Air conditioners are no doubt a blessing during the summer season. Even though they can also keep your house warm and cozy during the winter season but only if they are well-maintained and working at their optimum. Part of an air conditioner being well-maintained means that the condenser coils are regularly cleaned which you can do yourself or hire AC repair services for it. So, let’s take a look into how you can clean the condenser coil along with the other coils such as the evaporator coil in just a few steps. Let’s begin!
How to Clean Air Conditioner Coils?
The air conditioner coils are amongst the most important components. The coils are directly responsible for producing both cool and hot air. Plus, both coils are located in the outdoor unit. This means that the coils bear the brunt of extreme weather conditions as they are kept exposed to the outdoor environment throughout their lifespan.
Even though cleaning air conditioner coils is something a professional is supposed to do considering the sensitivity of the process, if you have the skills and basic knowledge, you can do it on your own as well. First, you need to take the cover off and inspect the coils. If the coils have not been cleaned in a while, chances are that there is stubborn dirt and dust accumulation.
Before you can put your hands inside the unit, make sure that it is disconnected from the main power supply. Keep in mind that air conditioners utilize electricity to run. Therefore, if you were to access or clean the coils while the unit is connected to the power supply, you risk getting electrocuted.
Once you have analyzed the situation of the coils, you will need to grab a cleaning agent, water, a brush, and a soft microfiber cloth. You can either spray the cleaning agent directly on the coils or mix it with water. Consult the user’s manual as well to go through the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Spray the cleaning agent onto the coils and wait for a few minutes for it to break down the accumulation. Then, using the microfiber cloth, wipe away the accumulation. If there is still some left, repeat the process until the coils are shiny new.
How Often Should AC Coils Be Cleaned?
The cleaning frequency of AC coils depends on the region and external factors such as rain, snow, dust storms, thunderstorms, etc. If you live in an area that experiences rain mostly throughout the year, you will need to clean the coils more often as water combined with dirt and dust can result in stubborn accumulations.
Perhaps the best way to ensure timely maintenance of the coils is by consulting the user’s manual. Every manufacturer recommends cleaning and maintenance of the coils after a certain period of time depending on the usage and other factors.
However, the difference lies in the way the coils are cleaned. Both experts and manufacturers suggest not to clean such components on your own if you are not aware of the basic steps. These components are not something to experiment your skills on.
You should consult an expert and learn the procedure while he/she works on them and then maybe try doing it on your own the next time. But you will have to be extra careful each time.
Why Is It Important To Clean AC Coils?
The primary reason air conditioner coils need to be cleaned is due to the amount of air that flows across them. This brings dirt and dust, which can begin accumulating on the coils. Although the coils are designed to dissipate heat, the dust accumulation can reduce this ability, causing the coils to heat up. If the coils heat up for excessive periods, it could affect the lifespan of the coils.
As a result, the unit will consume more electricity and struggle to perform as effectively and efficiently as it was designed to in the first place. And the last thing you would want is rising energy bills having invested in an air conditioner that comes with all the latest technology and features helping reduce the energy consumption.
Final Word
Concluding, cleaning the air conditioning coils is of utmost importance. You can follow the tips mentioned above to keep them in brand new condition. But if not, hire an HVAC contractor McLean to thoroughly clean the coils at least once a year.