DIY guideAC and heat pump

Clean the outdoor AC or heat pump and clear around it

Switch it off at the disconnect, clear the space round it and rinse the fins gently with a garden hose, so it doesn't run hot and wear out early.

7 steps

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Set the thermostat to Off so the unit can't start.
Pull out the block in the box beside the unit, or flip its lever to Off.
Touch only the block or the lever, with dry hands. Damaged or wet? Leave it.
Pull weeds, rake up leaves and cut plants back, so there's about two feet (60 cm) of open space all round.
Pick leaves and twigs off the top grille by hand. Don't reach inside or take the top off.
Spray the fins gently with a garden hose, top to bottom, all the way round. Never use a pressure washer: it flattens them.
Let it drip dry, then turn the disconnect back on and set the thermostat.
Fins badly bent, ice on its pipes in summer, or a fan that won't turn: leave it off and ask Handyman for a heating and cooling tech.

Handyman says: Leave it off. I'll find an HVAC tech.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.