What happens if you don't clean your outside AC unit?

Author: Devyn Spinka  |  Last update: Saturday, July 5, 2025

The air conditioning condenser coil is located outdoors, so dirt and debris can cause many issues if not addressed on a frequent basis. If coils on the outdoor unit are dirty, the hot air sent through the unit will not be handled efficiently and your air conditioning unit will have to work much harder.

Is it necessary to clean an AC outdoor unit?

Cleaning the air conditioner's outside unit is just one of many tasks that need to be done to maintain your system's energy efficiency. To keep your air conditioner clean and energy efficient all season long, schedule professional AC maintenance every spring, which includes cleaning the outdoor condenser unit.

What happens if an outside AC unit is dirty?

Dirt will make your AC less efficient, which means you'll have higher energy bills each month. Dirt buildup on your AC coils will make it difficult for the system to absorb and dump heat, causing the system to be less efficient. You may even start to feel like your AC is running constantly.

What happens if I don't clean my AC unit?

If you don't clean the air conditioner before turning it on, it can lead to greater wear and tear on your system. Also, if one of the parts of the unit isn't working correctly, it can damage the unit itself. For example, damaged electrical components or wiring could cause an electrical fire.

How long can you go without cleaning an AC filter?

As a rule of thumb, you should check it each month and clean or replace it when it looks dirty.

How to Clean Your Mini Split AC Condenser - Make it Cold Again

What happens if AC filter is not cleaned?

Increased Energy Consumption

A dirty filter forces your AC system to work harder to maintain a cool temperature, leading to an increase in energy consumption. If your utility bills have spiked without any apparent reason, a thorough cleaning of your filter might be all it takes to rectify the issue.

What happens if you haven't changed your AC filter in a year?

Air filters that are overdue for a change are a common cause of HVAC system failure. Over time, dirt builds up in the heating and AC filters, causing components such as the motor to go into overdrive, which may eventually overheat your unit.

How do I know if my AC needs cleaning?

Here Are Five Telltale Signs That Your AC Coils Are Dirty And Need to be Cleaned
  1. Your electricity bill has been going up. ...
  2. Your unit seems to be running longer for no reason. ...
  3. Your home doesn't feel as cool as it should be. ...
  4. The Coil is Covered in Frost While Running. ...
  5. Higher Indoor Humidity.

What happens if AC is not serviced?

The dirt clogs up the system and creates condensation, leading to mold that clogs the draining system. These clogs, when left unchecked, lead to water leaks coming from the interior unit of your AC.

What happens if you don't change your AC filter?

This leads to a variety of issues for your HVAC system including system inefficiency, higher energy bills, inadequate air quality, and ultimately failure. If you haven't been swapping your air filters as frequently as you should, there's no time like the present to start practicing this crucial maintenance step.

How much does it cost to clean an outside AC unit?

The AC coil cleaning cost is around $100 to $400 as of 2024, according to Homeguide (for an evaporator coil), and up to $700 to remove and clean the coil. Cleaning the condenser coil costs $75 to $230. ¹ However, there are many ways paying these costs can save you money.

Can a dirty AC make me sick?

If you spend time in indoor spaces with HVAC systems that are dirty or not well-maintained, you're more likely to have headaches or even migraines. In one study, 8% of people who work in unhealthy indoor air environments had headaches 1-3 days a month, and 8% had daily headaches.

How do I clean the outside of my air conditioner?

How to Clean an Outdoor AC Unit
  1. Turn off the AC Unit. Turn off the air conditioner at the thermostat. ...
  2. Clear Away Debris Around the Unit. ...
  3. Remove the Top of the Condenser Unit. ...
  4. Remove Debris Inside the Unit. ...
  5. Brush Away Remaining Dust and Dirt. ...
  6. Spray Coils With an AC Coil Cleaner. ...
  7. Spray Unit With a Hose. ...
  8. Replace AC Unit Top.

What happens if outside AC unit is dirty?

This means it'll take longer for the A/C to cool your home. A dirty outdoor unit will surely send your electric bills through the roof, since your system is working overtime to keep you cool, and it can even cause your air conditioner to overheat and break down.

Do outdoor AC units need to be serviced?

Air conditioning experts recommend a comprehensive service at least once every 12 months. The best time of the year to service your air conditioner is just before the change of season. If you have a cooling-only unit, spring is the perfect time to service the unit so it is all set for the summers.

Should I spray water on my outside AC unit?

The outdoor unit gets grubbier than the indoor unit so spraying it with water to clean it is recommended. Both units should be kept clean and dirt-free. If spraying water on your AC units makes you nervous, it's probably because the standard line is that electricity and water don't mix—with good reason.

What happens if I don't clean my AC?

If you neglect to clean your air con filters every three months, your system's efficiency can drop. It has to run longer and work harder to circulate air and maintain the desired temperature, which can lead to wear and tear on its components much faster than if it were running under optimal conditions.

What will happen if the condenser is not clean?

If the condenser is not clean and properly allowing air to flow through, it could burn out. Air conditioners with dirty or blocked condensers do not operate efficiently. A congested condensate drain line can even cause water damage.

Why is my AC running but not blowing cold air?

If your AC is running but not cooling, it could be due to a dirty air filter, incorrect thermostat settings, a malfunctioning thermostat, a refrigerant leak, dirty condenser coils, blocked vents or ducts, a faulty compressor, frozen evaporator coils, or electrical issues.

What are the symptoms of a dirty air conditioner?

5 Health Problems Caused by a Dirty AC
  • Allergies. If your AC becomes dirty, then you will likely begin to have problems with allergies. ...
  • Fatigue. The quality of the air that you breathe also directly affects your endurance and stamina. ...
  • Dry Skin. ...
  • Airborne Illnesses. ...
  • Noise Pollution.

How to tell if house AC needs freon?

How To Know If AC Is Out of Freon
  1. AC is running, but the home isn't cool. You might feel warm air flowing through the vents, or you might notice that your AC is weaker than it used to be. ...
  2. Ice buildup on refrigerant line. ...
  3. Higher electricity bills. ...
  4. Hissing or bubbling sound from the refrigerant line.

Will AC stop working if filter is dirty?

Is my AC not working because of the filter? Potentially, yes. While there are a whole host of issues that could cause problems with your air conditioning system, a dirty air filter should be the first thing to check if your central air conditioning unit isn't working as properly as it should.

Can I clean my AC filter instead of replacing it?

Many disposable air conditioner filters should be replaced rather than cleaned, as cleaning with water can lead to possible mold issues. Clean the coils and fan of the AC regularly, using a canister of condensed air to blow away dust and buildup.

What happens if you don't clean your air filter?

Dirty filters can cause many problems, from decreased efficiency to ice build-up. But even if those things don't happen, the debris can still damage the delicate components of your AC unit over time. This will lead to premature wear and tear, which can shorten the lifespan of your system.

Previous article
What will dissolve a toilet clog?
Next article
What happens if you wait too long to change the air filter?