To keep your air conditioner running efficiently, it is important to have clean coils. Dirty coils can lead to a variety of problems, including less efficient cooling and an increased risk of water damage. This article will walk you through the process of cleaning AC coils, so you can get your AC ready for the summer. But before that, let’s see what these coils do and why it is important to clean them.
For more tips on cleaning your AC coils and other DIY air conditioner maintenance tips that you can do to keep your system running efficiently, contact the experts at Galmiche & Sons. As St. Louis’ experts for all things heating and cooling, we can provide the tips and service you need to keep cool all summer.
What Do AC Coils Do?
Air conditioner coils are the component in your AC unit that the refrigerant passes through to be cooled. Coils come in two types: indoor and outdoor.
- The indoor coil or the evaporator coil is located inside the house, near the furnace. The evaporator coil is a series of metal tubes that are filled with a refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air and transfers this heat to the refrigerant.
- The outdoor coil or the condenser coil is the one you see when you look at your AC unit outside your house. It is usually a big, round copper tube. The condenser coil transfers heat from the refrigerant to the surrounding air.
The Importance of Cleaning AC Coils
The outdoor coil transfers heat from the refrigerant to the surrounding air. This coil is exposed to the elements, so it can easily become dirty. If the outdoor coil is dirty, it will not be able to transfer heat as efficiently. This will cause your AC unit to work harder and use more energy.
Too much dirt can cause a blockage in the coils, reducing the efficiency of cooling. If the coils are not cleaned regularly, the AC can eventually break down.
Steps to Cleaning AC Coils
Before you start cleaning AC coils, getting all the tools you need in one place will help you get the job done efficiently.
- Gather the tools: To clean AC coils, you will need a soft coil brush, vacuum, soap, and water. Other tools and safety equipment include a screwdriver to remove the panel, as well as gloves and goggles.
- Remove the panel: Start by removing the grilles or covers of your AC’s indoor unit to get at the coils. Remember to shut the power to the AC off before you touch the panel.
- Remove light dirt with a soft brush: Cleaning coils with a soft brush is an effective way to remove light dirt. By using gentle pressure, you can carefully clean the entire coil. If there are any tough areas, you can apply more pressure, but be careful not to use a brush with hard bristles, as the coils can get damaged. You can also use a vacuum to remove dirt and then use a brush to scrub off the remaining dirt.
- Spray the detergent: Mix water and household detergent and use a spray bottle to coat the coils. Leave it on for a few minutes and wipe it off using a soft cloth. Alternatively, you can use commercial cleaners to remove heavy dirt build-up.
Call Your HVAC Company for Heavy-Duty Cleaning
From using the wrong brush to using too much water, many elements of cleaning AC coils on your own can end up damaging the unit. If you are unsure of exactly what to do, it is often best to trust the professionals. Your St. Louis HVAC company has the tools, training, and experience required to handle the task of cleaning AC coils in a professional, safe way.
To schedule HVAC maintenance or cleaning in St. Louis, contact the experts at Galmiche & Sons today.
