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Energy Saver: Air Conditioning
(continued ...) off switch or an off position, then move the temperature setting to the highest setting, such that there is no call-for-cooling control signal to the outside unit.
Now which strategy to follow? First, let's talk about the easy but with mediocre results method. If there is a stamped weather guard, this may prove to be nearly impossible but do the best you can. Start with a vacuum cleaner. Put on the crevice tool and fit though the slots in the weather guard. Carefully suck up anything you can get at. If the crevice tool doesn't fit through the slots, find a tube that does and duct tape it to the crevice tool. Gently, brush away any visible debris with a new narrow disposable paint brush.
If there is no local power disconnect and if you are not absolutely sure that you have power switched off, do not proceed with the next steps.
Go to your local auto parts store and buy some organic orange based engine cleaner. Get your garden hose. Using low flow and low pressure proceed to spray the condenser coil. Select a gentle setting on the hose nozzle as the coil fins are delicate. Don't be too concerned about getting something wet that shouldn't be wet. Condenser units are made to be outside and tolerate all outside conditions. That includes driving rain. After being thoroughly wetted, spray on the orange based cleaner. Let the cleaner set for 5 to 10 minutes. Do not let the cleaner dry on the coil fins. Next, rinse it off while at the same time trying to blow off any dirt chunks but only with a gentle flow of water. Align the water stream with the fins. Point the stream as nearly parallel to the fins as possible to ...