An air conditioner is an appliance that most homeowners use all year long. This means that it’s essential to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. One part of the AC unit that often gets neglected is the coils. Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can build up on the coils and prevent them from doing their job correctly. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to clean your air conditioner’s coils so that you can enjoy optimal performance all year long.
What are Air conditioner Coils?
An air conditioner’s coils are essential parts of the unit. The coils are basically what absorbs the heat from the air in your home and release it outside. There are two types of coils- AC condenser coils and indoor evaporator coils.
The AC condenser coils are located outside your home. These coils help to absorb the heat from the refrigerant inside the AC unit. The refrigerant is then pumped to the indoor evaporator coils, releasing the heat into your home.
The indoor evaporator coils are located inside your home. These coils help to cool the air as it passes over them. They also help to remove moisture from the air, which can help to reduce humidity levels in your home.
Steps to Clean Air Conditioner Condenser Coils
- Locate the condenser coils on the AC condenser. The coils are usually located on the top or sides of the unit.
- Turn off the electric breaker before beginning any cleaning. This will ensure your safety and prevent any damage to the unit.
- Remove the covers of the AC unit. This will give you access to the coils.
- Remove the condenser fan assembly from the unit. The fan blades can be sharp, so use caution when removing them.
- Inspect the AC unit from the inside. Remove any dirt or debris that you see.
- Vacuum the coils with a soft brush attachment to remove any dust or dirt clinging to them. Be careful not to bend or damage the fins on the coils.
- Straighten out any bent fins with a fin comb. This will help improve airflow through the coils and make them more effective at cooling your home.
- Clean protective grills with soap and water before putting them back in place
- Use a chemical coil cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions (AC Safe brand is available at most stores that sell air conditioning units). Please do not use a pressure washer when cleaning coils, as this can damage them beyond repair.
- Spray water on coils until they are completely wet, and then allow to drip dry before reassembling the unit.
- Reassemble the unit and turn on electricity at the breaker box when everything is in its place, including all wiring and connections made correctly.
- Monitor operation for 1st 10-20 minutes to ensure everything is working right before leaving it unattended.
Steps to Clean AC Indoor Evaporator Coils
- The first step is to locate the evaporator coils inside your air conditioner. This is typically a metal box that contains a fan. The evaporator coils are usually located near the top of the unit on the side that faces into the room (as opposed to the side that faces outside). If you’re having trouble finding them, consult your air conditioner’s manual or call us, and we’ll be happy to help.
- Once you’ve located the coils, the next step is to turn off the electric breaker that powers your air conditioner. This is a safety precaution as you don’t want to be working with electrical components while they’re powered on.
- After the power is off, you can remove any covers or panels blocking access to the coils. Again, if you’re unsure of how to do this, consult your air conditioner’s manual or give us a call for assistance.
- Next, use a vacuum cleaner with a soft-bristle attachment to vacuum any dust or debris off the coils. Be sure to move slowly so that you don’t damage the coils. It’s also a good idea to vacuum around the coils’ area to remove any dust buildup.
- After vacuuming, check the fins on the coils to see if any are bent out of shape. If they are, use a fin comb (available at most hardware stores) to straighten them back into place. This will help improve airflow and prevent future damage to the fins.
- Next, use a chemical coil cleaner specifically designed for air conditioners (never use household cleaners as they can damage delicate electronic components). Follow all manufacturer instructions when using this product, carefully not to splash it onto anything other than the coils themselves. Once applied, let it sit for several minutes before rinsing it away with water from a hose or bucket.
- After everything is clean and dry, reassemble your air conditioner following all manufacturer instructions. Once everything is back in place, please turn on the power at the breaker box and test your unit to make sure it’s running correctly again
When Should You Clean Aircon Coils?
Ideally, it would help if you cleaned your air conditioner’s coils at least once a year. However, if you live in an area with high pollen counts or a lot of dust in the air, you may need to clean them more often. Additionally, if your unit isn’t cooling as well as it used to, that could be a sign that the coils need to be cleaned.
Key Takeaways
Cleaning your air conditioner’s coils is a relatively simple task that can significantly affect how well your unit runs. Doing this annually can help keep your air conditioner running properly for years to come. If you have any questions about how to clean your air conditioner’s coils or would like an AC technician to assist you, feel free to give us a call. We’re always happy to help!