I had a problem with my AC units. I thought it was the freon which was too low. The AC guy came out and said that he first recommended cleaning the outside AC units, at $80/unit. His partner says that my units look clean. He says that they should be cleaned every year. So he takes off the top casing, washes it with a lawn hose, sprays on an A/C cleaner (sodium hydroxide based), and washes it off. $300 later, he says that the freon needs to be added too. Ok, another $150 later the problem is solved. I got the feeling I was hood winked and robbed. Two questions. Is washing and cleaning the units standard practice? Is it even necessary to do it once a year? On my old house, I haven't cleaned them in 3 years and never noticed a higher than average bill for not doing so. How much efficiency is lost by not cleaning the units? The repair guy quoted 50%, but I made a smart ass remark like 5%/yr.
- posted
14 years ago