How to Clean a Trane XR12 Outdoor AC Unit
A dirty outdoor AC coil can make the air conditioner work harder than it should. In this project I clean a Trane XR12 outdoor unit to improve airflow, help it run more efficiently, and potentially lower the electric bill.
Many Trane outdoor units share a similar design, so the same basic steps may apply to other models as well.
Watch the Video #
Quick Summary #
Turn off power at the breaker and at the outdoor disconnect box. Remove the top cover and fan assembly, vacuum loose debris from the bottom of the unit, take off the side panels, apply foaming coil cleaner, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with a garden hose using gentle water pressure. After the coil is clean, put the panels and fan assembly back in place.
Tools and Materials #
- Simple Green Foaming Coil Cleaner
- Screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Vacuum
- WD-40, if a side panel is stuck
- Garden hose
- Rope, if you need to support the fan assembly from above
Follow your AC manufacturer’s instructions and the cleaner’s label. Use gentle water pressure, never a pressure washer, and keep water away from electrical components.
Disconnect the Power #
Before anything else, locate the electrical line that runs from the outdoor unit toward the building. It usually leads to an AC disconnect box.
Turn off power at the breaker, then disconnect power at the outdoor box. Make sure the power is off before working on the unit. Safety comes first.
Remove the Top Cover and Fan #
Start by removing the top cover, which holds the fan. Take out the four screws first, then remove the remaining screws along the sides.
Carefully lift the top cover and fan assembly together. Watch the wires as you lift and avoid pulling on them.
My unit sits below a balcony, so I used a rope from above to support the fan assembly while I worked. Make sure it is secure and there is no strain on the wires.
Vacuum Loose Dirt and Debris #
With the top open, vacuum out the loose dirt and debris from the bottom of the unit. That clears the obvious buildup before you start on the coil itself.
Remove the Side Panels #
The next step is removing the side panels so you can reach the coil. This part can be a little tricky.
Some panels slide out easily. Just lift them straight up. Others can get stuck and need a little help.
On the stuck panel, I applied a small amount of WD-40 along the edge. There is a locking tab near the middle of the panel. Use a flathead screwdriver to release it, then gently push the bottom of the panel inward. Once it is free, lift the panel up and out.
With the panel off, the dirt built up on the coil is easy to see.
Apply Foaming Coil Cleaner #
For this cleaning, I used Simple Green Foaming Coil Cleaner. Apply a light, even coat to the coil and let it sit for 15 minutes. Do not let it dry on the surface.
Rinse the Coil #
Rinse the coil thoroughly with a garden hose, using gentle water pressure. Keep water away from electrical components.
Do not use a pressure washer. The strong spray can bend the thin metal fins and damage the coil.
Put the Unit Back Together #
Once everything is cleaned, reinstall the side panels and carefully lower the fan assembly back into place.
A Faster Option If You Do Not Want to Remove Every Panel #
If you do not want to take off all of the side panels, you can still get a useful cleaning. Open the fan from the top, apply the cleaner from the inside, and also spray it through the holes and grilles in the panels.
That saves time. It is not as thorough as removing the panels, but it still works.
Final Thoughts #
Cleaning an outdoor AC coil is mostly about access and being careful with water and power. Disconnect the power, support the fan assembly so you do not pull on the wires, clean out the loose debris, treat the coil with foaming cleaner, and rinse gently.
If a panel is stuck or ugly and you would rather not remove every one, the shortcut of spraying from the top and through the grilles is still worth doing. A cleaner coil can help the unit move air more easily and run more efficiently.