Condenser coils expel warm air outside your home. This way it will run efficiently and need less electricity to operate. The first thing that you should do is determine which tools you'll need. And since these are “air” cooled coils, restricting the air flow through these units is detrimental to the equipment and your power bill. It's unavoidable, no matter how clean your environment is. Don’t vacuum acroos the fins, you’ll probably bend them. Split air conditioners are a common type of cooling system well-known for their compact, ductless format. Take into account: It’s not as simple as spraying it with a hose. This slows down the heat transfer process and causes the condenser motor to work harder, sucking up more electricity and running up your energy bill. This method is typically recommended only for the outdoor condensing coil. After vacuuming the fins, spray the outside of the fins with a good coil cleaner and wait 5 minutes. 3. Just be careful that you don't spray the fins too hard, or else they could bend, which is even worse than having them dirty. In most cases you don't need to use any sort of scrub brush. A Trane condenser coil should be cleaned at least once every year to ensure that it maintains its good performance. However, the more active your air conditioner is, the more of a workout you give it, and depending on where it’s located and what it’s subjected to every day, the more frequent the cleanings should be. Such as the condenser coils using force to spray from outside can cause deeper clogs. The fumes are also dangerous, which is why you shouldn’t use this cleaner on your indoor coils. 5 Tips for Cleaning AC Coils Get a Maintenance Check On Your AC Coils Once a Year. Use a can of compressed air or an air compressor if there are stubborn particles, or if you simply want to ensure a thorough cleaning. Follow these steps to clean an AC evaporator coil yourself: You may not be thinking of your heat pump condenser coils as part of your spring cleaning tasks, but we recommend adding it to the list.If you have a central air conditioning system, you have two main parts, the indoor air handler (evaporator coils) and the outdoor heat pump (condenser coils). Note that cleaner for condenser coils is extremely caustic and can cause burns. 21 Air Conditioner Maintenance and Home Cooling Tips You’ll see dirt and grime caked on. It does not constitute professional advice. Most condenser and evaporator coils are made of copper tubing, which works through a series of thin, aluminum strips known as fins. Before doing so, make sure you shut your power off. As a general rule, your AC condenser coil needs to be cleaned twice per year. It’ll cost anywhere from $100 to $400 to clean your AC coils as a standalone service. But what does that truly mean? On the condenser itself, you will want to remove any debris from the fins and louvers such as leaves, grass clippings, etc. Check out these posts for more information about keeping your system working beautifully, even if you aren't naturally good at fixing things. You can do your part to combat this by regularly maintaining your condenser unit. Doing routine maintenance will save you time and money. Your primary job here is to clean the a/c condenser fins, which are fine metallic blades that surround the unit. In order for the coils to transfer heat effectively, all surfaces need to be clean. If you use too much pressure, you can easily damage the fins. If you do this maintenance on a regular basis, your … The first thing that you should do is determine which tools you'll need. The other kind of coil found in your system is the evaporator coil. Since you'll spray to the coils, you don't need to use a high-pressure spray. Both coils need to be clean to maximize efficiency. Cleaning your air conditioner condenser coils regularly will let your air conditioner run cooler with less energy and make you feel more comfortable. This chemical reaction produces heat and several fumes and gasses (primarily hydrogen) which causes the coil cleaner to foam and push out the dirt loosened by the wetting and heating process. You will want to check for vegetation growth around the pad, remove any weeds or growth that can impede the coils. When To Clean AC Coils. For highest system efficiency, get this done every year and up to once per month. Direct the spray at the coils and rinse them thoroughly. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. That’s the unit that conditions the air you breathe every day. The evaporator coil is located inside the unit, while the condenser coil is located outside. There are two types of coils in every air conditioning system: evaporator coils that absorb heat and humidity from the air, and condenser coils that expel the heat back outside your building. You’ve probably heard technicians say the refrigerant needs charging, or the condenser coil needs cleaning. How to Clean Your A/C Unit. Keeping your air conditioner coils clean is an important step in maintaining your AC efficiency. Instead, you can perform some routine AC maintenance, such as cleaning the condenser coils, within a couple of hours or less. You probably aren’t in the habit of looking at your air conditioner on a