Air conditioners provide us with a much-needed respite from the summer heat, but you must maintain them properly to ensure they run efficiently. Cleaning the air conditioner coils is an important part of this maintenance process that you can do right at home.
In this article, we will go through a step-by-step guide on how to clean your AC coils safely and effectively! Read on for more information and tips for taking the best care of your air conditioner.
What Are Air Conditioner Coils, And Why Should You Clean Them?
Air conditioner coils are responsible for the cooling process in an AC unit; they absorb heat from indoors and release it outdoors. The condenser or outdoor coil is exposed to air and dirt, while the evaporator or indoor coil collects dust particles and other debris, which you must remove via regular cleaning.
It is important to clean your coils regularly as this can help maintain optimal unit performance, reduce energy consumption, and extend their working life.
Preparing To Clean Air Conditioner Coils
Before you start the cleaning process, gather the necessary supplies, turn off the power, and unplug your AC unit for optimum safety – be sure to do this step to prevent any potential damages! Keep reading to learn more.
Gathering Appropriate Cleaning Supplies
The first step in cleaning air conditioner coils is to gather the necessary supplies. This includes a brush, rags, detergent solution, and foam coil cleaner. Using rubber gloves and safety goggles when cleaning your AC unit for protection is important.
Investing in a garden sprayer can be beneficial as this gives you more control over the amount of liquid applied to the coils than using a bucket or cloth. The sprayer also helps ensure uniform coverage of any foaming agent used during cleaning.
Turning Off The Power And Unplugging The AC Unit
Before cleaning your air conditioner coils, turn the power off, and the AC unit should be unplugged. If you have installed a window unit, it is advisable to remove it before cleaning. It’s important to ensure all power lines are disconnected when working on large central-type units, as they can contain live parts or wires.
To guarantee everyone’s safety, experienced professionals are recommended for dealing with any repairs and maintenance of these systems — even if it’s just for turning off the power switch. Doing so will also minimize damage by preventing overloads or electric shocks during cleaning.
Securing Any Removable Parts
Securing removable parts like fan blades and covers is important before cleaning the air conditioner coils. This can be done by either unscrewing them or using a screwdriver if necessary. Once secured, it will prevent these parts from getting damaged when applying cleaning solution and scrubbing.
Securing removable parts should also include protective measures for other air conditioning unit components like the fins and grilles. Ensure that these areas are not exposed so they won’t get wet while you wash the unit’s coils.
Cleaning The Air Conditioner Coils Step By Step
With the right tools and techniques, you can effectively clean your air conditioner coils at home. Read on to learn more!
Mixing A Detergent And Warm Water Solution
It is a great starting point for cleaning air conditioner coils. Choosing the right detergent for this purpose is important, as harsh chemicals can damage the components of your AC unit. To prepare the solution, combine one part detergent with four parts warm water and stir until completely dissolved.
It is also important to wear protective gear when mixing up a cleaning solution and working with unpleasant chemicals or hazardous liquids. Ensure you have rubber gloves and use proper ventilation while handling these materials.
Finally, consider wearing safety glasses to protect your eyes from any potential splashes created by spray bottles or other tools used in the cleaning process.
Applying The Solution To The Coils
Applying the solution to the coils is important in cleaning air conditioner coils. First, thoroughly shake a spray bottle with the detergent and warm water mixture before use.
Then, spray on one side of the coil while applying even pressure until completely saturated. Ensure all coil surfaces are covered, which will help loosen dirt and debris build up more easily.
Afterward, spray in between each row of fins using a brush if necessary for better coverage.
Allowing The Solution To Stand
The next step is to allow the solution to stand on the coils. This will give it enough time to loosen debris and dissolve dirt, dust, or grime that may have accumulated on them. Let the solution sit for at least 15 minutes to work its magic before further cleaning occurs.
Once the cleaning solution has been soaked, you can scrub with a brush. Make sure you use circular motions when doing this, as this will help dislodge any stubborn dirt particles. You should also rinse off any foam residue as soon as possible using warm water and allow the coils time to dry out for optimal results.
Scrubbing The Coils With A Brush
Paragraph 1: Once the coils are sufficiently wet, use a stiff-bristled brush to thoroughly clean any debris or buildup from the surface of the coils. Make sure to take special care when handling and cleaning delicate parts of the AC unit, such as fins and electrical components.
A garden sprayer is an excellent tool for evenly distributing other cleaners onto the coils while brushing away any remaining grime and buildup. Remember that if you can’t access a garden sprayer, use any other hose nozzle with adjustable settings instead.
After scrubbing all over surfaces, rinse the remaining residue to ensure your air conditioner works properly. Voting out leftover dirt from corners, crevices, and edges will help prevent future clogging issues related to dirt accumulation inside the air conditioning system.
Rinsing The Coils With Water
Rinsing off the detergent and debris from the air conditioner coils is an important step in cleaning them. It can be done using a hose with a nozzle attachment to flush away any suds or residue from the surface of the coils. Additionally, it helps reduce buildup and allows for thorough drying afterward.
