Table of Contents
Mix a simple detergent and warm water in a spray bottle or garden sprayer. Spray the solution onto the evaporator coils and give it a few minutes to soak in and loosen the dirt and debris. Wipe away any loosened material with a soft brush or cloth and reapply as needed.
Does cleaning AC condenser coils help?
Surprisingly, we found that dirty air conditioner condensers often perform better than clean ones. The change in condenser coil heat transfer performance ranged from a 7 percent increase to a 7 percent decrease for the coils we tested. Most of the condenser coils we tested in the lab were cleaner than both of those.
Is cleaning AC coils worth it?
It’s important to keep the AC coils clean so that heat can exchange efficiently through the coils without being blocked by dirt and debris. If the evaporator coils are dirty, they can’t remove as much heat or humidity from your space and will take longer to cool the air.
Do you need to clean condenser coil?
As a general rule, your AC condenser coil needs to be cleaned twice per year. However, the more active your air conditioner is, the more of a workout you give it, and depending on where it’s located and what it’s subjected to every day, the more frequent the cleanings should be.
What can I use to clean my AC condenser coils?
In place of a commercial cleaner, you can use a mild detergent and warm water to clean the coils. Mix warm water and a simple detergent in a spray bottle, hand sprayer, or garden sprayer. Apply the water and detergent solution to the evaporator coils.
What happens if you don’t clean your AC coils?
The short answer. Dirt & grime on AC coils makes it harder for your equipment to transfer heat. That means it has to run longer and work harder to do it’s job, using more energy and causing parts to wear and break down. Dirty coils also get corroded which leads to refrigerant leaks.
How much does cleaning AC coils help?
Multiple other studies, including those performed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) prove that you can save 10-25% of the average operating cost of your HVAC unit by cleaning both sets of coils annually.
How often should AC evaporator coils be cleaned?
To minimize energy usage and reduce utility costs, the A/C coils should be cleaned at least once a year. It is estimated that dirty evaporator and condenser coils can increase the energy usage of your air conditioning system by over 30 percent.
What happens if AC coils are dirty?
An air conditioner with a dirty condenser coil may also lose some of its ability to provide cool air. The problems that result from a dirty condenser coil can also impact the operating life of the unit. A dirty condenser coil forces the unit to work harder, which leads to more wear and tear on the system.
How often should AC be cleaned?
Experts in air conditioning advise that even if there is nothing wrong with your air conditioning unit, you still need to have it cleaned at least once every 12 months to make sure that your air conditioner is working at its peak efficiency during the season when you need it the most.
How do you clean condensing coils?
How to Clean Condenser Coils Turn the thermostat and main power switch off. Visually inspect the unit for damage. Remove leaves and debris from the outside of the unit. Use a cooling fin comb to straighten any bent fins. Remove the top of the unit, carefully. Vacuum dirt and debris out of the bottom of the unit.
How do I know if my condenser coil is dirty?
When the AC coils are dirty, the unit has to work longer and harder to cool the inside space. You’ll hear the blower running and feel air coming out of the ducts for a long period of time.
Is it necessary to clean AC outdoor unit?
Outdoor units take a lot of dust, dirt and different debris, so that is why it is always a better idea to start cleaning from the outside. Duct cleaning is also important because it increases the efficiency of the air conditioner.
What can I use instead of coil cleaner?
Use a Little Soap, a Little Water, and a Lot of Elbow Grease Fortunately, all you need is some mild dishwashing detergent, white vinegar, plenty of warm distilled water, and a couple of spray bottles, as well as a soft bristle brush.
Will vinegar clean AC coils?
Yes, vinegar mixed with water is often used to clean AC coils at home. However, vinegar is usually effective only against lighter dirt build-ups. Nevertheless, you can keep your coils in good shape by mixing white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spraying the mixture onto the coils.
Can you use Simple Green to clean air conditioner coils?
Use a hose to spray out your AC unit, without spraying the disconnect or the electrical components inside the access panel. Spray the coils down with Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner. Let the Simple Green sit 10-15 minutes to penetrate heavier soils, and then hose it down again.
Can Dirty coils cause AC to not work?
If your coils are dirty, they won’t be able to work properly and your AC will work longer and harder than it should. The more your AC strains, the more likely it is that your AC will break down.
Can a dirty condenser cause AC freeze up?
Dirty coils can cause freezing because the layer of dirt on top of the coils can prevent them from absorbing the water fast enough. Bi-annual checkups from your local HVAC professional can keep your AC’s coils clean.
Why is coil cleaning important?
Heat gets trapped inside and can’t be effectively released when it is covered with dirt and debris. This will lead to inefficient cooling and increased energy consumption. It is important to have your air conditioner cleaned regularly. Cleaning your AC condenser coil should be a part of it.
What is the purpose of cleaning coils?
Reduce your energy costs with better unit efficiency. The accumulation of grime on coils reduces the amount of airflow, limiting heat transfer and degrading the dehumidification process. This reduced efficiency adds up quickly in higher energy costs, such as 5-ton units barely operating at a 3-ton level.
