Cleaning your A/C’s evaporator coils and condenser coils is an easy way to improve the efficiency of your air conditioner and extend its life. Refrigerant passes through the coils and cools the interior air of your home. Over time, a lot of dust and other debris can adhere to the surface of these coils, and cause a variety of problems.
It is generally a good idea to clean the coils prior to the summer so that they are in top working order as their period of heavy usage begins. You may also want to clean them after moving into a property. The previous owner may not have known how to clean A/C coils.
How to Clean A/C Coils
- Turn off power to the A/C equipment. You can probably find a switch at the fuse box marked as A/C or HVAC.
- Open the access panel on the side of the unit. You may need a screwdriver for this.
- Review the coils and determine how dirty they are. This will help you determine what type of cleaning will be appropriate.
- If the coils are only dusty, you can simply apply a soft brush and remove the dust.
- Some people use compressed air to remove debris from the coils. This risks returning the dust into the home’s air. It may also expose the occupants to airborne mold. Be careful if you use this method because it threatens indoor air quality.
- Coils with a heavy coast of dirt may require coil-cleaning chemicals. Spray them onto the coils and allow them to bind with the grime. This combination liquefies and flows into the drain pan below.
- Replace the access panel when you are done and turn the power back on to your A/C.
Some chemical cleaners can react with different metals in the machinery and create noxious fumes. If you are worried about the safety of this procedure, call an HVAC service professional for advice.
To schedule an appointment to have your A/C coils cleaned, please contact us at Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating. Since 1978, we have been proudly servicing the HVAC needs of Texans in the McKinney, Frisco and Allen areas.
