If you have an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) maintenance plan in place, you’re already doing the best thing possible to minimize air conditioner repairs. Your central air conditioner professional inspects your coils every visit to ensure they are clean and functioning properly.
AC Condenser Coils – Should You Clean Them?
Your central air conditioner (AC) unit has two types of coils. Evaporator coils absorb heat and humidity from the air. Condenser coils expel warm air outside your home. Both coils need to be clean to maximize efficiency. It’s a good idea to clean the condenser coils if you don’t have an HVAC maintenance plan, but proceed with great care and caution. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, we are here to help.
How to Clean AC Coils
- Turn the thermostat and main power switch off.
- Visually inspect the unit for damage. Be sure to call Bradbury Brothers as soon as possible if you see any significant damage.
- Remove leaves and debris from the outside of the unit.
- Use a cooling fin comb to straighten any bent fins.
- Remove the top of the unit, carefully. The fan motor may be attached to the top. Place the top where the fan blades and wiring won’t be damaged.
- Vacuum dirt and debris out of the bottom of the unit. Using the brush attachment, very gently vacuum the fins. Use an up-and-down motion; vacuuming across the fins can bend them.
- Spray the outside of the fins with a coil cleaner or detergent/water mixture and wait 5 minutes. Using a garden sprayer, gently rinse off the coil cleaner with water. Avoid spraying the fan motor.
- Re-assemble and turn the main power switch on. Set the thermostat to cool.
- Go outside and listen for any odd noises; if you hear anything, call us as soon as possible.
AC Coils FAQs
You might have hesitations about spraying water on your air conditioner, but rest assured, this is OK to do. Understandably, a lot of people are apprehensive about mixing electronics and water, but the sensitive parts of your outdoor AC unit are protected from moisture. It’s perfectly fine sitting in the rain, and it will definitely hold up under a spray from the hose.
If you want to be sure that your air conditioner is cleaned efficiently, give Bradbury Brothers a call for more thorough maintenance.
You can clean your outside AC unit by following a few simple steps:
- Remove larger debris by hand – Dispose of any sticks, grass clippings, leaves or other yard waste that has collected around and on your condenser.
- Hose smaller debris off the unit – It is perfectly okay to spray your air conditioner down with water.
- Straighten bent fins – If you notice any of the fins on the outside of your AC unit are bent, you can straighten them by running a butter knife between the fins.
Call an AC professional for a more thorough job – Want to be completely sure that any offending debris is removed from your unit and it is running at maximum efficiency? Just call the professionals at Bradbury Brothers for expert assistance.
It depends. Spraying water on your air conditioner can help it run more efficiently if you remove enough dust, dirt and debris to help improve airflow and prevent it from overheating. It’s certainly not going to damage your AC unit to do so. It’s a good idea to spray off the condenser coils in particular a couple times a year.
However, this can be quite a chore, and it’s hard to get to every part of your unit. For a more relaxing day and peace of mind, get in touch with Bradbury Brothers. We can help your AC run more efficiently with a thorough maintenance visit.
The best way to clean the inside of your home AC unit is:
- Turn off the power. Locate the circuit breaker or disconnect switch for your air conditioner and turn it off to ensure safety.
- Remove Debris: Open the access panel to the evaporator coil and inspect for any debris such as leaves, dirt, or dust. Use a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to gently remove the debris.
- Clean the Evaporator Coil: The evaporator coil can accumulate dirt over time. Use a soft brush or a specialized coil cleaner to gently clean the coil. Be careful not to damage the coil fins.
- Check the Drain Pan and Drain Line: Inspect the drain pan for standing water and clean it if necessary. Also, check the drain line for any clogs. Use a mixture of bleach and water to clean the drain line if needed.
- Clean Surrounding Area: Trim any vegetation or plants around the outdoor condenser unit. Ensure that there is at least two feet of clearance to allow proper airflow.
HVAC Maintenance is the Key
Preventive maintenance saves money, but it’s not about money as much as it is about time. No one wants to lose time dealing with repairs that could have been prevented with proper maintenance! Call 281.651.5484 or contact us to learn more about a maintenance plan for you.
