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.
It is recommended to perform an annual cleaning of your AC unit's coil, although if the unit encounters substantial amounts of dirt, dust or moisture more frequently, it may be necessary to clean it quarterly.
You'll need a coil brush and one can of foaming coil cleaning spray. Spray the foam on the entire coil, then use the brush in the grooves of the coil to comb out the dirt. You can use a light spray with a spray bottle to clean any excess, but don't let it drip on any furnace components. Repeat if necessary.
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.
Dirty AC coils become insulated rather than able to release heat the system extracts from the air. The system will therefore struggle to cool your home. Indoor air can become more humid too, as the system won't be able to extract as much moisture, making things extremely uncomfortable in the summer.
Signs Of Clogged Coils
Generally, customers will notice a decrease in their air conditioner's performance or efficiency when the evaporator coils become blocked. This could manifest itself through reduced cooling power, increased energy bills, musty odors, or excessive condensation on windows and walls.
If proper maintenance is regularly performed, then the evaporator coils should last 10 to 15 years, which is the ideal lifetime for an evaporator coil and comparable to the lifespan of an AC unit. However, how long your evaporator coils last will be much shorter if your unit is improperly maintained.
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.
Once you have cleaned your evaporator coils, you may need to allow your system to dry before turning the AC back on. Leave the access panel off and wait 30 to 60 minutes before turning the system back on.
Spray the coils down with Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner.
Let the Simple Green sit 10-15 minutes to penetrate heavier soils, and then hose it down again. After the coil cleaner has dripped off the coils, examine the coil surfaces for any areas that may need another application, and repeat this step as necessary.
It is necessary to get AC evaporator cleaning on regular basis to reduce the effect of microbes and thereby improving the efficiency of AC.
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.
Evaporator coil replacement costs $1,350 on average, but you could pay anywhere from $550 to $2,250, depending on the unit and brand of the evaporator coil. Whereas you normally feel like you're walking into the Arctic Circle when you get home, today it felt more like New Orleans in July.
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.
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.
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.
Turning on the AC Too Soon
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.
You can avoid these issues by replacing your air filter every four months, and giving your AC condenser coils a good cleaning with Simple Green Foaming Coil Cleaner. DIRECTIONS: Check your air conditioner warranty before cleaning. Turn off the AC and shut off power to the condensing unit.