It is vital that an AHU is cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, usually a couple of times a year. If an air handling unit isn't cleaned and maintained regularly, the indoor air quality is likely to decrease.
Air Conditioning Duct Cleaning Air conditioning duct cleaning is essential for maintaining indoor air quality and system efficiency. Experts recommend cleaning air ducts every 3 to 5 years to prevent buildup of dust, allergens, and mold.
Because the coils play such a crucial role in the cooling process, keeping them clean helps to ensure the long-term health of your air conditioning system. While it may look like a potential DIY project, the easiest and best way to clean your coils is to have an expert do it.
With all these factors combined, having your AC professionally cleaned every six months or so is recommended for optimal performance and energy efficiency.
Condenser coil cleaning, the one located outside your home, happens during your annual AC tuneup for $75 to $200. As a separate service, duct cleaning costs $250 to $500 and covers the evaporator coil, located in the air handler inside your home.
A damp cloth can be used to clean where the drain lines open. Take off the top and side panels, or protective grills, of the air conditioning unit. Clean the coils with a soft brush, a refrigerator coil brush, or a specialist fin comb to clean the aluminium fins in the AHU but be careful as they can easily bend.
Clean or change the air handler filter at least once a year — more if you have pets or seasonal allergies or asthma. Listen for excessive noise or vibrations. Be aware of odors coming from the air. Musty smells could be mold build up while burning smells may indicate an electrical problem with the motor.
Get Your AC Coils Cleaned
Get your coils cleaned annually. If you live in an area where your AC unit is exposed to excessive amounts of dirt, dust, debris, or moisture, it is best to regularly clean your coils every three months or so. Every AC unit and environment is different.
If the condenser is not clean and properly allowing air to flow through, it could burn out. Air conditioners with dirty or blocked condensers do not operate efficiently. A congested condensate drain line can even cause water damage.
As more and more heat is absorbed and released, cool, refreshing air is dispersed throughout your home. Most AC evaporator coils should last between 10 and 15 years, as long as maintenance is regularly performed.
Knowing how to clean AC coils is a money-saving DIY skill, an easy way to maintain efficiency and save on energy costs. Regular, bi-monthly coil cleaning with Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner during warmer months will keep your AC unit in great working order for years to come.
You'll want clean condenser coils after doing all that work inside. You can't use compressed air because it's a large job, but you can utilize a leaf blower and the same coil foam cleaner for the condenser coil.
A study done by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency researchers measured dust levels and HVAC system efficiency in test homes during a one-week period during the cooling season and found duct cleaning did not significantly improve dust levels or system performance.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average cost for properly cleaning an entire air duct system in an average-sized home ranges from $450 to $1,000.
The offer price is most likely per vent pricing and does not factor in the cost of the entire cleaning. While it may seem like a money-saving deal, the final price tag will probably be closer to that $450-$1000 range.
But if you don't, it could do water damage and allow mold to grow all around your AC unit. This mold can cause health complications and damage to flooring, walls, etc.
In most cases, you can get away with cleaning your coils once a year with a seasonal tune-up. However, you should consider where your unit is located. If you're in a big city with heavy air pollution, you may want to have the coils cleaned two times a year.
Modern air conditioners can last between 15-20 years, and older air conditioners last around 10-12 years. The health and efficiency of your A/C depends on a number of factors, including whether or not you properly maintained the unit throughout its lifetime.
Residential HVAC Cleaning: For most residential systems, a professional cleaning by Nashville HVAC companies typically takes between 2 to 4 hours. This includes cleaning the ducts, coils, and other components, as well as checking for any issues that might require repair or further maintenance.
First of all, using a soft cloth, remove all of the dirt and debris from inside of the air handler unit. A wet and dry vacuum can lighten the load and make this process incredibly simple. For cleaning the coils and fan, however, an antimicrobial solution can be used.
Your typical central air conditioning connected to an air handler and using ductwork can last as long as 30 years with good luck and maintenance but will generally need to be replaced somewhere between 10 and 20 years.
To drain and clean your condensate line, first locate the air conditioning system's drip pan. The drip pan should be located underneath the air conditioner or HVAC unit's air handling unit. Air handling units are generally found in attics, crawl spaces, basements or utility closets.