Guide to Evaporator Coil Cleaning
The primary function of a system’s evaporator coils is to remove heat from the air inside the home.
The air conditioner works hard to keep a home cool, and it’s easy to forget about it and the regular maintenance it needs. The evaporator coils are the one part of the air conditioning system that is often neglected.
Here’s a quick guide to cleaning the evaporator coils:
The importance of evaporator coils
The system loses efficiency when an air conditioning unit’s evaporator coils become dirty. Not only can this affect the electricity bill, but it can also result in wear on the system and long-term damage. For that reason, have the evaporator coils cleaned regularly.
Why do evaporator coils matter?
The primary function of a system’s evaporator coils is to remove heat from the air inside the home. Each coil captures heat and transfers it outside through the condenser coil. Usually, the evaporator coil resides inside the home to trap heat, and the condenser coil is located outside the home to release the heat into the outside air.
The evaporator and condenser coils typically consist of copper encased in aluminum fins. Dirty evaporator coils cannot produce cold air as efficiently, which is the whole point of an air conditioning system. Cooling evaporator coils also causes water to condense, which then flows away from the system into provided drains.
How do evaporator coils get dirty?
Since the evaporator coils are often wet, dirt, pollen, and other substances can accumulate. Dirt and dust can build up if air filters aren’t changed regularly.
Other problems from a dirty evaporator coil
Keeping the evaporator coil clean is essential to air conditioner operation:
Dirt and dust wear on the system.
Dirty coils can cause possible ice buildup, which can freeze the coils
Reduced air conditioning efficiency
Higher consumption of energy
Raised temperatures in the home
How often to clean the AC evaporator coil
Monthly cleaning can benefit some evaporator coils. Typically, however, an evaporator coil should be cleaned every three months.
How to clean an evaporator coil
Use the manufacturer’s instructions to locate the evaporator coils. A soft brush is a great way to clean lint and debris and sweep away dirt and dust. Another gentle way to clean the coil is with compressed air.
Commercial coil cleaners that use foam to wipe away grime are an excellent option. Water and a mild detergent might also remove dirt from an evaporator coil.
For an exceptionally dirty evaporator coil, heavy-duty cleaning might be in order. This may involve removing refrigerant lines and the disassembly of the coil. Hence, it is better left in the hands of a professional cleaner.
Keep the coils clean and the home cool!
Air conditioning evaporator coils will become less efficient if not cared for properly. Keep your AC running efficiently and your cooling bills lower by investing in regular evaporator coil cleaning by a professional firm.
Above and Beyond Air Conditioning & Heating is a San Antonio residential and commercial heating and air conditioning company dedicated to providing the highest level of home comfort. Call us today at 210-897-8658.
