Clean. Cool. Collected. Using a garden hose to cool your air conditioner is a tried-and-true method of keeping your AC unit performing at maximum efficiency.
Splattering water on the coils can have surprising, unexpected benefits — you may extend the air conditioner’s life by cleaning the coils, removing grime and dust, and even improving air circulation inside the AC unit!
Spraying your air conditioning unit with water might seem unusual, but it is an effective way to clean and sanitize a dirty air conditioner. The water from your garden hose will do the trick.
Several people ask whether this cleaning can damage the AC’s internal parts. Luckily, there are no harmful effects that you should be concerned about — just lots of benefits.
Let’s discuss what you need to know when spraying your air conditioner.
Is It Ok To Spray Water On Your Air Conditioner While Running?
The definite answer is yes; you can spray water on your air conditioner while running.
There are no kind parts inside the unit that can be harmed by water—it is designed to be safe in all weather conditions. You should give your condenser the occasional spray to help it run more efficiently.
Your air conditioner’s condenser is located outside and contains several delicate components that must be shielded with a protective cover when not in use.
This cover protects them from damage due to exposure to the elements, but it also traps dirt and debris that can interfere with their ability to operate correctly.
Spraying water can help remove some of this dirt and debris from the coils, which will help to improve efficiency and lower your energy bill.
How Does Spraying Water On AC Helps?
Spraying water on your air conditioner may seem counterintuitive—you don’t want it to flood, but there are some real benefits.
When you spray your AC unit with a hose or high-pressure water nozzle, you remove dust and debris from the coils, reducing its energy consumption by 30%.
It also keeps the unit cleaner for longer and prevents bits of dirt from getting stuck in and damaging the coils or fins.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, cleaning it regularly can reduce energy consumption by 10%. It translates directly into savings on your electricity bills.
Improve its efficiency
First, it helps improve your unit’s efficiency. Cleaning the unit makes it more likely to function how you want it to and use energy the way you want.
If particles get inside the system, they can slow down airflow or even cause parts to freeze up, preventing your AC from working as it should.
That can affect higher energy bills and a shorter life for your AC.
Lengthen its lifespan
Next, cleaning it can lengthen its lifespan. Dust and debris often fill with moisture from the condensation inside the AC, creating rust throughout the system and damaging important components like wiring and vents.
You can clear this buildup by spraying water on the unit before it causes severe damage.
Keeps It Clean
Finally, by frequently cleaning your air conditioner, you can keep it looking like new for longer than an uncleaned one might.
The buildup of dirt inside your air conditioning unit can cause it to wear out more quickly than otherwise would be the case. Regular maintenance will help prolong its life.
Does Spraying Water Make My Air Conditioner Cooler?
Spraying water on your air conditioner can cool your home. It can also help your air conditioner run longer and lower your energy bill at optimal capacity.
The best way to spray water on your air conditioner is to use an atomizer attachment that connects directly to a garden hose.
It will allow you to regulate the amount of water being sprayed and distribute it evenly across your condenser coils.
Based on our tests, we recommend spraying twice daily for five minutes at each spray session for optimal results.
If you have a heat pump or swamp cooler, spraying water on the coils can help keep them cool.
However, when the temperature outside is scorching, it can be challenging for these units to absorb enough heat from the outside air to keep up with demand.
Spraying water on the coils helps them absorb more heat more quickly, which means your air conditioner might be able to keep up with the market and avoid overheating.
How Do You Spray an Air Conditioner?
If your air conditioner is malfunctioning or wants to clean it, you should first spray it.
Spray an air conditioner easily by following a few simple steps if you have an air compressor, a paintbrush, a screwdriver, and some cleaning spray to clean the air conditioner.
- Turn off your AC unit at the breaker box.
- Remove the front grill that covers the filter. Next, remove the filter and set it flat to dry.
- Remove any other grills covering your air conditioner’s air intake and output.
- Disconnect the drain line from your unit and move it to an area without water damage.
- Use a garden hose to spray and spritz down the inside of your unit. You are starting at the top and working your way down. It will help reduce mold in your system.
- Once you’re done spraying, reconnect your drain line and replace all grills and filters before turning on your air conditioner again.
People Also Ask
How do you spray water in an AC condenser?
Generally, water sprays in AC condensers are designed to supply water from the municipal water supply, but a storage tank can also feed them.
The most important thing to consider on spraying your AC unit:
- Turn the thermostat up to above room temperature. It will turn off the A/C system and ensure it is safe to work on.
- Utilize a hole saw and drill a hole in the side of your condenser unit. Ideally, you will want to hit the spot about 2-3 inches from the floor so water can run down and out of the unit.
- Place a rubber grommet in the hole you just drilled so that it fits snugly. You don’t want any metal exposed or touching plastic as this could be dangerous or cause damage.
- Finally, attach a water hose and spray directly into your condenser until fully submerged.
What can I spray my AC coils with to clean them?
The best option to clean your AC coils is a foaming degreaser.
You can find some at your local hardware store, and if you have any questions about which alternatives might be the best fit for your setup, it’s always a good idea to ask someone who works there.
These products will remove grease and grime but also prevent future buildup by killing the microbes that cause buildup in the first place.