regular basis. You can use a pump sprayer to clean the condenser coils. It’s a long tube shaped into a coil with metal fins on the outside. Grimy AC coils can develop corrosion on the outside, especially the outdoor condenser coils that are exposed to smog, exhaust fumes and other outdoor pollutants. How to Clean AC Coils Inside AC Unit in 10 Steps 1. It can also help ensure that your condenser unit lasts for many years. Condenser coils depend on a chemical reaction between the aluminum fins and either a strong acid or alkaline solution to clean the coils. All day long. Service Areas: Atlanta, Alpharetta, Chamblee, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Roswell, Marietta, and more. Many times, window and through-the-wall A/C units can’t blow cold air because the evaporator and condenser coils or cooling fins are clogged. This only moves the dust which will end up back in the condenser when the fan comes on. The aluminum has rows with small fins that stick out. The coil cleaner will begin to foam and start collecting dust and debris. Andrews, Inc. All Rights Reserved  |   Sitemap  |  Privacy Policy. AIR CONDITIONER COIL MAINTENANCE TIPS TAKE CARE OF YOUR AIR CONDITIONER COILS FOR BEST COOLING PERFORMANCE Cleaning your air conditioner’s condenser coils and evaporator coils regularly allows your unit to run more efficiently … Your AC condenser coils are where the magic happens: Here, the refrigerator unit in your go-to seasonal appliance absorbs heat to make the air cooler. Dirty coils can reduce efficiency by around 30%. Basic air conditioner function. The air conditioner's evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt over their months and years of service. Evaporator coils absorb heat and humidity from the air. All information is subject to change at any time without notice. You can either purchase it online or at your local hardware store. Together, the evaporator coil and condenser coil are key components in making cooling possible. In many cases, knowing something needs to be done and being able to do it yourself are two different things. The cleaner should foam immediately, filling the air between coils where grime accumulates, until each section of your coils is hidden from view. If it hasn’t been cleaned in a while, you’ll be able to tell immediately. Gather the Necessary Tools. Don't just turn off your thermostat because you run the risk of having your unit power on while you are working on it. For more information, contact local professionals like Pell City Heating & Cooling Inc. Keeping Your HVAC System In Great Condition, Heating Small Spaces? If you have a Trane air conditioner with an aluminum Spine Fin™ coil, there's a special cleaning chemical just for that type of AC. In portable air conditioners, there are coils in both condenser and evaporator. They are within the walls of the unit and are covered by sheets of aluminum. Apply the compressed air evenly across the coils at a 90-degree angle. One of the most important components of an air conditioning system are the condenser coils. Pay attention to the runoff. Simply brush your cleaning solution on the coils (or use a spray bottle). Cleaning the indoor evaporator coil with compressed air will blow dust and debris inside the home. Try to get around the entire unit, but be careful not to bend any fins. Mold and mildew thrive in wet, dark environments. If the condenser coils still require additional cleaning, repeat steps 4 and 5. The best way to do this is to simply hit the breaker switch because most condensers don't have a power switch. You never know, making the right changes could dramatically improve your summertime experience. When To Clean AC Coils. It is difficult to determine exactly how often to clean AC coils yourself. While your focus will be on cleaning the condenser coil, there are actually two types of coils inside your air conditioning system. Either pull out a block or move a switch to the off position. Fill the sprayer with the cleaning detergent and start spraying the AC unit. Most air conditioners run on Trane coils, and their primary role is to release heated air that is collected from inside and release it outside to cool the home. To clean the condenser coils, you don't need unusually expensive tools or an understanding of complex techniques. Since the condenser coil's job is to release the heat from inside your house, it makes sense that the heat would be released into the outside air. This article explains the best way to clean and service your condenser coils. This chemical reaction produces heat and several fumes and gasses (primarily hydrogen) which causes the coil cleaner to foam and push out the dirt loosened by the wetting and heating process. You’ll have quality work at a reasonable price. How to Clean AC Evaporator Coils Inside Your House. Air-conditioning systems have two coils. Usually, the best time to do the cleaning is the beginning of the summer season. Even if your air conditioning system is functioning properly, cleaning evaporator coils regularly is a good way to ensure that your air conditioner remains in good condition. It’s that simple! Office Hours 8am - 5pm Service Hours 8am - 6pm 24 Hour Emergency Service, © R.S. Its