As the intense heat of Texas summer sets in, it’s important to make sure your air conditioning system runs efficiently. The bad news is that neglected coils, one of many integral parts of an air conditioner, can result in reduced cooling capacity and increased energy consumption. The good news is that by addressing the accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris on your evaporator coils, you can improve the airflow and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system.
At Sherrell Air Conditioning in Dallas, TX, we understand how vital it is to maintain your indoor AC coils for optimal performance. That’s why we always stress to our clients the importance of regular HVAC maintenance.
In this blog post, our Dallas air conditioning contractors at Sherrell Air will guide you through the process of cleaning your indoor AC coils so you can stay cool and comfortable inside when the temperature rises outside. You can also leave the dirty work to our pros and take the first step towards efficient cooling by scheduling a maintenance appointment with a member of our team today! Give us a call at (972) 216-1961 to get in touch.
AC Evaporator Coils vs. Condenser Coils
First things first: knowing the differences between AC evaporator coils and condenser coils.
The evaporator coil is part of the indoor air handling unit and plays a significant role in cooling your space. It’s where the compressed air from the outdoor unit releases its heat, resulting in cold air being circulated indoors. The coils play a significant role in the heat transfer process, absorbing heat from the indoor air and cooling it before circulating it back into your home.
Meanwhile, the condenser coil is located in the outdoor unit and works to release the hot liquid refrigerant, allowing it to cool down and continue the cycle. As the air passes over the condenser coils, heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the outdoor air, releasing indoor heat to the outdoor environment. The condenser fan helps dissipate this heat, ensuring efficient cooling of the refrigerant.
Where is the Evaporator Coil?
Now, where exactly is the evaporator coil?
The evaporator coil is situated within the indoor unit, also known as the air handler. This coil is positioned downstream from the blower fan within the indoor unit. Its placement allows it to efficiently absorb heat from the indoor air, facilitating the cooling process.
How To Access Evaporator Coil
Now that you know where the coil is, it’s important to learn how to properly access the evaporator coil for maintenance or cleaning purposes. After locating the AC evaporator coils inside the air handler unit, power off your AC system to ensure safety.
Next, remove the access panel on the indoor unit. This panel is usually secured by screws or clips and may require a screwdriver or similar tool for removal. Once the panel is removed, you can access the evaporator coil. Take care when handling the coil, as it can be delicate.
You’ll also want to inspect the drip pan underneath while accessing the evaporator coils for any signs of water accumulation or mold growth. If necessary, clean the drip pan to prevent potential issues with moisture buildup.
Signs It’s Time to Clean Air Conditioner Coils
At Sherrell Air Conditioning, we advise our customers to be aware of signs indicating it may be time to clean their air conditioner coils. Here are a few of the most common:
- One standard indicator is reduced cooling efficiency, where the AC unit struggles to maintain the desired temperature despite running continuously.
- Dirty evaporator coils could be the culprit if you notice strange noises or unpleasant odors from your air conditioning unit.
- Another telltale sign is an increase in energy bills without a corresponding increase in usage, as dirty coils can cause your system to work harder and consume more energy.
- If you notice warm air (or even hot air) coming from your vents instead of cool air, it could be due to the coils being covered in dirt and debris, preventing proper heat exchange.
- Ice formation on the evaporator coils is a sign that airflow is restricted, often due to dirty coils.
- If your AC unit is cycling on and off more frequently than usual, it might be struggling to maintain the set temperature due to dirty coils.
- Visible dust, dirt, or other debris on the coils is another clear sign they need cleaning.
Benefits of Regular Coil Cleaning
Regular coil cleaning offers numerous benefits for your air conditioning system and indoor comfort. For one, maintaining clean AC evaporator coils inside your unit ensures the efficient operation of your system, consistently providing cool air throughout your space. Clean coils also improve indoor air quality by preventing dust, debris, and allergens circulation. Also, when air conditioner coils are kept clean, the air filter can function optimally, further enhancing indoor air quality and reducing strain on the system. This improved efficiency not only results in lower energy bills but also extends the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.
To recap, investing in regular coil cleaning promotes improved AC system efficiency, enhances indoor air quality, and extends the lifespan of your air conditioning unit, ensuring a comfortable and healthy environment for you and your family.
What Can I Use to Clean Inside AC Coils?
You’ll need a few essential tools and materials to clean inside AC coils effectively. Start with a spray bottle filled with a coil cleaning solution designed specifically for AC units. This solution helps break down dirt and debris that accumulate on the coils. You’ll also need a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove loosened debris from the coils and surrounding areas. Use a soft brush or cloth to wipe away any remaining dirt or residue for gentle cleaning.
If you prefer a DIY approach, you can create a cleaning solution by mixing water with a small amount of dishwashing detergent. Remember to follow safety guidelines and manufacturer recommendations when cleaning your air conditioner unit’s coils to ensure thorough and safe maintenance.
How To Clean AC Coils: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of cleaning your air conditioning unit’s evaporator coils involves several key steps: removing surface dust and debris, applying a coil cleaner, rinsing and drying the coils, clearing the drain line, reassembling the unit, and testing to confirm proper operation. It’s important to follow safety precautions throughout to avoid accidents.
Step 1: Safety Precautions
Prioritizing safety is the first step before cleaning the AC evaporator coils in your air conditioner unit. To begin, disconnect power to the HVAC system to avoid potential electrical hazards. Also, wearing protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, shields you from any harmful substances or accidents while handling cleaning solutions and equipment.
