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

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Old 02-24-2021, 01:54 PM
E Cascade E Cascade is offline
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Default 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.
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Old 02-24-2021, 02:05 PM
Stu from NYC Stu from NYC is offline
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Very carefully or seriously have a pro do it.
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Old 02-24-2021, 02:37 PM
retiredguy123 retiredguy123 is offline
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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.
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Old 02-24-2021, 03:30 PM
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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.
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Old 02-24-2021, 03:30 PM
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I wait to have the pro do it when we have the annual service to the HVAC system.
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Old 02-24-2021, 03:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Topspinmo View Post
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.
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.
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Old 02-24-2021, 04:06 PM
RICH1 RICH1 is offline
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Not a big deal ... has no impact on performance ....
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Old 02-24-2021, 04:22 PM
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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.
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Old 02-24-2021, 04:39 PM
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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.
If you’re talking about this protective screen

Air Grille - 333760-414 | Fast Shipping - Repair Clinic

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.
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Old 02-24-2021, 05:01 PM
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If you’re talking about this protective screen

Air Grille - 333760-414 | Fast Shipping - Repair Clinic

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.
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Old 02-24-2021, 06:11 PM
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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.
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Old 02-25-2021, 07:47 AM
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Personally, I'd leaf it alone and leaf it to a professional........
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Old 02-25-2021, 07:58 AM
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Call Munn’s
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Old 02-25-2021, 08:18 AM
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Originally Posted by E Cascade View Post
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.
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.
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Old 02-25-2021, 08:51 AM
tko1208 tko1208 is offline
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Have it serviced by a professional !
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