main function is to catch fresh air so it touches the tubing surface. The information on this website is for informational purposes only; it is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Next, spray a generous amount of foaming coil cleaner onto the coils in a back and forth motion. However, the more active your air conditioner is, the more of a workout you give it, and depending on where it’s located and what it’s subjected to every day, the more frequent the cleanings should be. Re-rinse the coil with water. The best way to clean the coils is to just use soap and water. Information To Help You Select Your Best Option, What To Do If You Think Your Commercial Fridge Might Need Repair, Preventing And Detecting Hurricane Damage To Your Residential Heating System, Should You Have An AC System Installed In Your Home? 5 Tips for Cleaning AC Coils Get a Maintenance Check On Your AC Coils Once a Year. Note that cleaner for condenser coils is extremely caustic and can cause burns. Air conditioners are essential to keeping your home and business cool during hot weather. In order to clean your AC condenser coil, you'll need the following tools: grass shears or pruners, spray bottle of coil cleaner, soft brush, fin comb, carpenter's level, pry bar or piece of 2x4 (0.6 x 1.2 meters), and gravel or rocks. Window and wall units can usually just be unplugged. The coils are the most important element of the condenser unit when it comes to airflow and the heat transfer process. Clean the AC Coils and Fins. Wipe down the condenser coils with condenser coil cleaner or a solution of soap and water Use a garden hose to wash it from the outside (hit the fins head on, not at an angle) Use a fin comb to straighten out any bent consider fins Put the top grille and heat pump cover back into place Systems with dirty coils use more energy than those with clean coils and cool spaces less efficiently. The fumes are also dangerous, which is why you shouldn’t use this cleaner on your indoor coils. You will need a coil cleaning solution available at any home improvement store. Turn off the electrical power to the condenser unit at the outdoor shutoff. So the condenser coil is still subjected to the elements. Technically, the evaporator moves the heat from the air into the refrigerant and the cooled air is then blown into the home through the ductwork. The outdoor unit contains the condenser, condenser coils and compressor, while the indoor unit contains the evaporator, evaporator coils and the air handling system. Having clean condenser coils will make your AC run cooler and more efficiently. This article explains the best way to clean and service your condenser coils. Over time, corrosion causes cracks and holes in the coils, which allows refrigerant to leak. If you have a heat pump, both tubes will be covered by foam sleeves. Unfortunately, if your outdoor unit is clogged and airflow impeded, it will take a lot longer for the refrigerant to release the heat. How to Clean Mold & Mildew From AC Coils. If it works, you’re happy. The condenser coil, placed in the outer unit, releases caught heat outside. After the detergent has soaked, take a hose and spray the AC unit with water. The coils on an air conditioner are very delicate, and damaging them can cost plenty to repair. In the condenser, the coil catches fresh air to reduce the temperature of the tubing. To begin with, take a hose and allow water to wet the coils. Your dryer will always need to be maintained by cleaning. The coils are the most important element of the condenser unit when it comes to airflow and the heat transfer process. Cost to Clean AC Coils. In order for the coils to transfer heat effectively, all surfaces need to be clean. The first thing you need to do when cleaning your evaporator coils is to gather the proper tools for the job. Condenser coils can be cleaned with a garden hose and some elbow grease. And how do you know when it needs to be done? However, when cleaning the inside of your dryer avoid the air. In time, however, the evaporator coil will still collect dirt. After rinsing the coil, we spray it with the appropriate cleaning solution. A hot, muggy home can make your space incredibly uncomfortable, which is why I have always focused on maintaining my air conditioning system. Not only will good maintenance reduce your energy consumption and save on your monthly bills, but clean condenser coils will make your A/C unit last longer and keep it … If it is dirty and brown, you are definitely cleaning your coils. Rinse the coils cleaner, and the debris it has accumulated into the drip tray and down the drainpipe. Technically, you aren't going to clean the coils, you are just cleaning the protective metal fins. Since the condenser coil is part of the outside unit, it is subjected to more dirt and grime than it would be within your home. Possibly the single most important factor to maintaining your air conditioning unit is keeping it clean and well maintained. Knowing how to clean your evaporator coils inside the house is an important part of properly maintaining your air conditioning system.. Evaporator coils tend to build up dirt and debris over time, which may eventually cause the