Curious about how to clean AC coils and boost your air conditioner’s efficiency? At Lex Air East Texas, we understand that regular maintenance is essential for keeping your HVAC system running optimally. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to keep your evaporator and condenser coils in top condition, ensuring your home stays cool and comfortable year-round.
Whether you’re tackling this task yourself or considering professional help, understanding the process will help you keep your system running smoothly. Ready to ensure your air conditioner unit is performing at its best? Contact the Tyler AC technicians at Lex Air East Texas to schedule a thorough cleaning and maintenance service.
Our experienced technicians are here to help you keep your system efficient and reliable. Call (903) 833-9510 to schedule an appointment with an HVAC technician on our team.
Have Your Evaporator and Condenser Coils Cleaned by an HVAC Professional at Lex Air East Texas
At Lex Air East Texas, our Tyler HVAC professionals are equipped to handle all your coil cleaning needs with precision and care. We offer comprehensive services to clean both your evaporator and condenser coils, ensuring optimal performance and peak energy efficiency of your air conditioning system before each cooling season begins.
In addition to cleaning AC coils, we can also repair and install evaporator coils through our expert AC evaporator coil services in Tyler. Trust our experienced team to maintain your HVAC system in top condition, providing reliable cooling and peace of mind.
How Often Should Your Air Conditioner Coils Be Cleaned?
Air conditioner coils should be cleaned at least once a year as part of your regular HVAC maintenance routine. However, if your system operates in a dusty environment, or if you have pets that shed hair and dander, you might need to clean your air conditioner coils more frequently, such as every six months.
Should You Clean Your Own Air Conditioner Coils?
You can clean your own AC evaporator coils and condenser coils if you feel comfortable doing so and have the proper tools, equipment, and safety preparedness to complete the task. However, if you go through this guide and feel uncomfortable completing any of these steps, or are confused by any of the steps, then it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to clean your coils.
Additionally, if the debris on your coils seems to be more than you can clean, definitely hire a professional. Basic cleaning, such as removing surface debris and rinsing with water, can be done by homeowners, but deeper cleaning may require specialized tools and knowledge to avoid damaging the coils. HVAC technicians will have the expertise to clean the dirty coils thoroughly and safely, ensuring your system runs efficiently without the risk of accidental damage.
How to Clean Air Conditioner Coils
Regularly cleaning air conditioner coils can play a vital part in maintaining your HVAC system’s efficiency and longevity. Both the evaporator coil, located inside your home, and the condenser coil, found outside your home, play crucial roles in the cooling process by transferring heat from inside your home to the outside air.
Cleaning these coils ensures that your air conditioner runs efficiently, providing consistent cooling and helping to lower energy costs. In the following sections, we’ll explain how to properly clean both the evaporator and condenser coils to keep your air conditioning system in top condition.
How to Clean Your Evaporator Coil
Air conditioner evaporator coils play a crucial role in the heat transfer process of any air conditioning system. The evaporator coil, sometimes called the cooling coil, absorbs heat from the indoor air and cools it before it’s circulated back into your living space.
Over time, however, dust and dirt can accumulate on the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat and causing your AC system to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and potential wear and tear. Below are the steps for how to clean your evaporator coil correctly.
Turn Off the Power to the AC
Before you begin cleaning your evaporator coil, it’s essential to turn off the power to your AC unit to ensure your safety. Locate the breaker box and switch off the circuit breaker connected to the air conditioning unit. Alternatively, you can turn off the power directly at the unit’s disconnect box. This step prevents electrical accidents and keeps you safe while you work.
Locate the Evaporator Coil
Next, locate the evaporator coil assembly, which is typically found in the indoor unit, near the air handler or furnace. To locate it, look for the area where the return air duct meets the unit. The coil is usually housed in a metal enclosure and is positioned just above the blower motor. If you’re unsure about its location, consult your AC unit’s manual for specific details.
Remove the Access Panel
Once you’ve located the evaporator coil, the next step is to remove the panel protecting the coil. Use a screwdriver to take out the screws securing the panel to the unit. Carefully set aside the screws and the panel itself.
Removing this panel will give you access to the evaporator coil, allowing you to clean it properly. Make sure to keep track of all screws and parts so that reassembly is straightforward.