Step 2: Remove Surface Dust and Debris
In the second step of cleaning evaporator coils in air conditioning units, you’ll want to focus on removing surface debris to prepare the coils for deeper cleaning.
At Sherrell Air Conditioning and Heating, we start by using a shop vac or vacuum to gently remove any loose debris from the surface of the coils. This helps ensure the cleaning process is more effective and prevents debris from interfering with the subsequent steps. For stubborn debris or hard-to-reach areas, we utilize compressed air to dislodge and remove the buildup. A soft brush may also be used to gently brush away any remaining debris.
By thoroughly cleaning the surface of the coils, you set the stage for a more thorough cleaning process, ultimately improving the function and efficiency of the air conditioning system.
Step 3: Apply Coil Cleaner
Applying a specialized coil cleaner to remove dirt and grime buildup is the third step in cleaning AC evaporator coils. The coil cleaner should be carefully applied to the coils, allowing it to penetrate deep into the multiple aluminum fins to break down and dissolve stubborn dirt and debris. This process is essential for restoring the air conditioning system’s efficiency and maintaining indoor air quality.
By applying the coil cleaner, you can remove contaminants that may hinder the air conditioning process and cause the AC unit to work harder than necessary. Once the cleaner is applied, allow it to work its magic before proceeding with the next steps of the cleaning process to ensure thorough maintenance of the evaporator coils.
Step 4: Gently Clean the Coils
Gently cleaning the delicate components to ensure optimal performance is the fourth step of cleaning AC evaporator coils. It’s important to treat the multiple aluminum fins and metal tubes carefully to avoid damaging them.
Using a steam cleaner set to low pressure, delicately remove any remaining dirt and grime from the coils. You can also use a soft brush or cloth to gently wipe away any stubborn buildup without causing harm to the coil fins. By taking these precautions, you can restore the HVAC system’s efficiency while preserving the coils’ integrity.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
The fifth step of cleaning your AC evaporator coils involves rinsing and drying them thoroughly. After applying the cleaning solution and gently scrubbing away debris, rinse the coils with clean water to remove any remaining residue.
Once the coils have been rinsed, be sure to allow them to completely dry before reassembling the unit. This ensures that no moisture is left behind, which could lead to mold or mildew growth and compromise the efficiency of your air conditioning system.
Step 6: Clear Drain Line
For the sixth step of cleaning AC evaporator coils, it’s important to clear the drain line to ensure proper drainage and prevent potential water damage. After cleaning the coils and confirming they are dry, pour a capful of bleach down the drain hole. This helps to disinfect the drain line and prevent the growth of mold or algae, which can clog the line and cause water backup.
It’s important to regularly clear the drain line to maintain the functionality of your air conditioning system and prevent issues such as water leaks or damage to your home.
Step 7: Reassemble and Test
After completing the cleaning process for your AC evaporator coils, the seventh and final step involves reassembling the access panel on the indoor handling unit. At this stage, you’ll need to ensure that all panels are securely in place before restoring power to the AC unit.
Once power is restored, check the unit for proper operation by verifying that the clean air conditioner is producing cool air as expected and that no unusual sounds or issues are present.
How Often Should I Clean AC Evaporator Coils?
Determining how often to clean AC evaporator coils depends on various factors such as the environment in which you live, usage patterns, the presence of pets, and overall maintenance habits. Typically, it’s advisable to clean the evaporator coils at least once a year to maintain optimal performance and efficiency. In environments with high levels of dust, pollen, or pet dander, more frequent cleaning may be necessary to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris on the coils. Also, if you notice reduced airflow or cooling efficiency from your air conditioner, it may indicate that the coils are dirty and require cleaning.
We recommend professional preventative maintenance once a year to ensure that your AC system is operating at its best. Our expert technicians at Sherrell Air can thoroughly clean and inspect your evaporator coils as part of our comprehensive maintenance service, helping to prolong the lifespan of your air conditioner and improve indoor air quality.
Schedule your preventative HVAC maintenance appointment with us today for peace of mind and reliable cooling all year round!
How the Dallas HVAC Experts at Sherrell Air Can Help
At Sherrell Air, our Dallas indoor air quality and HVAC experts are equipped to assist you with all your IAQ, heating, and air conditioning needs. Our team offers professional maintenance services for both residential and commercial HVAC clients that are specifically tailored to keep your air conditioner running smoothly.
By regularly cleaning your AC coils and replacing air filters as necessary, as well as completing a number of other maintenance tasks, we can help prevent dirt and debris buildup that can hinder your system’s performance. With our expertise, you can trust that your AC unit will operate reliably, keeping your home comfortable year-round.
Take action today and schedule a maintenance appointment with Sherrell Air to ensure your HVAC system is in top condition. Simply give us a call at (972) 216-1961 to get started!
Schedule Your Dallas AC Tune-Up Today!
At Sherrell Air, we understand the importance of maintaining clean coils for optimal cooling function in your air conditioning system. That’s why our professional maintenance services are designed to effectively address dirty coils (and so much more!) to keep your air conditioners running as efficiently as possible.
Don’t let dirty coils disrupt your indoor comfort. Schedule your Dallas AC tune-up today, and let us help you keep your home cool and comfortable all year round.
Don’t hesitate to call us at (972) 846-7831 or reach out online to set up an appointment!
