Should I clean my AC coils?
Your air conditioner coils are vital to its operation. Keeping them clean will ensure your air conditioner is performing at peak levels. All Climate Heating & Cooling recommends you clean your coils at least once a year, preferably in the spring, before summer heats up. Twice a year is even better. A fall cleaning can be valuable as well.
Here are some benefits of AC coil cleaning in Greensboro, NC:
- Clean coils will lower energy bills. Dirty coils cause the air conditioner to work harder and expend more energy.
- Cleaning coils will help you save on repair and maintenance costs. Coil cleaning is a fast and effective maintenance service.
- Cleaning coils will help your AC last longer. The less work your AC has to do, the longer parts last and the longer the unit itself will last.
If you’re ready to save money and extend your air conditioner’s life, set up a time for AC coil cleaning by calling our team at 336-214-1972.
Where are the AC coils located?
Your air conditioner functions with two types of coils–the evaporator coil and the condenser coil. You can find the evaporator coil in the air handler unit inside your home. This coil absorbs the heat and humidity from your home. The condenser coil is found in the outside unit and it releases any excess heat from your home to the outside.
How do I know if my AC coil is dirty?
Clean evaporator coils will ensure that your air conditioner will perform at peak levels. Here are a few ways to tell if your evaporator coils are dirty:
- The air conditioner will run longer than normal. That’s because the dirt and debris are blocking heat absorption and making the air conditioner work harder to cool your home.
- Dirt and debris that’s built up on the coil will cause the AC to cool less effectively.
- If frost builds up on the coils, dirt and debris are preventing proper heat absorption, and causing the refrigerant to become too cold. This, in turn, causes water vapor to condense on the coil.
- Dirty coils will cause your AC to work harder. Extra energy use results in higher bills. Clean coils will save you money.
- Dirt and debris can cause restricted airflow. This makes your AC work harder to cool your home.
All of these issues will cause your air conditioner to expend more energy which will cost you in utility bills as well as affect the wear and tear on your machine.
How long does a coil cleaning take?
An AC coil cleaning generally only takes about half an hour.
How long do you wait before turning your AC on after cleaning the coils?
After your AC coils have been cleaned, you’ll have to let the coils dry before turning the air conditioner on again. For the coils to dry, you leave the access panel off and let them dry for 30-60 minutes. After they are thoroughly dry, you can turn the air conditioner back on.
Can I clean my air conditioner coils myself?
It is possible to clean your AC coils on your own. To do so you will need the right equipment and cleansers.
One method for cleaning the coils is to use a combination of compressed air, a shop vac, and heavy-duty chemicals. It’s best to only use this method on your outdoor condenser coils. Using this method indoors, you’ll end up blowing dirt and debris into your home.
You can also clean your coils with household detergent and water. You apply the mixture with a low-pressure sprayer. Allow the coil to drain naturally or rinse it with a garden hose.
You can also use commercially available chemical cleansers that come in low-pressure sprayers or aerosol cans. It’s usually best to let HVAC contractors clean the coils using these chemical cleaners. Contractors often use special brushes to clean out the larger bits of debris.
If you have any doubts about AC coil cleaning, you should call a professional.
Does spraying your AC unit with water help?
As temperatures rise in the summer, your air conditioner works harder to keep you cool. One thing you can do to ease some of the energy use is to spray your unit with water. It helps lower the ambient temperature, which in turn, keeps the air conditioner from working as hard to keep things cool. And while it’s wise not to mix water and electricity with most appliances, it’s OK to do so with an AC. You can even spray the water while the air conditioner is running.
Of course, spraying water on your AC is a temporary fix. You can also set your thermostat to around 77-78 degrees to reduce energy usage. But, regular maintenance, including coil cleaning, is the best way to ensure that your AC is working at peak efficiency.
You can also spray water on your condenser coils to remove some of the debris that’s settled on them. Do this about twice a year. You can do a more thorough coil cleaning about once a year, usually in the spring.
How long do AC coils last?
The lifespan of AC coils will vary but typically they’ll last about as long as your air conditioner does. This means you’ll get about 15 years or so out of your coils. As with any component, keeping the coils clean will give them a longer lifespan.
What damages the AC coil?
Evaporator coil leaks are caused by the corrosion of the copper tubing in the coil. Corrosion usually occurs because formic acid accumulates on the tubing. This is caused by interactions of water, copper and volatile organic compounds inside your home. Air filtration systems can help remove some of these compounds
AC coil cleaning near me
Regular maintenance, including AC coil cleaning, is key to your air conditioner’s health and efficient operation.
Want to have your coils cleaned professionally? All you have to do is set up an appointment with us and we can get them cleaned. Schedule an appointment today by calling us at 336-214-1972.
