Clean your outdoor condenser
A dusty or salt-crusted condenser makes the compressor work harder. Coastal San Diego units need a hose rinse more often than inland ones.
What you'll learn
- Why coastal salt air eats coils in La Jolla, Del Mar, and Carlsbad
- The right way to rinse (garden hose, not pressure washer)
- Why a 2-foot clearance around the unit matters
- How often coastal homes need this vs. inland
Step by step
- Turn off power at the disconnect box next to the unit.
- Remove leaves, twigs, and debris from top and sides.
- Use a garden hose (no pressure washer) to rinse fins from inside out.
- Let dry 15 minutes. Turn power back on.
- Keep a 2-foot clearance, no plants, no storage.
Safety note
In La Jolla, Del Mar, and coastal Carlsbad, salt corrosion is real. Rinse every 6–8 weeks, not just twice a year.
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