Because of this, your air conditioner’s efficiency will decline, the likelihood of a breakdown will rise, and the performance will suffer. Read on to find out how to service your air conditioner coils and how often should you clean them!
Air Conditioner Coils – Should You Clean Them?
There are two varieties of coils in your central air conditioner (AC). Evaporator coils remove moisture and heat from the air. The condenser coils vent the hot air outside. In order to function at peak efficiency, both of the coils must be functioning properly.
If you do not have an air conditioner maintenance plan, you should clean the condenser coils yourself; however, you should do so very carefully as a single mistake can cause big damage. Call a professional to assist you if you feel uneasy taking on this task alone.
Process of Cleaning Air Conditioner Coils:
- Turn off the thermostat and the main power switch.
- Check the device for obvious signs of damage. If you see any serious damage, do not hesitate to contact a professional.
- Clear the exterior of the unit of leaves and other debris.
- To repair bent cooling fins, use a fin comb. Carefully remove the unit’s top and set it aside. Attaching the fan’s motor at the top is an option. Locate the top in a safe spot away from the fan’s blades and electrical connections.
- Remove any mud and dirt from the base of the appliance. Thoroughly vacuum the fins with the brush attachment. The vacuuming action should be up and down to prevent the bending of the fins.
- Apply a coil cleaner or a detergent/water mixture to the outside of the fins and let it sit for 5 minutes. Rinse the coil cleaner off with water using a garden sprayer. Do not spray the engine of the fan.
- Put everything back together and flip the power switch. Place the thermostat on the cool setting.
- Check outside for any strange noises and give a call to an expert immediately if you detect anything.
Spraying Water on Your Air Conditioner:
Air conditioners may be cleaned by spraying them with water. You can use the garden hose you have had for years without any special care. Turn it on full blast and give the whole thing a good soaking to get it sparkling clean.
If you want your condenser to function at peak efficiency, you should spray it down every so often. However, you must take care not to wet the components of an air conditioner that should stay dry, otherwise, you cause irreparable damage to the device. Condenser maintenance is not rocket science, but if you have any worries at all, it is better to call a technician for advice than risk ruining your air conditioner.
Importance of Cleaning Air Conditioner Coils:
Airflow across the coils, surface wetness from the cooling process, and the close spacing between the fins all contribute to the accumulation of dirt, dust, debris, and other pollutants on the coil surfaces. This accumulation lessens the efficiency of the system over time, making it less effective in removing heat from your home during the summer.
More seriously, filthy coils can completely obstruct the vital airflow that underpins the whole operation. A decrease in home comfort and an increase in energy costs are possible outcomes of this. Additionally, filthy coils cause the system to work harder than necessary, which can reduce its lifespan and lead to costly repairs. Simply said, the air conditioner’s efficiency rises in direct proportion to how clean the coil is.
Consequences of Not Cleaning Air Conditioner Coils:
- Enhanced working temperatures: To attain the desired level of indoor comfort, fans, and compressors may have to work harder and at higher operating temperatures if dirt and debris have accumulated to an excessive degree.
- Reduced ease of being: As part of the cooling process, your air conditioner also helps eliminate the humidity that can make a home uncomfortable. Reduced efficiency due to dirty coils might lead to increased humidity inside and decreased comfort.
- There is a decline in cooling capacity: Due to the accumulation on their surface, the coils have to work harder to collect or release heat, reducing their efficiency.
- Rising air conditioning bills: Lower efficiency in operation leads to increased costs. It can cost you extra to keep your room cool if the coils are dirty.
- Enhanced system wear: When the evaporator coil is obstructed, the compressor must work harder and at higher temperatures, which is hard on the whole system. The compressor is one of the most expensive parts of an air conditioner system to replace, so taking care of it can save you money in the long run.
- Maintenance or replacement of the system: Overstressed parts can cause a system to fail, necessitating service calls, part replacement, or even system replacement.
How Often Should Air Conditioner Coils Be Cleaned?
It seems to reason that filthy air conditioning coils should be cleaned. The rate at which they become dirty, however, is affected by factors such as the number of people living in the house, the amount of dust and debris in the air both inside and outside, the frequency with which the air filter is changed, and whether or not a filter is even there.
We recommend having an HVAC technician inspect your system at least once a year, preferably before the warm weather arrives and your air conditioner is put to heavy use. When you really need it, they can come in and clean the coils, swap out the filters, and test the system to make sure it is in top shape. For Aircon servicing of any kind, Socool is the best available.