If you’re looking for effective ways to maintain your AC’s efficiency, then cleaning the evaporator coil is an essential task that you shouldn’t overlook. Not only does it help improve the performance of your unit, but it can also extend its lifespan. This blog post and embedded video provide instructions on effectively cleaning your AC evaporator coil and ensuring maximum efficiency and comfort. Knowing the process of cleaning is beneficial, but needed to do by a professional.
How to Effectively Clean Your AC Evaporator Coil for Proper Maintenance?
Introduction
During the summer months, air conditioners are a must-have for most people. A well-maintained air conditioner can provide comfort in the year’s hottest months. However, keeping the evaporator coil clean is essential to maintain your AC’s performance. So if you’re wondering how to clean your AC evaporator coil effectively, you’ve come to the right place.
What is an Air Conditioner Evaporator Coil?
An evaporator coil is an essential component of the air conditioning system that helps cool the air in your home. The evaporator coil works by absorbing heat from the air flowing over it and using the refrigerant to cool the air as it passes through the coils.
Why is Cleaning the Evaporator Coil Important?
Air conditioners have become a vital part of our lives, and it is essential to maintain them properly. Blocked airflow can cause stress on mechanical components and lead to breakdowns, which can be a costly and frustrating experience. Cleaning the evaporator coil is crucial to ensure your AC performs optimally and maintains a steady airflow in your home.
What Tools Do You Need?
Don’t do these steps and clean the AC unit by yourself. Read and understand your device instructions – only do recommended procedures for your AC unit. Ask for guidance and get a local technician to do the job. But it is beneficial to know the process of cleaning.
It is essential to have these tools ready:
- Nitrile gloves
- Protective glasses
- No-nonsense foaming cleaner
- A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
- Stiff bristle brush
- Condenser coil cleaner
How Do You Clean the Evaporator Coil?
These steps are needed to clean the evaporator coil effectively:
- Turn off the power: Before exposing the coil, shut off the power to the furnace by turning off the breaker.
- Remove the access panel: Locate your evaporator coil, which is usually on the supply side of the system, past the blower fan and heat exchanger. Remove the access panel to gain access to the coil.
- Clean the coil: Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove debris or dust from the coil’s surface. Be careful when using a vacuum cleaner to avoid damaging the fins.
- Use the foaming cleaner: Spray the no-nonsense foaming cleaner generously on the coil, covering as much surface area as possible. The cleaner should sit on the coil for about five minutes before rinsing.
- Clean the fins: After cleaning the coil, use a stiff bristle brush to clean the fins. Ensure you brush the fins carefully without bending them, causing airflow restriction.
- Clean the drain pan: Clean the drain pan using the condenser coil cleaner.
- Reassemble the unit: Once everything is clean, reassemble the unit, secure the exhaust vent back in place, and turn on the power.
Why Should You Get Help?
Cleaning the evaporator coil requires a good deal of knowledge and expertise. It is not a beginner’s project, and it’s essential to ask for advice from professionals. Getting help ensures that the job is done correctly without causing damage to your AC.
Conclusion
The cleaning process will improve your air conditioning unit’s chance of making it through the summer. Allowing debris to accumulate on the coil can cause the air conditioner to stop blowing cold air, leading to an uncomfortable home.
FAQs
- Why should I clean the AC evaporator coil?
Cleaning the evaporator coil is crucial to ensure your AC performs optimally and maintains a steady airflow in your home. - Can I clean the coil myself?
No, unless you are professional or guided by a professional. Cleaning the evaporator coil requires knowledge and expertise. It is not a beginner’s project, and it’s essential to ask for advice from professionals. - What should I do before cleaning the coil?
Before exposing the coil, shut off the power to the furnace by turning off the breaker. - Can bent fins decrease the airflow of my AC?
Yes, bent fins can decrease airflow and are just as bad as having a dirty coil.
