AC coil cleaning can save you money in at least three ways.
So, considering that major advantage, when was the last time you cleaned your air conditioner coils?
If you can’t remember, or if the answer is “never”, don’t sweat it. Many homeowners can’t even say for sure what air conditioning coils are, much less know when or how to clean the coils.
Before we get into cleaning your ac coils, it’ll help to learn more about the benefits of doing so.
4 Benefits of AC Coil Cleaning
- Make Your Home More Comfortable – Dirt and debris on your ac coils work as a layer of insulation, which makes it harder for them to do their job. The result is, especially when it gets really hot in the summer, your air conditioning unit won’t be able to keep your home as cool as usual.
- Reduce Repair & Maintenance Costs – The extra work your ac needs to do because of dirty coils can cause the compressor to overheat, evaporator coils to freeze, and generally put more strain on the entire system. The result? More maintenance and repair costs.
- Lower Energy Costs – Of course, the harder your ac unit has to work, the more energy it uses.
- Longer Operating Life – A clean, efficient ac unit will last longer so you won’t face replacement costs as often.
How To Keep AC Coils Clean
How Often to Clean
You should clean your ac coils, including the evaporator and condenser coils twice a year. Once in the spring before your turn on the system for the summer, and once in the fall before you shut it down for the winter.
Keep the Area Clear
One of the major causes of dirt and debris on the coil fins is grass and other vegetation growing too close to the condensing unit. Keep it cut back at least half a metre around the unit.
Cleaning the Coils
Always shut down power to the condensing unit before you start to clean. Coil fins can bend easily, so any cleaning should be done carefully to avoid bent fins. Get rid of surface dirt and debris with a hose using a light stream of water.
If there is any caked-on dirt or stains, or anything you can’t remove with the light stream of water from your hose, you should call an air conditioning service company (like Hargrave Heating!) to have it professionally cleaned.
To learn more about home air conditioning, check out our article “What Is An Eco Friendly Air Conditioner & Why Consider One”.
