An air conditioning unit has to endure a lot, particularly in the summer heat. For optimal functioning, the coils are supposed to be cleaned, and this guide describes how to clean the AC coils in a systematic manner.
Why is Cleaning Your AC Coils Important?
Cleaning the units’ coils is one ritual that must be practised for the health of the AC. Unclean coils reduce your unit’s efficiency, drive up energy consumption costs, and even trigger high repair costs. Cleaning them frequently is a good practice to ensure the AC’s effective performance for a long duration.
The Role of AC Coils in Your Air Conditioner’s Performance
Coils are a crucial component of an air conditioning unit. An AC has two distinct evaporator coils, which condense the air in the building, and condenser coils, which release the accumulated heat outside. These coils must remain clean to function properly.
How Dirty Coils Affect Energy Efficiency
In order to chill your living space appropriately, your AC unit has to work extra when the coils are dirty, increasing your electric bills. Economically speaking, it all makes sense when the coils are clean, and the system operates properly.
Preventing Expensive Repairs by Cleaning Your AC Coils
When coils are dirty, they tend to overheat or freeze the AC. These circumstances may cause major problems and big bucks spent on repairs down the road. The best treatment is cleaning and maintenance to keep your AC therapist happy.
Tools You’ll Need to Clean Your AC Coils
Let’s grab some tools first so that we can begin. Correct tools make a job easier and safer.
Essential Tools for Cleaning AC Coils
You’d need a soft brush, a vacuum brush attachment, a coil cleaning spray, and a hose. With the right tools, you can remove dirt and debris from the coils without harming them. You can also read How to Clean Mattress.
Choosing the Best Coil Cleaner Spray
Choose a coil cleaner that is metal-safe and doesn’t stimulate rinsing. Always read the instructions to ensure your AC unit is working properly.
Safety Equipment for Cleaning AC Coils
Eye protection and gloves should be worn for hand safety and eye safety. If chemical cleaners are being used, one should consider putting on a mask in case of inhaling fumes.
How to Clean Evaporator Coils: A Detailed Process
There’s a right way to do things and a wrong way to do them, so we begin with steps before cleaning an evaporator coil.
- Deactivate the Power Supply and Take Precautions: Turn off the air conditioner at the breaker box before commencement. This promotes your Wellbeing to a certain level. Move stuff around the AC unit to allow yourself plenty of working space.
- Get the Evaporator Dust and Residues Out: Substitutional dust and dirt can be found in the coil and removed with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner. Please do not apply excessive bending pressure to the fins, as they are very weak and prone to breaking.
- Clean the Coil Fins by Adding Coil Cleaner: Apply the coil cleaner, then saturate it by spraying the supplement on its surface. Having done that, please let it rest for the recommended period on the label. After that, use the brush to clean the threads, being extremely gentle.
- Putting the Things Back Together and Testing the Unit: After cleaning the coil, encase any disassembled components. Switch the AC on and check that everything is in order.
How to Clean Condenser Coils: A Step-by-Step Approach
The condenser coils are usually installed on the exterior sides of your house. To clean them, follow the following process.
- Disconnect the Power Connection and find the Condenser Coil: First, cut the power supply to your AC unit at the main switch. Now, locate the condenser coil. It is generally housed in a protective metal cover or mesh on the outdoor unit.
- Spray Coil Cleaner on the Condenser Fins: Spray the coil cleaner onto the condenser fins until it is fairly coated. Let it soak for the duration indicated in the product description. It will help dissolve the hardened filth.
- Rinse the Coil With Water: Take a garden hose and rinse the coil slowly. Avoid applying great pressure, as the fins may bend. Ensure that all the detergent residue and dirt have been removed.
- Dry and Reassemble the Unit: Ensure the coil has completely dried up before putting the unit back together. When you switch the unit back on, confirm that the AC has resumed functioning.
Keeping Your AC Coils Clean
Periodical measures are the best when it comes to cleaning and proper maintenance of your AC coils.
How Often Should You Clean Your AC Coils?
Regardless of where one is, cleaning the AC coils once every 12 months is wise. More often than not, depending on the level of dust or frequency of usage, more cleaning may be advised.
Routine Checks to Prevent Coil Damage
Ensure you do physical inspections on a regular basis in search of any damage, dirt, or even wear of the coils, as constant use of the coils not only results in damage but also too much wear and tear.
Tips for Long-Term AC Coil Care
Remember to put a filter in your AC unit when cleaning the indoor unit. The outdoor unit should also be cleaned to prevent dirt from building up on the coils.
Signs Your AC Coils Need Cleaning
There are a few indicators of when one can tell their AC’s coils require cleaning, which, if done, might save a lot of time and, more importantly, money.
Reduced Airflow or Cooling Efficiency
If your AC is not cooling the air as efficiently as you’d like, the coils could need cleaning. They can restore airflow and efficiency.
Abnormal Sounds
Dirty coils might also cause leaking moisture or unusual sounds in the vicinity of the AC unit. Hence, these issues must be healed as soon as possible so that even larger damage does not occur.
Increased Energy Bills Due to Dirty Coils
A surge in energy expenses can result from the AC working more than required. This is because, with time, the coils should be cleaned since dirty coils are even more expensive.
Power Sawing Errors When Cleaning AC Coils
Keep an eye out for these common mistakes, and have peace of mind when the entire procedure cleaning is done.
Using Coil Cleaner or Chemicals Systems
Applying excessive chemicals or cleaners could weaken the coils. Read the bottle’s instruction label to look for this error.
Applying High Amounts of Water Pressure
High water pressure could bend the sensitive ends of the coils, decreasing their effectiveness. Gently put the water pressure at all times.
Forgetting the Coil Fins when Cleaning
Coil fins are essentially the extensions on the coils, and together, they compose the coil systems. Even when cleaning them, ensure these extensions bend; otherwise, they will need gentle cleaning.
When to Call a Professional for AC Coil Cleaning
Specialists better perform some of the tasks. The following are the instances when you need to do so.
- Signs You Need Professional Assistance: If you have already cleaned your AC and it still does not cool the room or doubt how the maintenance work is performed, it is better to call a specialist.
- What to Expect from Professional Coil Cleaning Services: Specialists have specific equipment and techniques for coil cleaning. Moreover, they can check the unit for extra problems as they perform the services.
- How to Choose the Right HVAC Technician: Look for a well-experienced licensed technician. Try to read reviews or ask for recommendations to consider a reliable person.
Conclusion
AC coils are susceptible to dirt, leading to poor air conditioning unit functionality. However, if you adhere to the aforementioned guidelines and regularly perform routine maintenance, you can ensure that your AC performs well and has a long service life. If in doubt, always call an expert.
