ай бұрын

As your house temp TRIES to go lower, but these dirty coils can't do a good job of shedding the heat to the outside air, the compressor tries harder and harder to reach its target: comfy room temp. But it consumes more electricity, wears out the fan motors, and chews up the compressor. Much sooner than you want, you end up with a completely failed unit, but not before causing you a bunch of discomfort, sleepless sweaty nights, and budget anxiety as you contemplate the upcoming replacement expense. Clean your unit. It pays - in so many ways!

Supertech would lite it on fire where you at?

@unclemarksdiyauto

15 күн бұрын

Manitoba, Canada. Not sure what was floating around the air. (I might have missed cleaning this last year…)

DO NOT USE A SHOP VAC! MAN IF SOMETHING HARD THAT SOFT STUFF GETS JAMMED INTO THE COIL YOURE SCREWED.

@unclemarksdiyauto

11 ай бұрын

Thanks Greg!

No water jet?

@unclemarksdiyauto

Жыл бұрын

Water jet? I tried a normal garden hose with a end on it, and it didn't do much. Also, too much pressure and you will bend the cooling fins!

@dalecollier2853

Жыл бұрын

​

Bent fins 2 seconds after you said you didn't

@unclemarksdiyauto

18 күн бұрын

lol! It is possible. These fins are easy to bend. (Just look at your vehicle radiator. ) They bend just looking at them.! The point is try and be careful & if you bend a couple, it is not the end of the world. This unit is many times more efficient now with all the fluff that was plugging it up (even if a fin is folded) than a not bent fin and the system completely plugged up. Now if you polled a hole in the tubes that the fins sit on, that would be the end of your cooling unit.

I wouldn’t give people this much credit best to hire professional you never wanna spray a chemical on a condenser without rinsing it away the coil and cause possible leaks in the future also evaporator should be cleaned also and it is nowhere as easy as you’re trying to make it sound for the evaporator coil

@unclemarksdiyauto

16 күн бұрын

I have to agree most people should just hire the professionals. This spray is specifically made as a no rinse. It still wouldn’t hurt to rise maybe half hour later before reassembly of the covers. Thanks Robert for your comment.

Just spray it down with a water hose without taking anything off🤷🏽‍♀️

@unclemarksdiyauto

24 күн бұрын

You just don’t want to force the dirt in further. But that could work of it is not too dirty.

That looks like pile of dog hair or cotton on there. I’ve lived at my place for 7 years, almost nothing in the fins and I never clean it.

@unclemarksdiyauto

Күн бұрын

@@logan594 Poplar tree fluff.

Lol maybe try a hose? Lol

Question is, why would you ever let them get like this in the first place? That right there just shows your goofiness

@unclemarksdiyauto

2 ай бұрын

Good question. This was only one season! I could not believe how bad it was either!

How long does it take for AC to turn back on after switching breaker back on

@unclemarksdiyauto

11 ай бұрын

It should be instant. Is the breaker fully back on? Maybe try turning breaker off and back on again.

@leeann347

11 ай бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto yeah it’s not turning back on for me 😭

@unclemarksdiyauto

11 ай бұрын

Did someone play with the thermostat? Maybe it is not on ac or something.

Yikes!!!😅😅😅😅

Make sure you’re rinsing from the inside going out

So meant things wrong or not said, horrible PSA

@unclemarksdiyauto

10 ай бұрын

English not your first language? Google has a way to translate to English so we can understand what you really mean.

Guys don’t do this he is not doing this correctly!!

@unclemarksdiyauto

Жыл бұрын

Maybe not exactly as it should be. I will send them to your channel to see your qualifications as to any projects you have posted!

@KingJerbear

Жыл бұрын

In what way is it not correct? He cleaned a ton of debris that was inhibiting airflow and didn't bend any of the fins. If you're going to claim someone is doing it wrong then you're supposed to say what the right way is.

@unclemarksdiyauto

Жыл бұрын

@@KingJerbear I like your way of thinking. Usually people that have concerns also have a channel with lots of experience and videos to back up the comment.

Does this dirt effect on cold air in the house and power of blowing cold air?

@unclemarksdiyauto

Ай бұрын

If this plugs up, the heat can't escape so the unit can't cool and your house will be warm! If it is half plugged, it takes longer to cool your house.

@markomare9081

Ай бұрын

@@unclemarksdiyauto make sense, i can't wait to clean up🤝🙏

@unclemarksdiyauto

Ай бұрын

@@markomare9081 Let us know how it goes!

Definetly rinse it lol

@unclemarksdiyauto

3 ай бұрын

So true!

Most useful straight to the point video on this. Thank you mf you are dope

@unclemarksdiyauto

28 күн бұрын

I’m dope, Thanks man!