Before running your AC full blast, make sure your condenser has been properly cleaned. Indoor evaporator coils are exposed to all of the dust and dirt inside the building, but outdoor coils need to deal with added dirt, leaves, grass clippings, pollen, storm debris, soot, and other contaminants.

They’re light, easy to install, very affordable, and can be left on the unit year-round. Most importantly, they do a great job of keeping the nasty sludge out of your unit in the first place.

Dog urine is bad for your condenser if you let your dog use your condenser as a relief station you’re going to need a new condenser soon. To prevent dogs from getting to their condenser, we’ve seen customers train their dog to only go in one place or build a fence around the unit.

A little vegetation trimming will go a long way towards keeping your condenser in good shape. We recommend a few feet of space on all sides of the outdoor unit — including above it — for better ventilation and to decrease the risk of debris finding its way inside.