‘Don’t call an HVAC tech’: Green Bay realtor shows how to fix your A/C when it isn’t working right—all you need is a garden hose
As the days continue to grow hotter, you can rely on A/C to help you get through it. And if your unit fails, this can make those days even more miserable. Not to mention, hiring an HVAC technician to inspect your system can be expensive, averaging $75 to 150 per hour (excluding diagnostic fees). Instead, a Wisconsin-based individual shares a simple DIY method for fixing a central air conditioning unit without spending a penny.
“Tip of the day, if you notice your thermostat is set lower than your actual temperature and air conditioner is on, not being able to keep up, there’s some things to mitigate this,” Green Bay relator Monte (@montereyment) tells 159,000 viewers. He credits his friend, Tyler George, for this tip.
The DIY hack in action
While standing outside, he reveals his central A/C unit filled with cottonwood leaves. In Wisconsin, cottonwood trees shed their leaves in June and July, creating a significant mess for homeowners.
“So, if you show up to your air conditioning unit is caked with cottonwood, that is not a great thing,” he says. “That just means the air conditioning is overworking and you need to water it out.”
Then, the content creator pulls out a garden hose with a red attachment nozzle. “All you need is this little garden hose,” he states.
Off camera, Monte flips on the hose and sprays the unit’s fins with water on a low-pressure setting.
“You don’t want to spray too hard because you got to keep these little coils in there all good,” he instructs. As he sprays the vents, the cottonwood leaves slowly disappear, making the unit noticeably cleaner.
“You want to get all that cottonwood down to the bottom and that’ll keep your air conditioning unit working the right way and not overworking,” he adds.
Viewers appreciate the tip
“Great tip!” one viewer wrote.
“This is the most basic advice; however, people need to hear it,” another commented.
“That works but from the inside out is better,” a third stated.
How filthy coils affect A/C temperature performance
Dirt, debris, or other obstructions on coils can affect airflow, create inconsistent temperatures, and ultimately cause the system to shut down, First Degree Air Conditioning states. To cool a room or space, the air conditioning system undergoes a cycle where heat is removed, replaced with cool air, and the hot air is circulated outside. However, the grime or buildup prevents the heat from being absorbed, thus causing the unit to overwork itself until it burns out.
It’s ideal to clean the coils at least once a year using Monte’s hack or a shop vac, a soft brush, or a mixture of water and mild detergent in a spray bottle, as recommended by U.S. Home Filter. For optimal use, remove and wash the filter. Turn off and disassemble the unit before performing these tasks.
@montereyment AC not working right? Don’t call an HVAC tech just yet… check your coils for THIS. Cottonwood is silently wrecking your system. Quick fix = cold air. ?️? #HomeTips #HVACHack #DIYFix #SummerReady #CottonwoodClog #GreenBayRealEstate #TakeActionWithMonte ⸻ ? Pro Tips: • Use on-screen captions like: ➤ “Why isn’t your AC cooling?” ➤ “Hidden airflow killer ?” ➤ “Watch this before spending $$”@Take Action Realty Group, LLC ♬ original sound – Monte
When to call an HVAC technician
Super Tech Heating & Cooling lists the signs to look out for:
- Loud, unusual noises
- Stinky smells
- Blowing in warm, hot, little, or no air
- Astronomical electric bill
The Mary Sue reached out to Monte via TikTok comment and direct message.
Update Aug. 2, 2025:
During an interview with The Mary Sue, Monte dived into more detail about how his friend introduced him to this hack.
“I had a bunch of build up around my old AC unit, I thought I needed to replace the central air unit,” he shared via TikTok direct message.
As soon as he practiced this hack, he saw an immediate difference.
“We sprayed it off and it immediately helped,” he said. “He showed the proper way was to turn off the A/C at the breaker, take the cover off and spray from the inside out. In this case, my wife brought up the fact our ac wasn’t working properly and so I remembered and figured I’d make a quick video on it.”
Although the content creator can’t speak for other A/C units, this hack worked for his.
“As far as effectiveness, it worked right away and continues too. I’m not sure about other units but know if airflow is blocked the units won’t run effectively or efficiently,” Monte said.
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
