How do you get leaves out of AC exterior fan box?
 

I have about a 3 yo Carrier AC fan at the side of my CYV that now has some leaves down in a corner of the unit. No door to get into it. Leaf blower does not blow them up and out. Any ideas. It seems as if the unit has sides that wrap around a corner on 2 sides. Thanks for helping.

Very carefully or seriously have a pro do it.

First, disconnect the unit by pulling out the breaker on the disconnect switch on the exterior wall next to the unit. If you don't want to do that, then make sure the circuit breaker on your electrical panel is off and the thermostat is turned off. Remove the screen from the top of the unit using a hex socket wrench. Then, you should be able to reach down inside the unit and remove the leaves. Be careful not to damage the thin metal fins on the coil.

Most unit’s I had you had to remove the fan assembly at top to get down to bottom where the compressor is? Not job for novice. S/m metal corners are sharp, and some models The fan assembly not easy to remove off top. I have Trane and it’s not easy.

I wait to have the pro do it when we have the annual service to the HVAC system.

The OP has a Carrier unit. It's very easy to reach down to the bottom after you remove the protective screen on the top. You could also suck the leaves out with a shop vac.

Not a big deal ... has no impact on performance ....

I agree, as long as they don't block part of the coil. But, they will get wet and could cause the unit housing to rust. Cleaning out the unit is a very easy DIY project.

If you’re talking about this protective screen

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It still has the fan assembly bolted to it so I wouldn’t call it very easy? Even though it’s easier to remove the screen and fan assembly vs top shroud, screen and fan assembly. Still or job for someone lacking mechanical ability.

Thanks. You are correct. The fan motor is attached to the protective screen. So, you would need to remove the hex screws from around the screen and lift up the screen and attached fan a few inches to get access to the inside of the unit. But, I think you could still suck out the leaves by inserting a vacuum cleaner attachment under the screen after you remove the screws. But, it would be a little more tricky than I thought.

I agree the slots or open spaces in that screen lot bigger. Now way it could be don't in mine.

Personally, I'd leaf it alone and leaf it to a professional........

Call Munn’s

The grill should have some access on one of the sides with a few screws. If not try a shop vac with a crevice tool.

Have it serviced by a professional !