Steps For Cleaning Evaporator Coils Remove the access panel to expose the coil. If the coils are coated with dirt or lint, vacuum them with a soft brush attachment. If the coils are coated with oil or grease, clean them with a mild detergent and water solution and rinse. Be careful not to splash water on insulation.
Most HVAC professionals recommend AC coil cleaning once or twice a year. If dust and dirt build up on the coils, major problems can occur. The AC coil cleaning cost is around $100 to $400 as of 2024, according to Homeguide (for an evaporator coil), and up to $700 to remove and clean the coil.
Considering the extended system lifespan, sustained energy efficiency, lower operating costs, better comfort and reduced potential for extensive repair work, AC coil cleaning is a cost-effective way to care for your system.
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If you see a lot of oil or grease on the coils, you can use a chemical cleaner (after making sure it's non-acidic and safe for evaporator coil use) and gently rinse using a spray bottle. You could also use a homemade mix of water and mild detergent (like dish soap) instead of commercial chemical cleaners.
The average evaporator coil replacement will run between $630 to $3,700 depending on the warranty status, system size, and type.
A dirty evaporator coil cannot absorb warm air that flows over it. Instead, the cold refrigerant running through the coil causes it to freeze. If you see ice around the refrigerant line or puddles of water near the blower, turn off your AC. A frozen coil can cause the compressor to overheat and burn out.
Keep your unit working without a hitch with routine maintenance. That includes having the evaporator coils cleaned at least once a year. However, if the dust levels are high in your home or facility, then you need to get the coils cleaned more often.
Remove the access panel to expose the coil. If the coils are coated with dirt or lint, vacuum them with a soft brush attachment. If the coils are coated with oil or grease, clean them with a mild detergent and water solution and rinse. Be careful not to splash water on insulation.
While Dawn dish soap is a versatile cleaning agent, it's not recommended for cleaning AC coils due to its chemical composition. Household cleaners like Dawn may not effectively remove stubborn buildup and could potentially harm the coils or other components of the system.
The lifespan of your system's coils isn't set in stone, but factors such as the quality of the coils, the frequency of use and the level of maintenance they receive are all relevant. On average, evaporator coils can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. However, certain factors may cause them to wear out more quickly.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
Wait at least 30 to 60 minutes for the unit to dry. Water and dampness can interfere with the unit's operation and cause electrical components to short circuit.
Yes, vinegar mixed with water is often used to perform DIY cleaning on AC coils at home. However, vinegar is usually effective only against lighter dirt build-ups. Nevertheless, you can keep your coils in good shape by mixing white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spraying the mixture onto the coils.
Dirty evaporator coil
Normally, the condensation drains outside and doesn't cause any problems. However, if your evaporator coil is dirty, then condensation can mix with the dirt to create mold, which would explain the musty smell.
You can use degreasers on condenser coils, however be sure to choose degreasing cleaners specially made for cleaning HVACR coils. Products like CoilShine offer terrific degreasing of HVAC coils, and are designed with no acids, and are biodegradable.
Evaporator coil cleaning costs $100 to $400 to clean the coil in-place or $400 to $700 to remove and clean the coil. Condenser coil cleaning costs $75 to $230.
Accessing Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coil of a split-system A/C is located inside the air handler, which is typically found in the utility closet, garage, basement or attic. There should be a removable access panel on the air handler that exposes the evaporator coil.
An AC coil cleaning is certainly worth the cost compared to spending on major repairs. There are a few ways to approach this task yourself, but first, you want to take care of other things. Otherwise, cleaning the coils won't have long-term benefits.
Replacing just the evaporator coil can lead to problems. A common rule of thumb in the industry is if your AC unit is over 8 years old, it may be more beneficial to replace the entire unit rather than a single component.
Brush Off Loose Debris: Using a soft brush or a specialized furnace coil brush, gently brush away any loose dirt or debris from the coils. Be gentle to avoid bending the fins or damaging the coils. Vacuum the Coils: Attach a soft brush to your vacuum cleaner and carefully vacuum the coils.
Home warranties will cover your compressor, evaporator coils, blower motors, and other critical parts of your AC system. Some providers do have exclusions for issues caused by a lack of regular maintenance, so check with your warranty provider for details regarding covered events.