Local HVAC issue: Dirty condenser coils causing frequent breakdowns

In my neighborhood, I'm seeing a lot of AC units fail during this heat wave. Most times, it's because the condenser coils are full of dirt and leaves. People aren't cleaning them, and the systems overheat and trip. I had two jobs yesterday where just cleaning the coils got things running again.

3 comments

3 Comments

grant.anthony1mo ago

What people don't get is that normal dust isn't the real killer. It's when they mulch or mow right next to the unit and blow that fine debris into the fins. That stuff packs in like concrete and blocks way more airflow than just some leaves. You can hose off leaves, but that caked-on grass pulp needs a real cleaning.

felix6641mo agoMost Upvoted

Grant's right about that gunk being tough. Reminds me of when my neighbor's lawn guy blew clippings into my pool filter. @fionas39's video made me think about that mess. The filter got so clogged it looked like a brick of grass. Took a pressure washer to clear it out, not just a hose.

fionas391mo ago

Fine debris from mowing does pack in tight. I saw a video where a guy used a coil cleaner to dissolve that gunk. Regular hosing just doesn't cut it for that kind of buildup.