water on air compressor

July 23, 2005 3:40 PM

Home HVAC filter: a/c compressors...

I have a 4 ton York A/C compressor outside, am I helping it or hurting it by spraying cold water on the surrounding cooling fins on a 100 degree day?

posted by stevejensen to home & garden (5 answers total)

I would say that you are helping it out, since it's job is to get rid of heat. However, I am not a scientist, I just play one on tv.
posted by lee at 3:58 PM on July 23, 2005

Sure you're helping it cool, especially if it's a dry day. I don't know what they charge for water in Chicago though - you might find the cost of the water use outweighs the electricity savings.
posted by Popular Ethics at 8:48 PM on July 23, 2005

Just saw this while wondering around

http://www.acmister.com/default.asp
posted by lee at 10:02 PM on July 23, 2005

That's funny, I just last Thursday learned how to service the 5 ton York A/C unit at the performance joint that I help run in my spare time.

Spraying water on the coils/fins probably does have a small beneficial effect, but you should be servicing the thing properly and then just leaving it alone. You need to A) clean the air filters, B) clean the condenser coils and C) clean the evaporator coils.

It costs $50-$100 to have a guy come out and do it for you. Hire him, be friendly, and learn as much as you can. Then do it yourself twice a year in the spring and fall.

Leave the refrigerant (nee freon) checks to the pros though.
posted by intermod at 8:05 PM on July 24, 2005

Does an AC mister work on Heat Pumps as well? I'm replacing my unit now, and it makes sense to do this at the same time if there is a real benefit. But, I have a heat pump system, not an AC system. Does it make any difference?
posted by wflanagan at 8:37 PM on July 24, 2005