It also enhances indoor comfort and saves on operating and repair costs.
These benefits are exactly why you should prioritize cleaning your A/C coils annually.
Both sets of coils need to be cleaned.
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They remove and dissipate hot air from the house.
Refrigerant in gas form is compressed into the coils, where the gas is condensed into a hot liquid.
Tip
Condenser coils never become cold.
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Instead, they act like a sponge to soak up indoor heat and move it outside.
Blower air passing through the evaporator coils sends cool air into the house.
Once the refrigerant has passed through the condenser coils, it moves indoors to the evaporator coils.
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As the refrigerant liquid enters the coils, it expands into a gas and cools down the coils.
When to Clean Air Conditioner Coils
Clean air conditioning coils once a year.
Plan on cleaning the coils in the spring and possibly once again in midsummer.
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Cleaning the coils restores them to their original state so that they can work at their intended capacity.
The average HVAC service call cost is $100 to $200.
That’s just the cost to show up.
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Save Money
Air conditioners use a lot of expensive electricity to run.
Reducing the frequency and length of run times saves money.
Safety Considerations
Coil cleaner is a health hazard.
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Use safety glasses, a face shield, chemical-resistant gloves, and chemical-resistant clothing.
Most A/C units are located outdoors and should have sufficient ventilation for working with coil cleaner.
If you do not expect adequate ventilation, use a NIOSH mechanical filter/organic vapor cartridge in a respirator.
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Air conditioner condensers are highly charged240V systems.
check that that electricity is completely disabled before working on the condenser.
suspend the Electric Breaker
Disconnect the electric breaker that controls the air conditioner unit.
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Warning
Turning off the A/C system at thethermostatwill not cut electricity to the condensing unit.
Repairs to crushed fins with the comb are generally imperfect but should be better than before.
Leaves tend to become trapped here and should be removed by hand.
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Check the Fins With a Light
Hold a strong flashlight or shop light inside the A/C cabinet.
Point the light source from the inside toward the outside.
Most of the heavy debris on the fins will be on the outside.
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With the sprayer on fine/wide spray, hose the cabinet from the top down.
Be careful not to direct the water inward as this may force the debris into the fins and coils.
Since evaporator coils are indoors, it’s not possible to hose them down with a garden hose.
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Instead, use a spray bottle to control the water discharge.
Shut Off the Power
Turn off power to the A/C system at theelectric service panel.
pop pop the door by removing the screws.
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Inspect the Coils
The evaporator coil assembly is shaped like an “A.”
The inner section of the assembly will be the dirtiest side.
Start at the top and work downward.
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Let the debris fall to the bottom.
Occasionally, vacuum up the debris, taking care not to jostle or damage the fins.
If any fins have been flattened, use the fin comb to straighten them out again.
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Spray foam coil cleaner on the inside of the evaporator coil assembly.
Spray a generous amount of cleaner.
Be careful not to apply too much water.
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Remove excess water with the shop vacuum in wet mode.
Reassemble the System
Leave the access door open until the evaporator coils are thoroughly dry.
Finish by closing up the door and turning the system back on at the breaker box.
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Other Methods for Cleaning Air Conditioner Coils
you could also clean A/C using an air compressor.
By spray the compressed air onto the coils, you’ll blow away dirt and dust that have accumulated.
There may even be ice forming on the coil which reduces the unit’s efficiency.
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It’s important to clean the coils regularly to prevent the need for this costly replacement.
It depends on the age of your A/C unit!
If it’s older than eight years old, it may be more efficient to replace the entire unit.
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How Much Does Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost?HomeAdvisor.
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