AC Coil Cleaning The Key to a Functioning AC Unit

There are a few things that need to be intact in order for your air conditioner to function properly — the AC coils have to be clean, the filter should be clear, and the motor should be spinning without any hiccups. If any of these seem like a problem to you, you will need to call an HVAC company to help clean your unit.

On any residential HVAC unit, cleaning air conditioning coils is critical, as this is what cools the air in your house. The coil takes the warm air and its refrigerant drops the temperature of it, then sends it through the vents. Without regular AC coil cleaning, the efficiency of this process could be hampered.

You can call air conditioning companies to do your AC coil cleaning for you, but you can also try to do some of it yourself.

Here are a few things you can do to clean your coils, which could potentially help you avoid needing to replace your coils.

1. Sponge Clean — After disconnecting the power supply to the air conditioner and clearing away space from the outdoor unit, you will have to detach the panel that covers the internal system. This will take time, and attention to detail, as you do not want to lose the screws. You can then use water and a sponge to gently scrape the dirt off of the coils, or you can also try to find a biodegradable foam spray to help clear the debris. By spraying the cleaner and letting it sit for about 10 minutes, you may be able to rub the dirt off a little easier. Just be sure to cover up any electrical wires that could be affected by the spray.
2. Lubricate — With continued use, several parts of an AC unit can become rusted, and this reduces the coil’s ability to efficiently cool your air. For this reason, it is important to keep the AC fan motor running smoothly. Once you have finished removing dirt from the unit, you can take out a lubricant and spray it on the motor. This will ensure that every section of the motor is functioning properly, making it easier for your coils to do their job.
3. Fin Comb — Before you walk away from your AC unit, check the coil fins to see if there is any damage. If any of them are bent, you can purchase a fin comb, a device used to straighten fins that are bent or warped. This will help keep airflow constant and steady.

AC coil cleaning is not difficult. If you have a little extra time on your hands, you can do it yourself. This will keep your unit functioning optimally, and help you save money on costly repairs. More on this topic: