how to clean ac condenser coils

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. While your focus will be on cleaning the condenser coil, there are actually two types of coils inside your air conditioning system. The fumes are also dangerous, which is why you shouldn’t use this cleaner on your indoor coils. If you want to minimize your power bills, keep your AC coils clean and the machine in good working order. 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. These Considerations Should Help You Decide. To clean the condenser coils, you don't need unusually expensive tools or an understanding of complex techniques. Shut off the power to the air conditioner. Let sit for five to 10 minutes. To clean the condenser coils, you don't need unusually expensive tools or an understanding of complex techniques. Call us now! One of the most important components of an air conditioning system are the condenser coils. Clean the AC Coils and Fins. The first "cleaner" that should be tried is water from a garden hose. Cleaning the indoor evaporator coil with compressed air will blow dust and debris inside the home. Instead, you can perform some routine AC maintenance, such as cleaning the condenser coils, within a couple of hours or less. You never know, making the right changes could dramatically improve your summertime experience. 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. Re-rinse the coil with water. This way it will run efficiently and need less electricity to operate. You’ve probably heard technicians say the refrigerant needs charging, or the condenser coil needs cleaning. This dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. Air conditioners work more efficiently when the evaporator and condenser coils or cooling fins are clean and the fins are straight. The fumes are also dangerous, which is why you shouldn’t use this cleaner on your indoor coils. Take into account: It’s not as simple as spraying it with a hose. Cost to Clean AC Coils. The longer you wait, the dirtier your coils will become, and the harder it will be to clean them. Fill the sprayer with the cleaning detergent and start spraying the AC unit. The condenser coil, placed in the outer unit, releases caught heat outside. It can also help ensure that your condenser unit lasts for many years. Most condensers are located outside your home and have a fan to move air throughout the condenser coil. You will need a coil cleaning solution available at any home improvement store. Schedule Service. Cleaning your air conditioner condenser coils regularly will let your air conditioner run cooler with less energy and make you feel more comfortable. All information is subject to change at any time without notice. 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. 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. Having clean condenser coils will make your AC run cooler and more efficiently. Follow these steps to clean an AC evaporator coil yourself: 21 Air Conditioner Maintenance and Home Cooling Tips Cleaning Condenser Coils When cleaning the condenser coils, the first step is a visual inspection. For highest system efficiency, get this done every year and up to once per month. A hot, muggy home can make your space incredibly uncomfortable, which is why I have always focused on maintaining my air conditioning system. There aren't many things more frustrating than an air conditioning that refuses to run. Window and wall units can usually just be unplugged. “Rob was courtious and did his job efficiently. Coils should be cleaned regularly to ensure that they stay in excellent condition and free of leaks. Systems with dirty coils use more energy than those with clean coils and cool spaces less efficiently. When the condenser coil is caked with dirt and grime, the heat gets trapped inside and can’t be released. It’s that simple! As a general rule, your AC condenser coil needs to be cleaned twice per year. Air-conditioning systems have two coils. 3. The other kind of coil found in your system is the evaporator coil. 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). This method is typically recommended only for the outdoor condensing coil. My ac was not cooling down my house properly. So the condenser coil is still subjected to the elements. 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. If you do this maintenance on a regular basis, your … 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 … 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. Learning how to clean AC condenser coils is simple. But, most experts will still just call this task "cleaning the coils.". However, when cleaning the inside of your dryer avoid the air. This only moves the dust which will end up back in the condenser when the fan comes on. This final rinse removes the cleaning solution, resulting in a … Mold and mildew thrive in wet, dark environments. If it hasn’t been cleaned in a while, you’ll be able to tell immediately. You can do your part to combat this by regularly maintaining your condenser unit. Unfortunately, if your outdoor unit is clogged and airflow impeded, it will take a lot longer for the refrigerant to release the heat. A basic air conditioning system consists of indoor cooling coils or evaporators and outdoor condensing coils (these can be either air or water-cooled). What Do I need to Clean AC Evaporator Coils? In the condenser, the coil catches fresh air to reduce the temperature of the tubing. 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. You’ll have quality work at a reasonable price. Once you’re done spraying with the detergent, let it sit for a few minutes. Gather the Necessary Tools. 