When Do You Need to Clean Your AC Coils?
AC coils are an essential component of the heat exchange process in air conditioning systems, helping deliver cool air that keeps your home comfortable.
AC systems include two types of coils:
- An evaporator coil that absorbs heat from the indoor air.
- A condenser coil in the outside unit helps release the heat.
How often you need to clean your AC coils depends on the age of your AC system, how often you use it, and where you live, but every six months is a good guideline for SW Florida homes.
Here, 90% of homes use central air conditioning. If the unit stops working, the whole home is impacted, with no escape from the heat. Cleaning the AC coils regularly provides peace of mind that your AC won’t let you down when you need it most.
Let’s understand more about these critical AC components.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN AC COILS?
Most Florida homeowners should organize AC coil cleaning every 6-12 months to maintain efficiency and cooling power. The frequency is impacted by:
With our much-envied sub-tropical climate, high salt air (near the coast), and frequent AC usage, Florida homeowners should, ideally, book tune-ups every six months. Cleaning the coils is part of standard AC maintenance.
Does your AC unit need a tune-up? Check for these seven signs.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD EVAPORATOR COILS BE CLEANED?
The evaporator coils remove heat from the indoor air. They work together with the condenser coils in the outdoor unit in a heat exchange process that creates a steady flow of cool air inside the home.
The evaporator coils and condenser coils are usually cleaned at the same time as part of a comprehensive tune-up once or twice a year.
WHY IS CLEANING THE AC COILS SO IMPORTANT?
Keeping your AC coils clean has many benefits:
The U.S. Department of Energy says this:
“An air conditioner’s filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service.”
WHAT DO THE COILS DO IN AIR CONDITIONERS?
Cooling systems are complex, involving many components working together in a delicate balance to cool your home.
The evaporator coil’s job is to remove heat from the indoor air. If it is coated in dust or debris, the coil is insulated from the air and cannot transfer heat properly.
The AC system must then work harder to compensate, which can lead to:
HOW DO AC COILS INTEGRATE WITH OTHER AIR CONDITIONING COMPONENTS?
The AC coils are typically made of materials with excellent heat transfer properties and durability, such as:
The evaporator coil is usually located inside your air handler (along with the blower motor, air filter, and the electric components), while the condenser coil is outside the home, inside the condensing unit (which also houses the compressor).
Here’s how they cool the home:
ARE AC COILS CLEANED DURING A REGULAR AC TUNE-UP?
Cleaning AC coils is most convenient and cost-effective when included as part of a comprehensive AC tune-up.
AC service calls usually include a full inspection of the system by an HVAC professional, plus cleaning and lubrication of moving parts.
For best results, make service calls easier and more affordable with bi-annual residential service agreements.
HOW DO YOU CLEAN AC COILS?
AC coil fins are quite delicate and can be easily bent out of shape and damaged. They need to be cleaned thoroughly but carefully to maintain optimal AC performance.
HVAC professionals clear away any surface debris by hand or with a special fin brush and then apply a commercial cleaner. Then they rinse the coil in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
CAN I CLEAN AC COILS MYSELF?
Because of the delicate nature of AC coil fins and the need for special brushes and cleaners, don’t attempt to clean AC coils as a DIY job. Homeowners can ruin coils with high-pressure power washers.
Call an AC professional, who will not only clean the coils but also check the entire system during a routine maintenance visit.
If the outdoor condensing unit is extremely dirty, rinse it off with a hose (remembering to switch the AC power off first) to get rid of any major debris.
The evaporator coil is hard to access and clean, and usually requires a professional’s skill and experience.
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT DIRTY AC COILS?
Prevention is better than cure for most AC problems.
Cleaning or changing the filter in your AC system every 2-3 months will help prevent many problems, including dirty evaporator coils.
If the filter becomes clogged, dirt and dust can start to settle on the evaporator coils instead of the filter. Dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce the efficiency of the air conditioning coils.
To prevent the condenser coils from getting dirty:
You can also protect the outdoor condenser unit with a breathable top cover to keep it clean and debris-free, like this:
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR AC COILS NEED CLEANING?
If you notice problems with your AC, try these simple AC troubleshooting steps before calling the professionals.
If those don’t work, a professional HVAC technician might suspect dirty AC coils and look for the following signs:
In Florida, we use our air conditioners a lot. Most problems occur during the hottest times of the year. Be aware that dirt can accumulate on the evaporator coils and affect your system, especially if the indoor air quality is poor.
BOOK REGULAR MAINTENANCE TO KEEP YOUR AC PURRING…
You may not even know where the coils are located in your AC system. That doesn’t matter too much, as long as you book regular AC maintenance in spring and again in the fall.
Coil cleaning is an essential step in an AC tune-up, helping to maintain efficiency and prevent other issues with cooling your home.
If you’re in SW Florida,schedule a tune-up or discuss a residential service agreement with the licensed, experienced, and friendly professionals at One Way Air. Contact us today.
