Knowing how to clean an evaporator coil is crucial for its efficiency and longevity. These coils absorb heat from the air in your home. If they are dirty, your system will work harder to cool your space, which may lead to higher energy bills and even potential system failure.
This guide will help you get familiar with the simple steps to clean your evaporator coils, whether in your air conditioner or furnace. Start reading now and discover the detailed steps and how often you should do them.
How To Clean Air Conditioner Evaporator Coils? 7 Basic Steps
The essential steps to clean dirty HVAC evaporator coils are to turn off the power, remove the access panel, inspect the coils, brush off loose debris, apply coil cleaner, rinse the coils, and reassemble the unit. Check out the details of cleaning air conditioner coils below!
- Ensure the power to your air conditioning unit is turned off at the main breaker.
- Locate and remove the access panel to expose the evaporator coils. This step may require a screwdriver.
- Check for any visible dirt, dust, or debris on the coils.
- Use a soft brush to gently remove loose dirt and debris from the coils.
- Use a commercially available coil cleaner. Spray it evenly over the coils and let it sit for the time recommended on the product label.
- Rinse the coils after the cleaner has worked its magic, avoiding using a high-pressure hose, as it can damage the coils.
- Reassemble the unit by replacing the access panel and turning the power back on.
Learn the AC coil cleaning cost and be prepared for when you hire the service! If you are looking for specific tips about inside-the-house units, continue reading the next section of this guide and discover.
How To Clean AC Evaporator Coils Inside The House?
The process is similar for units located inside the house, but here are some additional tips: You need to ensure proper ventilation, protect the surroundings, and use a no-rinse coil cleaner to avoid making a mess.
Check this other homeyou article if it is unclear what the difference between evaporator coils and condenser coils is!
How To Clean Evaporator Coil In Furnace?
Ensure the power and gas supply to the furnace are turned off for safety. Then, remove the panels of the furnace to access the evaporator coils, which might require removing additional components, so keep track of screws and parts.
Vacuum with a soft brush attachment to clear away loose dirt and debris from the coils. After that, spray the coils with a no-rinse coil cleaner, following the instructions on the product label. Once the coils are clean and dry, you can reassemble the furnace and turn the power and gas supply back on.
How Often To Clean Evaporator Coils?
Regular maintenance is critical to a well-functioning HVAC system. It is recommended to clean your evaporator coils at least once a year. However, if you live in a particularly dusty area or have pets, you may need to clean them more frequently. Regular inspection and cleaning will ensure your system runs efficiently and can even help extend its lifespan.
Now that you know how to clean the evaporator coil, make this task a part of your regular home maintenance routine with homeyou's HVAC contractors to keep your home comfortable year-round.
Join the conversation