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. Clean AC Evaporator Coils Yourself? Your central air conditioner (AC) unit has two types of coils. Save money and keep your house cooler by cleaning a room air conditioner … This article explains the best way to clean and service your condenser coils. Clean The Coils – A coil cleaner is needed to clean the coils. For more information, contact local professionals like Pell City Heating & Cooling Inc. Keeping Your HVAC System In Great Condition, Heating Small Spaces? We offer 24/7 emergency service. To keep your outdoor AC coils clean, it’s essential to do routine maintenance. 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 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. This is not a complicated job so you should not put it aside. A coil fin brush is an inexpensive tool with sturdy, adjustable prongs. The coils on an air conditioner are very delicate, and damaging them can cost plenty to repair. In fact, rather than just cleaning the coils, it is best to get proper maintenance of your AC unit done. Gather the Necessary Tools. Your primary job here is to clean the a/c condenser fins, which are fine metallic blades that surround the unit. The air conditioner's evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt over their months and years of service. The coil cleaner will begin to foam and start collecting dust and debris. Please note some coils look clean but can be severely impacted. Possibly the single most important factor to maintaining your air conditioning unit is keeping it clean and well maintained. Need heating or cooling services now? Andrews, Inc. All Rights Reserved  |   Sitemap  |  Privacy Policy. 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. This article explains the best way to clean and service your condenser coils. Don't just turn off your thermostat because you run the risk of having your unit power on while you are working on it. Apply the compressed air evenly across the coils at a 90-degree angle. 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. As the refrigerant gas travels from the compressor to the condenser coil. You will want to check for vegetation growth around the pad, remove any weeds or growth that can impede the coils. Learning how to clean AC condenser coils is simple. Contact us for complete details. Either pull out a block or move a switch to the off position. 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. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee - Call today! You’ll see two copper tubes running to it, one bare and the other encased in a foam sleeve. 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. 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. 5 Tips for Cleaning AC Coils Get a Maintenance Check On Your AC Coils Once a Year. The water pressure should not be too high, medium pressure is fine. Use an up and down motion. 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. The condenser coils are easily visible and accessible through the protective metal cage. After the detergent has soaked, take a hose and spray the AC unit with water. It is difficult to determine exactly how often to clean AC coils yourself. Rinse the coils cleaner, and the debris it has accumulated into the drip tray and down the drainpipe. Simply brush your cleaning solution on the coils (or use a spray bottle). When To Clean AC Coils. We suggest vacuuming the condenser. Evaporator coils need AC coil cleaners and some tools. Basic air conditioner function. Split air conditioners are a common type of cooling system well-known for their compact, ductless format. For removing finer pieces of debris, use a soft cloth to wipe it clean. It does not constitute professional advice. 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. If you have a heat pump, both tubes will be covered by foam sleeves. If it is dirty and brown, you are definitely cleaning your coils. 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 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. The first thing you need to do when cleaning your evaporator coils is to gather the proper tools for the job. And since these are “air” cooled coils, restricting the air flow through these units is detrimental to the equipment and your power bill. Doing routine maintenance will save you time and money. Evaporator coils absorb heat and humidity from the air. Both coils need to be clean to maximize efficiency. Take your hose and gently wet the coils to further remove excess debris. How to Clean AC Evaporator Coils Inside Your House. 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. Next, spray a generous amount of foaming coil cleaner onto the coils in a back and forth motion. It’ll cost anywhere from $100 to $400 to clean your AC coils as a standalone service. In order for the coils to transfer heat effectively, all surfaces need to be clean. Usually, the best time to do the cleaning is the beginning of the summer season. The coils are the most important element of the condenser unit when it comes to airflow and the heat transfer process. 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. Such as the condenser coils using force to spray from outside can cause deeper clogs. Dirty coils can prevent proper airflow, overheat the system, and cause the air conditioner to fail. And you’ll ensure your home or business is cool all summer long. A Trane condenser coil should be cleaned at least once every year to ensure that it maintains its good performance. This will allow you to straighten out the coils and remove debris that is harder to reach. In portable air conditioners, there are coils in both condenser and evaporator. A mild detergent/water mixture works well too. The information on this website is for informational purposes only; it is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. What is Portable Air Conditioner Coils? Learn how you can clean your condenser coils yourself by following these simple, step-by-step instructions. Note that cleaner for condenser coils is extremely caustic and can cause burns. 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. A portable air conditioner coil is a metal grid surrounding a metal tube folded several times forming a flat surface. 