When rinsing, avoid spraying water directly into any electrical components, as this could cause damage to your unit. Be sure to use gentle pressure while rinsing and spray until all signs of soap have been washed away. Afterward, leave some time for it to dry before reconnecting the power back up to your AC unit again.
Applying A Foaming Coil Cleaner
You can use foaming coil cleaners to help break down and remove residue from the cleaning solution. It is designed to cling to the coils rather than run off like a liquid cleaner.
You should spray the foam onto both sides of the air conditioner’s coils. It will then start breaking down dirt, grease, and other particles stuck on the coils. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes before wiping it away with a cloth or sponge.
Finally, rinse any remaining foam from the AC unit’s coils using clean water from your garden hose or spray bottle. For additional protection against corrosion, use a protective spray specifically designed for air conditioners after cleaning your unit’s coils.
Drying The Coils With Towels
Drying the air conditioner coils after cleaning them is a crucial step. Towels, especially microfiber towels, can absorb moisture and help with this task. It may take several towels to get the excess water off the coils, so having plenty on hand is important. Ensure that there are no residual standing pools once you’re done wiping down the coils, and they should be completely dry before reassembling your AC unit.
If there are any stubborn spots, using a hairdryer or fan can help speed up the drying time while preventing further damage. You should also check for signs of corrosion while ensuring everything is completely dried out before assembly.
Tips For Cleaning Air Conditioner Coils
By following these tips for cleaning air conditioner coils, you can ensure the best performance of your AC unit – so be sure to check out our step-by-step guide now!
Clean The Coils Regularly
Regularly cleaning the air conditioner coils is important to keep your AC in good working condition. Not only does this help keep it running more efficiently, but it also prevents dirt and dust buildup that can cause hidden damage to other components within the system.
It’s highly recommended to clean the coils at least once a year, preferably when you do an annual tune-up for your AC unit. Cleaning them too often may be counterproductive as it can wear away the protective coating on their surfaces that helps prevent corrosion and chemical degradation from occurring.
Utilize A Foam Coil Cleaner
Foam coil cleaners are an effective and efficient way of cleaning air conditioning coils. Combining chemical action with agitation can help break down the dirt and grime accumulating on AC coils. Foaming coil cleaners may also provide additional protection against corrosion and rust, which can damage the internal components of your cooling system.
Before using a foam coil cleaner, it is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions regarding coverage area and application times, as these vary from product to product. When applying a foam coil cleaner, spray from top-to-bottom to evenly distribute the liquid on all surfaces. Additionally, take care when dealing with any electrical connections so as not to cause short circuits or other safety risks during this part of the cleaning process.
Clear Larger Debris By Hand
Before you start cleaning your air conditioner coils, remove any larger debris by hand. This will help make the job easier and ensure that all dirt and dust are cleared away correctly. Wear protective gloves while doing this step, as many particles can be hazardous.
Once the larger debris is removed, it is important to check for any signs of leaks or corrosion on the coils. If there are any issues, it may be best to contact an HVAC technician before cleaning to prevent further damage.
Finally, if your AC unit has a removable cover over its coils, remember to secure this back into place after removing large debris; this will help keep out dirt and dust during regular use of the air conditioner in the future.
Use A Garden Sprayer
Using a garden sprayer is one of the most efficient ways to clean your air conditioner coils. This tool allows you to apply soapy water from a distance, making it easy to cover even the furthest reaches of your coils with a cleaning solution. If you don’t have access to a garden sprayer, consider using an old plastic bottle or other spraying device as an alternative.
Be sure that when using a garden sprayer, you adjust the nozzle properly and thoroughly rinse off any soap residue — if left on your coils, this could damage them in the long run. You may also want to wear protective goggles during this step because there will be significant pressure behind the stream of water coming out of your garden sprayer.
Consult The Owner’s Manual
Before attempting to clean your air conditioner coils, it is important to consult the owner’s manual. The manufacturer provides instructions on how to safely and effectively clean your unit. This includes guidance on which tools and supplies are required for cleaning and specific steps to be taken during the process. Reading through the manual carefully will ensure an efficient and effective cleaning job of your air conditioner coils.
Another benefit of reading through the owner’s manual when cleaning AC coils is that you may discover tips or techniques to make this task easier, such as using a garden sprayer for water removal or removing removable parts for complete access during the scrubbing phase. Additionally, you may find some warnings about avoiding certain substances from coming into contact with the AC unit in order not to damage its components while they are being cleaned.
Check For Leaks Or Corrosion
Leaking or corroded coils can lead to an increase in energy costs and damage other AC components. It is important to check the air conditioner’s coils for any signs of leaking or corrosion.
Inspecting the condenser and evaporator coils will help maintain a healthy system and prolong its lifespan. Ensure also to clean out any dirt, dust, leaves, insects, or other debris that may have built up to prevent further damage.
Conclusion
Taking the time to clean your air conditioner coils is essential to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Cleaning the coils can be done at home with simple steps and appropriate cleaning supplies. Regularly clean and inspect your AC unit’s coils, saving energy and money in the long term!