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.
Regularly cleaning your A/C coils ensures better cooling efficiency, saves energy, and prolongs the life of your A/C system. Don't overlook this essential maintenance task and keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long!
While there are a number of commercially available coil cleaning solutions on the market, air conditioner coils can be cleaned with a solution of a mild household detergent and water. The detergent and water mix is applied to the coil using a low-pressure sprayer.
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.
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. Cleaning the condenser coil costs $75 to $230. ¹ However, there are many ways paying these costs can save you money.
As debris builds up on the coils, the air conditioner will have to work harder to maintain the proper temperature, which will make it less efficient. The compressor will run continuously to cool your home that may result in a mild or serious AC breakdown and possible expensive repairs.
Signs that your AC coils need cleaning include reduced cooling efficiency, longer cooling times, and higher energy bills. If you notice these issues, it's time to clean the coils.
Signs Of Clogged Coils
This could manifest itself through reduced cooling power, increased energy bills, musty odors, or excessive condensation on windows and walls. Additionally, the AC unit may make louder noises than usual or be struggling to keep up with demand.
Dirty condenser coils can also make you sick. The Freon gas that circulates through the coils can become contaminated with mold, mildew, and bacteria. When the Freon is released into the air, you can breathe in the contaminants, which can cause respiratory problems.
After all, one thing we were all taught when we were very young is that water and electrical appliances don't mix. So how do you clean your outside AC unit? The good news is that you absolutely can spray water on your air conditioner if it needs a cleaning, and nothing bad will happen.
Homeowner: A new evaporator coil replacement costs $630 to $1,700 if it is still under warranty. Homeowner: An indoor AC coil replacement costs $1,230 to $3,700 if it is no longer under warranty.
You can safely spray your AC unit(s) with water but if you feel nervous about cleaning while it's running, switch off the system first. Central air conditioning systems combine an inside unit where the evaporator coil is housed and an outside unit with the condenser, compressor, and fan.
When fins and coils are clean, air circulates more fully and AC systems operate and cool more efficiently, reducing the unit's power consumption.
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.
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.
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.
“Dirty Sock Syndrome” refers to when a foul-smelling, mold- or mildew-like odor comes from your air conditioner when you first turn it on. This happens when moisture, dust, and dirt build up on your AC system's evaporator coil, inviting bacteria and mold to multiply.
A refrigerant leak or other coil problem can be caused by wear and tear, which is why older coils are more prone to problems. Corrosion, vibrations, and accidental impacts can also damage an AC coil. Poor filtration can expose it to contaminants that eventually wear it out.
How Long Does It Take To Clean Your Central AC Condenser Unit Coil. Ideally, cleaning the outdoor unit should take about an hour.
You can clean the exterior of your outdoor unit by removing debris that may settle on or around the equipment. This is especially important after storms that cause a lot of dust and material to move through the area. You can brush away any dust that may settle on the unit.
How Long Must I Wait After Coil Cleaning Before Turning On The Air Conditioner? Before using the air conditioner, make sure it is totally dry. After cleaning the coils, wait 30 to 60 minutes before turning on the air conditioner.
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.
The air conditioning system actually revolves around heat transfer. The AC system has an indoor unit, the evaporator coil, and an outdoor unit which houses the compressor, condenser coil, and a fan.