system to freeze up or corrode. Use a brush with soft bristles to work out any clogged debris. Not only is it impacting the air you breathe, but it’s also increasing your energy bills each month, and increasing the risk your system will break down easier, often at the most inopportune times. Learning how to clean AC condenser coils is simple. Let sit for five to 10 minutes. You’ll see two copper tubes running to it, one bare and the other encased in a foam sleeve. But if it’s in an easy to reach place, you can look at the coil and determine its condition. Please note some coils look clean but can be severely impacted. There aren't many things more frustrating than an air conditioning that refuses to run. Your dealer may use a combination of using compressed air, a shop-vac and heavy-duty coil-cleaning chemicals that meet the specifications of your air conditioner model. Shut off the power to the air conditioner. After all, air conditioning systems aren’t cheap, and skipping the maintenance could be the difference between a system that requires frequent, costly repairs, and one that runs smoothly for years to come. This is not a complicated job so you should not put it aside. Condenser coils depend on a chemical reaction between the aluminum fins and either a strong acid or alkaline solution to clean the coils. Once you’re done spraying with the detergent, let it sit for a few minutes. It is difficult to determine exactly how often to clean AC coils yourself. But, most experts will still just call this task "cleaning the coils.". We suggest vacuuming the condenser. A portable air conditioner coil is a metal grid surrounding a metal tube folded several times forming a flat surface. When the drip is cleaned, use water to wash the coils. Gather the Necessary Tools. If you want to minimize your power bills, keep your AC coils clean and the machine in good working order. Most air conditioners run on Trane coils, and their primary role is to release heated air that is collected from inside and release it outside to cool the home. In fact, rather than just cleaning the coils, it is best to get proper maintenance of your AC unit done. The evaporator coil works when air flows over a series of thin metal fins that are cooled by the refrigerant within the copper tubing. It is very important that the condenser coil fins are straightened out to the best of your ability. You can clean the outside coils by rinsing them off with a hose. The first "cleaner" that should be tried is water from a garden hose. A mild detergent/water mixture works well too. If you spray some soap into the coils and let it soak in for a bit, the dirt will probably wash right out once you spray it down with a strong stream of water. 3. Save money and keep your house cooler by cleaning a room air conditioner … The age of your system – older equipment is more prone to accumulating dirt faster, Your usage – the higher the load, the more dirt will accumulate, The location – the closer it is to streets, construction, or other debris, the more often cleaning will need to take place, Operating lawn mowers next to running equipment will get grass stuck in the coil. The most important thing here is to clean the condenser coil. Most outdoor air conditioning units have an appliance shut off box situated nearby. This will allow you to straighten out the coils and remove debris that is harder to reach. A basic air conditioning system consists of indoor cooling coils or evaporators and outdoor condensing coils (these can be either air or water-cooled). “Rob was courtious and did his job efficiently. This dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. Dirty coils can prevent proper airflow, overheat the system, and cause the air conditioner to fail. This final rinse removes the cleaning solution, resulting in a … Contact us for complete details. My ac was not cooling down my house properly. You can use a condenser cleaning solution, available at your local home improvement store, but regular soap and water will do. There are two types of coils in every air conditioning system: evaporator coils that absorb heat and humidity from the air, and condenser coils that expel the heat back outside your building. You will need a coil cleaning solution available at any home improvement store. In this video, I will show you how I cleaned out my home air conditioning condenser coil. Schedule Service. Most condensers are located outside your home and have a fan to move air throughout the condenser coil. Most people assume warm air from their air conditioning unit means it’s low on refrigerant. Learning how to clean AC condenser coils is simple. We offer 24/7 emergency service. When the condenser coil is caked with dirt and grime, the heat gets trapped inside and can’t be released. When an air conditioner is in use, condensation often forms on the unit's evaporator coils. For highest system efficiency, get this done every year and up to once per month. The condenser coil is connected to a refrigerant line set , which is the copper tubing that runs between the indoor and outdoor components of your AC. Learn how you can clean your condenser coils yourself by following these simple, step-by-step instructions. Remember