Out of sight, out of mind? Not when it comes to cleaning your AC’s coils. With warmer months upon us, your air conditioner is about to get a lot more use in the coming months. To make sure it works properly and you stay cool all summer long, read below on how to clean your AC’s coils.
What are AC Coils or Evaporator Coils?
Evaporator coils capture the heat from inside your home, while condenser coils release the heat outside. Evaporator coils are located inside the AC air handling unit. Condenser coils are contained in the outdoor cabinet.
Evaporator coils are a main component of what keeps your home cool. They provide the cool air and also work to dehumidify your space. If your evaporator coils are dirty, then its two primary functions won’t be achieved.
What Happens if I Don’t Clean Dirty AC Coils?
- Increased energy bills/consumption
- Increased wear and tear on the system
- Decreased cooling effect
Call us at (321) 269-4565 or schedule an HVAC Cleaning to help your AC unit run more efficiently
How to Clean AC Evaporator Coils Inside
First of all, evaporator coils should be cleaned and checked as needed. If you find your coils are extremely dirty, try checking them once a month. You can also have a scheduled cleaning of them every three months during hotter times of the year.
The evaporator coils are located in an access panel on the side of the AC unit. You can loosen the panel with a screwdriver to gain easy access.
Before Cleaning:
- Turn off your AC at the thermostat.
- Loosen the screws that hold the access panel up for entry.
AC Coil Cleaning Brush:
If you decide to clean with a brush, there are a few things to know. Cleaning with a brush can provide you more control over the amount of pressure applied to the coils. This approach also helps you avoid harsh chemicals and liquids.
Start scrubbing the coils with the brush and push away any dirt that has accumulated. Brush harder in some areas that have a lot of buildup. Be mindful to avoid wire brushes or brushes with hard bristles. You don’t want to ruin the fins on your AC unit.
Cleaning AC Coils With Mild Detergent and Water:
If you don’t want to use harsh chemicals, but still want an easy way to keep your AC clean, then mix water and a mild detergent in a spray bottle. Spray this solution on your evaporator coils and let it sit for a few seconds to minutes. Then wipe away with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Before Cleaning Condenser Coils:
Shut off the power to the AC unit. This is the safest way to make sure no surprises arise while you’re cleaning your unit.
You can use a pump sprayer to clean the condenser coils. Fill the sprayer with the cleaning detergent and start spraying the AC unit. Once you’re done spraying with the detergent, let it sit for a few minutes. After the detergent has soaked, take a hose and spray the AC unit with water. This will rinse any remaining detergent off and leave your condenser coils clean. Make sure to spray away the leftover debris around the unit.
How to Clean AC Condenser Coils Outside
The condenser coils are on the outside of the unit. Cleaning these coils will require an AC cleaning detergent. You can get cleaning detergent online or ask your trusted technician for suggestions.
This procedure can be done in the same swoop as cleaning the evaporator coils. These cleaning techniques provide an easy solution to a potentially annoying problem. Using water and detergent, you can keep your AC unit working like brand new.
Or Call Colman Heating & Air to Schedule AC Cleaning and Maintenance!
We are ready and able to help you with any of your AC maintenance needs. Whether it’s cleaning your unit or installing a new system, we are happy to help. Call us today or request an appointment online.