Remove Any Debris From the Coil
Start by removing any visible debris from the evaporator coil using a soft bristle brush or a compressed air canister. Gently brush away dirt, dust, and any other particles that may have accumulated on the coil’s surface. Be careful not to bend or damage the delicate coil fins, as this could affect the efficiency of your AC system.
Clean with AC Coil Cleaner
After removing loose debris, it’s time to apply an AC coil cleaner. Choose a cleaner specifically designed for evaporator coils, as it will effectively break down dirt and grime without causing damage. You can also make your own using a 1:1 ratio of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle or a mixture of warm water and mild detergent, but these may be less effective than commercial cleaner options.
Spray the cleaner evenly over the coil, ensuring that all areas are covered. Allow the cleaner to sit for the recommended amount of time, typically 5 to 10 minutes, to penetrate and loosen any built-up residue.
Rinse With Water
Once the AC coil cleaner has had time to work, gently rinse the evaporator coil thoroughly with water to wash away the cleaner and any remaining dirt. You can use a low-pressure garden hose or a spray bottle to do this.
Be careful not to use any high-pressure water, as it can damage the delicate aluminum fins of the coil. Make sure all cleaner residue is washed away to avoid any potential buildup that could affect the coil’s efficiency.
Reinstall the Access Panel and Restore Power to the AC
After rinsing the coil, allow it to dry completely before reassembling the unit. Once dry, carefully reinstall the access panel, securing it with the screws you set aside earlier. Make sure the panel is tightly secured to prevent any air leaks. Finally, restore power to the AC unit by turning the circuit breaker back on or using the disconnect box.
Your air conditioner should now be ready to operate more efficiently with clean evaporator coils. If at any point in the process you do not feel comfortable or confident with proceeding, contact a local HVAC service technician who can help.
How To Clean Your Condenser Coil
Similarly, air conditioner condenser coils also play a crucial role in the cooling process. The condenser coil, which is located within the outdoor unit of your AC system, is responsible for releasing the heat that is absorbed from your home’s air.
However, outdoor debris, including dirt, dust, pollen, and leaves can obstruct airflow and reduce the coil’s efficiency. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your condenser coil at home.
Turn Off the Power to the AC
Before starting any work on your condenser coil, turn off the power to your air conditioning system to prevent electrical accidents. Locate the electrical disconnect box near your outdoor unit and switch it off. Alternatively, you can turn off the power at the circuit breaker. This step ensures your safety while cleaning the condenser coil.
Locate the Condenser Coil
The condenser coil is found in the outdoor unit of your air conditioning system, typically located outside your home. It consists of a series of metal fins and tubing, similar to a radiator. Once you’ve identified the outdoor condenser unit, look for the large, fan-covered component that houses the condenser coil.
Remove the Panels from the Condenser
To access the condenser coil, you’ll need to remove the protective panels or grilles from the outdoor condenser coil. Use a screwdriver to carefully remove the screws holding the panels in place. Set aside the panels and screws in a safe location to avoid misplacing them.
Wash The Coils With Water
With the panels removed, use a garden hose to gently spray the condenser coils, washing away any dirt, dust, and debris that may have accumulated. Make sure to use a low-pressure setting and never use a pressure washer, as this could damage the delicate fins of the coil. Start from the top and work your way down, ensuring that water flows evenly through the coils.
Reinstall the Panels and Restore Power to the AC
Once the condenser coils have been thoroughly rinsed and are free of debris, allow them to dry before reassembling the unit. Reattach the panels or grilles by securing them with the screws you previously set aside.
After ensuring everything is properly in place, restore power to your air conditioner by turning the disconnect box back on or resetting the breaker. Your air conditioning unit should now operate with improved efficiency and cooling performance.
Schedule Regular Air Conditioning Maintenance with Lex Air East Texas and Have Your Coils Inspected and Cleaned By Us!
Ensuring your air conditioning system operates efficiently year-round starts with regular maintenance, and Lex Air East Texas is here to help. Our expert team provides comprehensive inspections and cleaning for both evaporator and condenser coils, addressing any buildup of dirt and debris that can hinder performance.
By scheduling annual HVAC maintenance in Tyler, TX with us, you can prevent costly repairs, extend the life of your HVAC system, and enjoy consistent, reliable cooling in your home. Our technicians are trained to service a wide variety of different kinds of AC units, and we can provide you with a range of AC tune-ups, as well as other services. Don’t wait for problems to arise–call (903) 833-9510 or contact us via our website to schedule preventative maintenance with us today!
