Why Clean Dirty AC Evaporator Coils?

Over time, the evaporator coil can get dirty and clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris. When this happens, it becomes less efficient at absorbing heat, which means that your air conditioner will have to work harder to cool your home.

This can result in higher energy bills, reduced cooling performance, and even system failure. Therefore, it is essential to clean dirty AC evaporator coils regularly to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your air conditioning system.

Tools and Materials Needed

Cleaning AC evaporator coils requires these tools and materials:

• A coil or soft brush cleans.
• Air compressed
• Fin comb
• Coil cleaner without rinse
• A mild detergent spray bottle
• Goggles and gloves protect

Step-by-Step Guide to AC Evaporator Coil Cleaning

1. Turn Off the Power

Turn off the power for safety. Turn off the AC before cleaning the coil. Turning off the AC circuit breaker generally does this. Avoiding electric shock while working on the equipment is vital.

2. Open Evaporator Coils

AC evaporator coils are usually in the air handler or indoor unit. Coil access may require removing the access panel. Consult your air conditioner’s handbook for specific instructions.

3. Inspect Coils

Check evaporator coils for debris, dust, and other accumulation. If coils are only slightly unclean, brushing may work. If accumulation is severe, you must clean more thoroughly.

4. Brush Dirt Off

Gently brush loose dirt and debris from coils with a soft brush. Try not to harm the coils’ fragile fins. Bent fins can be straightened with a fin comb to improve coil airflow.

5. Compress air

Blow stubborn dirt away using compressed air. Carefully blow air through the coils with the nozzle away from them to avoid introducing dirt into the system. This procedure removes dust and grime from obscure coil regions.

6. Clean coils no-rinse

Apply no-rinse coil cleaning on evaporator coils for a deeper clean. The cleansers break down and remove tough filth and grime. Spray cleaner evenly on coils and let it sit for the product’s specified duration. Foaming cleanser lifts debris from coils, which drips into drain pan.

7. Drain pan cleanup

When cleaning evaporator coils, also clean the drain pan. Clogged debris can build up in this pan, which collects coil condensation. Clean the drain pan and remove clogs with a spray bottle of mild detergent.

8. Reassemble unit

After cleaning and drying the coils and drain pan, carefully reassemble the access panel and other parts. Power up after checking everything is secure.

9. Get Professional AC Cleaning

AC evaporator coils can be cleaned yourself, but you may choose a professional ac cleaning service. Professionals can clean coils and optimize your system with their expertise and equipment. Professional maintenance can also spot flaws before they become major.

Tips for Maintaining Clean AC Evaporator Coils

Here are some tips you can follow to keep your coils clean for longer periods. Here are some tips for maintaining clean AC evaporator coils:

• Change your air filter regularly: A dirty air filter can lead to dirty evaporator coils, so make sure to change your air filter regularly. A good rule of thumb is to change your air filter every 1-3 months.
• Keep the area around the AC unit clean: Debris and dust can accumulate around the AC unit and enter the system, leading to dirty coils. Regularly clean the area around the AC unit and keep it free of debris.
• Schedule professional AC maintenance: Professional AC maintenance can help identify any potential issues before they become a more significant problem. Regular maintenance can also include cleaning the evaporator coils, ensuring that they are always in good condition.
• Consider using an air purifier: Air purifiers can help remove dust and other pollutants from the air, reducing the amount of debris that can accumulate on your evaporator coils.

By following these tips, you can help maintain clean evaporator coils, which will help keep your AC unit working efficiently and prolong its lifespan.