It is important to service your air conditioning system to ensure that it is in the right condition to perform its functions, become more efficient, and last longer. One part that needs constant attention is the evaporator coil.
Cleaning the evaporator coil is important for maintaining the efficiency of your HVAC system, effective use of energy, and better air quality in your house.
In this article, we will explain step by step how to clean evaporator coils , why it is necessary, and how you can maintain your system properly.
Why You Need to Clean Your Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coil is the component that is supposed to pull heat from the air inside your home and, therefore, is very important in the cooling process of your air conditioning system.
Over time, the coil can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris, which impairs its function and leads to several problems:
- Decreased Efficiency: Dusty or dirty coils will make your AC work harder to cool your house, using more power.
- Higher Energy Bills: A system working overtime will consume more power which will lead to increased bills.
- Increased Wear and Tear: Dirt accumulation adds stress to your system; this may reduce the life span of your system.
- Poor Air Quality: Dirty coils circulate dust and debris throughout your home and reduce the quality of the air inside it.
- Potential System Failure: At worst, dirty coils may lead to system failures or system freeze-up.
Such problems can be avoided through regular ac evaporator cleaning and thus ensure that your air conditioning is in good condition.
Essential Steps on How to clean AC evaporator coils
For those who prefer a quick reference, here’s a simplified list of the steps involved in cleaning your AC evaporator coils :
- Turn Off the Power : Shut off the power to the HVAC system to avoid electric shock.
- Access the Evaporator Coil : Remove the access panel using a screwdriver.
- Inspect the Coil : Check the coil for dirt, dust, or debris.
- Light Cleaning : Use a soft brush to clean light dust from the coil gently.
- Use Compressed Air : Blow out the dirt with compressed air for moderate buildup.
- Apply Coil Cleaner or Detergent : Spray a coil cleaner or mild detergent on the coil for more intense cleaning.
- Rinse the Coil : Rinse the coil with water, being careful not to soak the electrical components.
- Straighten Bent Fins : Use a fin comb to straighten any bent fins.
- Reassemble the Unit : Replace the access panel and secure it with screws.
- Turn the Power Back On: Restore power to the unit and test your AC.
How to Clean AC Evaporator Coils: A Detailed Guide
One might be daunted at the thought of cleaning HVAC coils independently, but it is quite doable with the right equipment and guidance.
Here is a step-by-step guide that will make it easy for you to clean your evaporator coils.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Soft brush (coil brush)
- Compressed air canister or air compressor
- Mild detergent or coil cleaner
- Water
- Fin comb (optional)
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Screwdriver (to access the coils)
Step 1: The first thing that needs to be done is to ensure that the power supply is switch off.
First, make sure that the HVAC system‘s power supply is off to avoid electrical shock. You can switch off the power by finding your unit’s power switch or turning off the circuit breaker.
Step 2: Access the Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is situated inside the indoor part of your air conditioning system, close to the blower or furnace. To access it, remove the access panel using a screwdriver.
Step 3: Check the Coil
After the coil is exposed, then one should check for dirt and debris accumulation on the coil. As for the level of coil’s contamination, you can use one or another cleaning method.
Step 4: Light Cleaning with a Brush
For a less dirty coil, a soft brush should be used to sweep through the surface to remove debris. It is advisable not to fold the fins because they are quite fragile and may hinder the flow of air.
Step 5: Use Compressed Air
For moderate amount of dirt, one can use compressed air to blow the dust off the coil. To clean the dirt that is stuck on the fins, one should direct the airflow along the fins. Make sure you wear safety goggles to protect your eyes when using the equipment.
Step 6: Use Coil Cleaner or Mild Detergent
If the coils are very dirty, then use a coil cleaner or a solution of mild detergent and water. Apply the cleaner on the coil and allow it to dwell for some few minutes to enable it to soften the dirt.
Step 7: Rinse the Coil
After the cleaning is done, one should rinse the coil with water using a garden hose or a spray bottle. It is advisable not to use high pressure water so as not to damage the fins and should not wet electrical parts.
Step 8: Straighten Bent Fins
If any of the coil fins are bent, you should use a fin comb to correct this. Straight fins help ensure the proper flow of air, which is crucial for the system’s proper functioning.
Step 9: Reassemble the Unit
Upon completion of cleaning, one should put back the access panel and secure it if it has screws. Make sure that all the elements are available.
Step 10: Turn the Power Back On
Lastly, switch on the power of your system by switching on the power supply by turning on the breaker or the power switch. Check your AC to see whether it is working properly or not in order to ensure that you are comfortable.
How Often Should You Clean Your Evaporator Coils?
It is, therefore, important to clean the evaporator coils of your air conditioning system frequently to ensure that it is in good shape.
Here are some guidelines:
- Annually: The coils should be cleaned at least once a year as part of regular HVAC system maintenance.
- Every six months: If you have plenty of dust around your home, if you have pets or if you use your air conditioner often, you should clean the coils every half a year.
DIY Cleaning vs. Hiring a Professional
While it’s possible to clean your air conditioner coils yourself, hiring a professional HVAC technician has its benefits:
- Deep Cleaning: They have the right tools and use them to ensure that they provide the needed services.
- Expertise: If the coil is very clogged or your system is under warranty, it is advisable to get the services of a professional.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Air Conditioner
In addition to regular coil cleaning, follow these maintenance tips for a more efficient system:
- Change Air Filters Regularly : Dirty filters can speed up coil buildup. Replace filters every 1-3 months.
- Keep the Area Around the Unit Clean : Clear debris, such as leaves or grass, from around your outdoor unit.
- Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance : Annual or bi-annual professional maintenance ensures optimal performance.
- Monitor Airflow : If you notice reduced cooling or airflow, it may be a sign your coils need cleaning.
Conclusion
It is very important to know how to clean AC evaporator coils, and this article will take you through the process step by step.
This guide will help you maintain your system to its optimum performance, reduce your energy consumption, and increase the life span of your HVAC unit.
For more understanding of how to clean the air conditioner, it is advisable to call a professional to ensure it is well maintained.
Cleaning evaporator coils is a relatively inexpensive way to prevent short and long-term problems for your HVAC system.
