Scrubbing the Dirt Away Keeps the AC Problems at Bay
It’s that time of year again, time for spring cleaning! Clean garbage disposal? Check. Scrub the toilets? Check. Now it’s time to add cleaning AC coils to the checklist. AC professionals recommend that homeowners clean their AC coils at least once a year, and what better time than during spring cleaning?
The U.S. Department of Energy notes that a well-maintained AC system can last 20 years with minimal maintenance. However, this longevity isn’t a matter of chance. When homeowners clean their condenser and evaporator coils regularly, they can cut down on possible issues, avoid the need for an early replacement, and maintain their home’s indoor air quality.
The Importance of Evaporator Coil Cleaning 
Because evaporator coils are usually located inside the home, they can get:
- Dusty: As noted, evaporator coils are attached to the AC unit, usually behind closed doors. So, without a lot of “breathing room,” dust can build upon these coils.
- Covered in cobwebs: One might think: “A spider web on the coils? What's the problem?” Eventually, the spider (and the insects it catches) can build up inside the AC system, preventing it from working correctly.
Because evaporator coils can get hot, one should exercise caution when cleaning them. They should even consider turning off the AC system, waiting about 20 minutes, then cleaning it, or hiring a professional to clean it as part of a scheduled maintenance visit. That way, they can minimize the risk of burns and chemical inhalation.
The Importance of Condenser Coil/Compressor Coil Cleaning
Unlike the evaporator coil, the condenser coil is located outside the home. The condenser coil takes heat and moisture and pushes it outside. Because these coils are generally outside the house, they risk getting dirty, muddy, and infested.
Leaves and other yard debris can get caught in the condenser coil. If one has questions about their AC coils (or anything about coil cleaning), they should reach out to a professional for help.
A Three-Step Guide To AC Coil Cleaning
Homeowners should have protective gear (including goggles and gloves), compressed air, and a scrub brush to clean the AC's coils. After identifying what locks need cleaning, one should first turn off the AC system.
Then, one should:
- Put on their protective gear
- Use the compressed air on any hard-to-remove areas
- Use the scrub brush to brush away any debris gently
Cleaning an AC coil is more than getting rid of dirt, mud, and dust; it’s also about removing rust. Using a scrub brush and a baking soda and vinegar solution, one can do this. Removing rust can prevent the coils from corroding or even coming apart.
Since coil cleaning is a part of AC maintenance, homeowners should consider reaching out to an AC company in their area to ensure that it, and other AC maintenance tasks, get done safely and properly.
About Twin Belle Plumbing, Heating, Air & Water Treatment
Twin Belle Plumbing, Heating, Air & Water Treatment has provided their neighbors in Westchester, NY, and the surrounding areas with solutions to meet all their plumbing and indoor comfort needs since 1999. They offer 24-hour emergency services, same-day service, and straightforward pricing. Call them today for evaporator coil services in Katonah, NY.