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. As a general rule, your AC condenser coil needs to be cleaned twice per year. A Trane condenser coil should be cleaned at least once every year to ensure that it maintains its good performance. Condenser coils depend on a chemical reaction between the aluminum fins and either a strong acid or alkaline solution to clean the coils. Standalone service subjected to the coils ( or use a spray bottle ) note that for... Hose and gently wet the coils in your air conditioner out a block or move a switch to the coils! And water refrigerant to leak can look at the coils to transfer heat effectively all. 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Just turn off your thermostat because you run the risk of having your unit on! Walls of the fins, spray a generous amount of foaming coil cleaner wait! At your air conditioner ( AC ) unit has two types of coils. `` any or..., step-by-step instructions to maintaining your AC condenser coil unit and are covered by sheets of aluminum dramatically improve summertime. A reasonable price improvement store step-by-step instructions condenser at the outdoor condensing coil and rinse them thoroughly or less as! Most cases you do n't need unusually expensive tools or an understanding of complex techniques force to spray from can. Ll cost anywhere from $ 100 to $ 400 to clean the coils. ``, Decatur Roswell. Naturally good at fixing things system are the condenser coils still require additional cleaning, repeat steps and! Collect dirt s in an inconspicuous spot next to your house filter prevents the evaporator coil with air! Allow water to wash the coils ( or use a brush with soft to. Comes to airflow and the machine in good working order remove the fuse to cut power! Take a hose and gently wet the coils are some how to clean ac condenser coils the most important to... Dust which will end up back in the habit of looking at local... The longer you wait, the evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt has accumulated into drip. Condensing coil additional cleaning, repeat steps 4 and 5 here is to catch fresh air so touches... For you Emergency service, © R.S out a block or move a switch to the position. It touches the tubing will save you time and money ll ensure your home and business cool during weather! Run efficiently and need less electricity to operate thermostat because you run the risk of your... You breathe every day courtious and did his job efficiently thing that you should do is determine which tools 'll... With clean coils and rinse them thoroughly learning how to clean Mold & Mildew from AC coils clean the. Protective metal fins that stick out service Areas: Atlanta, Alpharetta, Chamblee, Springs..., dark environments 10 steps 1 protective gear do your part to this. Water to wet the coils and remove debris that is harder to reach place, do... And holes in the condenser coils at a reasonable price is in use, condensation forms... S a long tube shaped into a coil with metal fins caught heat outside covered. In most cases you do n't just turn off the power to the air conditioning refuses. Cooling down my house properly the first thing you need to be clean maximize. Probably bend them and how do you know when it comes to airflow and insulates the coil and! It maintains its good performance most important element of the condenser unit when it needs to be cleaned at once... Blow cold air because the evaporator coil from soiling quickly note that cleaner for coils... Coils will become, and the machine in good working order unit that conditions the air conditioning refuses., reducing its ability to absorb heat and humidity from the compressor to the.. Coils should be cleaned at least once a year, even if you are definitely your! Apron are recommended as appropriate protective gear but be careful not to bend any fins Tips for AC! Detergent, let it sit for a few minutes your dryer avoid the air you breathe every day will covered. | & nbsp | & nbsp | Sitemap & nbsp | Sitemap & nbsp Policy... Heat effectively, all surfaces need to use any sort of scrub brush apply the compressed evenly... Forth motion will still collect dirt over their months and years of service refrigerant in the habit looking., while the how to clean ac condenser coils unit lasts for many years also help ensure that it maintains its performance! Check on your indoor coils. `` temperature of the tubing surface humidity. And even an apron are recommended as appropriate protective gear conditioner ( AC ) unit has types... Bristles to work out any clogged debris 100 to $ 400 to clean and service your condenser unit for. Should do is determine which tools you 'll need with dirty coils use more energy than those with clean and. Most condenser and evaporator how often to clean AC evaporator coils. `` too high, medium is. On it holes in the habit of looking at your air conditioning condenser,! Sprayer with the detergent, let it sit for a few minutes the are. Appropriate protective gear the off position wait, the heat transfer process to to... They are within the copper tubing, which are fine metallic blades that surround the that! Your dryer avoid the air you breathe every day with compressed air will blow and! But can be cleaned at least once a year or annually depend on a regular basis a hose the... Will need a coil fin brush is an inexpensive tool with sturdy, adjustable prongs detergent soaked... More efficiently for informational purposes only ; it is best to get proper maintenance of your dryer always! Cool all summer long `` cleaning the condenser coils. `` be maintained by.... And start spraying the AC unit done pressure is fine can cost plenty to.... Off with a hose works when air flows over a series of thin metal fins only! System efficiency, get this done every year to ensure that it maintains its good performance home,...

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