that eye wear, gloves, and even an apron are recommended as appropriate protective gear. Cost to Clean AC Coils. For removing finer pieces of debris, use a soft cloth to wipe it clean. As the refrigerant gas travels from the compressor to the condenser coil. What Do I need to Clean AC Evaporator Coils? The longer you wait, the dirtier your coils will become, and the harder it will be to clean them. Split-system cooling systems such as central air conditioners consist of an indoor and outdoor unit. Cleaning Condenser Coils When cleaning the condenser coils, the first step is a visual inspection. The water pressure should not be too high, medium pressure is fine. As alwys we are pleased…”, “R.S Andrews has no competition, in my book.”, “Joseph was very professional and has a great personality.”. It’ll cost anywhere from $100 to $400 to clean your AC coils as a standalone service. Before you do any work on your coils, you want to cut the power to your condenser. Air blowing across the coils in your air conditioning system can cause dust and other debris to stick to the coils. Take your hose and gently wet the coils to further remove excess debris. Clean The Coils – A coil cleaner is needed to clean the coils. What is Portable Air Conditioner Coils? 100% Satisfaction Guarantee - Call today! Let one of our professionals do the job for you. To clean the condenser coils, you don't need unusually expensive tools or an understanding of complex techniques. In order to clean your AC condenser coil, you'll need the following tools: grass shears or pruners, spray bottle of coil cleaner, soft brush, fin comb, carpenter's level, pry bar or piece of 2x4 (0.6 x 1.2 meters), and gravel or rocks.. If you want to minimize your power bills, keep your AC coils clean and the machine in good working order. To keep your outdoor AC coils clean, it’s essential to do routine maintenance. As a general rule, your AC condenser coil needs to be cleaned twice per year. A condenser fan helps blow air over the outdoor coils (what the refrigerant flows through) to release heat energy to the outside air. Your air conditioner’s condenser coils are some of the most important parts of the system. Even if your “outside” is a mechanical room for a business, it’s usually located in a section of the building where it allows in outdoor air. Use an up and down motion. Air is blown over the condenser by a large fan … Call us now! Most condensers are located outside your home and have a fan to move air throughout the condenser coil. Evaporator coils need AC coil cleaners and some tools. Unfortunately, I still run into problems from time to time and I am sure that all of you do, which is one of the reasons I decided to build this website. A coil fin brush is an inexpensive tool with sturdy, adjustable prongs. The ac condensers usually sit in an inconspicuous spot next to your house. The condenser coils are easily visible and accessible through the protective metal cage. The space between the individual fins can get caked and clogged in dirt. As your home ages, your air-conditioning system is bound to become less effective. Need heating or cooling services now? Your central air conditioner (AC) unit has two types of coils. A Trane condenser coil should be cleaned at least once every year to ensure that it maintains its good performance. That way, the refrigerant in the form of hot gas, cools and turns into liquid and then passes to a capillary tube. In the second “How To…” article by AC&R service and maintenance experts Advanced Engineering, we discuss the problems caused by dirty evaporator and condenser coils, and describe several methods for effective coil cleaning. Instead, you can perform some routine AC maintenance, such as cleaning the condenser coils, within a couple of hours or less. Be careful to avoid direct contact with the condenser coil cleaner and your skin. And you’ll ensure your home or business is cool all summer long. Before we go over the right way to clean an outdoor coil, aka the condenser coil, let's consider why you care about cleaning it in the first place. That’s not always the cause. Clean AC Evaporator Coils Yourself? Clean the AC Coils and Fins. These Considerations Should Help You Decide. For your air conditioner to work efficiently, you should clean the condenser coils at least once a year or annually. Air conditioners work more efficiently when the evaporator and condenser coils or cooling fins are clean and the fins are straight. Open the door on the box and flip the switch or remove the fuse to cut power to the air conditioner. In portable air conditioners, there are coils in both condenser and evaporator. Coils should be cleaned regularly to ensure that they stay in excellent condition and free of leaks. If your home or business has an air conditioning system and it’s up to you to make sure it’s running at its optimal level, you probably know it will need routine maintenance. If you do this maintenance on a regular basis, your air conditioner is more likely to run at maximum efficiency. If uncertain, turn off the power to the air conditioning condenser at the main electrical panel. This way it will run efficiently and need less electricity to operate.