If you have air conditioning, coil cleaning is an important HVAC maintenance step. The coils can easily get clogged with dirt and debris. Unless cleaned at least once a year, heating or cooling performance may decrease and the system can be damaged. Fortunately, a professional has the tools and equipment to thoroughly clean your HVAC coils to prevent these issues.
To understand how important coil cleaning is, first, we’ll look at the two types of coils in your HVAC system.
- Condenser Coils: Located in the outdoor condenser unit, these coils release heat absorbed by the refrigerant into the outside air.
- Evaporator Coils: Located inside the air handler or furnace, these coils remove heat from indoor air; moisture that collects outside the coil flows to the drain pan.
Refrigerant circulates through these coils to transfer heat, so your home is comfortable throughout the year. But if your home is dusty, lint is common, or you have pets, the coils can more easily get coated in dirt.
Why Should I Have My HVAC Coils Cleaned?
Air conditioner coil cleaning is important for many reasons. Here are some of the benefits of keeping evaporator and condenser coils free of dirt and grime:
- Save on Energy Bills: When dirt covers an AC coil, it impedes heat transfer. Therefore, the entire system works harder to achieve and maintain the set temperature, which increases energy consumption and causes your electricity bill to increase.
- Prevent Costly HVAC Breakdowns: Inefficient coils and decreased airflow cause the compressor and other major parts to work harder, which increases wear and tear. The risk of frozen coils and refrigerant leaks also increases. A coil cleaning can avoid an HVAC breakdown or other emergency.
- Increase the System’s Lifespan: Most HVAC systems are designed to last 10 to 15 years. However, maintenance issues such as dirty coils accelerate wear and tear, which in turn strain internal components and shorten the lifespan of equipment.
- Improve Indoor Comfort: Aside from reduced cooling performance, failing to keep the coils clean can prevent the system from removing humidity. As a result, your home feels warm and sticky and never quite gets cool enough, no matter what you set the thermostat to.
- Improve Indoor Air Quality: As air is blown through coils coated in dirt and debris, particles and other pollutants are picked up and circulated into breathable air. People with allergies and asthma are especially vulnerable to issues, but poor indoor air quality is no good for anyone.
- A Technician Can Inspect the Entire System: When a technician comes to perform an air conditioner coil cleaning, they can also perform a detailed inspection of the system. They can recommend steps to improve efficiency or make repairs based on their findings.
How Can I Do an Air Conditioning Coil Cleaning?
It’s best to let professionals clean HVAC coils. The slightest damage can cause a refrigerant leak and the entire system to malfunction. Nonetheless, coil cleaning solutions are commercially available, or you can apply a mix of mild household detergent and water with a low-pressure sprayer. A garden hose can be used at low pressure to rinse an outdoor coil. High pressure or an acidic cleanser can damage the sensitive copper and metal alloys.
Can I Prevent AC Coils from Getting Dirty?
To prevent the coils from becoming dirty, clean the area around the outdoor condenser. You can also hose down its exterior every month. Indoor units should be kept clean and dust-free to avoid dirty coils. Also, remember to change the air filter regularly. The health of AC coils is one reason to do so, as dirt and debris from a clogged filter can build up on them and reduce efficiency.
Why Should I Hire a Professional for HVAC Coil Cleaning?
Depending on the model, an HVAC unit may have specific coil cleaning requirements. It may also require certain tools or methods to access the condenser or evaporator coil. An experienced HVAC contractor knows how to maintain the coils of different types of units. Meanwhile, cleaning outdoor coils may require removing the outer casing and coil guard as well as straightening bent fins.
Technicians have the equipment and expertise to safely and effectively clean the coils in your system and ensure there are no other problems to address.
Call Air Stars to Schedule an Air Conditioning Coil Cleaning
Routine maintenance improves HVAC system efficiency, performance, and reliability. It can also prevent big repairs and increase equipment life expectancy, saving you time and money. Our team cleans the condenser and evaporator coils during routine inspections, but contact us whenever you notice dirt and grime coating the coils in the outdoor or indoor unit. To schedule coil cleaning and HVAC maintenance, call (503) 483-8616 today.
