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.
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.
Depending on the system, an optimal time of 3 minutes is required before switching the system on. If the system is turned on without waiting for at least 3 minutes, the system can start with a pressure load. This pressure load prevents the system from cooling properly, which could affect the system in the long run.
If you neglect to clean your air con filters every three months, your system's efficiency can drop. It has to run longer and work harder to circulate air and maintain the desired temperature, which can lead to wear and tear on its components much faster than if it were running under optimal conditions.
If not cleaned properly, dust, allergens, and germs can accumulate on your air conditioner's components. This can result in respiratory issues and decreased cooling effectiveness. Regular maintenance ensures its effectiveness and improves the quality of the air within the house.
A product like Air Conditioning Coil Cleaner removes counterproductive dirt and oxidation on air conditioning coils. When fins and coils are clean, air circulates more fully and AC systems operate and cool more efficiently, reducing the unit's power consumption.
The New Regulations
Starting January 1, 2025, all new residential air conditioners and heat pumps must utilize A2L refrigerants. Older refrigerants like R-410, which are likely the refrigerant used by your current system, are being phased out.
Once the AC completes a cycle of about 15 and 20 minutes, it should remain off for 7 to 10 minutes. This helps it cool off before starting another cycle. The stops happen 2 to three times per hour.
Wear and Tear on the System
Turning your air conditioner completely off and then on forces the system to work harder. Each time the air conditioner starts, it experiences a surge of power, which can strain the components. Over time, this can lead to a breakdown or the need for premature repairs.
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.
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.
Air conditioners can be tricky. It takes a fair bit of experience to diagnose problems. But if all you are doing is routine maintenance like cleaning the outdoor unit of dirt and debris, changing filters and cleaning vents, no special knowledge is required.
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.
This will reduce the strain placed on your AC unit, allowing it to run more efficiently, and lowering your energy bills. Bottom line, while it's not necessary to give your AC unit rest breaks during summer, its maintenance is essential.
Allow a 3-minute break after turning the AC on or off and reset the circuit breaker 24 hours prior to first use to prevent damage and improve efficiency. Perform a pre-start inspection by cleaning the unit, checking filters and coils, and starting the AC in fan mode before cooling to ensure it runs smoothly.
There are a few reasons you don't want to run your AC system all the time: System stress: Your air conditioner unit needs time to take a break. If it's running all the time, it can be damaging to the system and lead to the need for a costly replacement. Energy bills: The cost to run your AC 24/7 can be high.
The new refrigerant changes in 2025 are part of a larger effort to make air conditioning systems more environmentally friendly, while still keeping homes comfortable. These changes are being driven by regulations to phase out older refrigerants like R-410A, which have a high global warming potential (GWP).
Part of that obligation includes having and maintaining air conditioning. If your employer does not fulfill their duty to maintain a safe environment then they may be liable for damages and you may be eligible for workers' compensation.
An HVAC replacement cost is $7,500 on average. This range could be as low as $5,000 or as high as $12,500, depending on the type and size of your unit, the brand, and labor costs. Your overall cost for a new HVAC unit could reach $22,000 if you add new ductwork and additional features like a HEPA filtration system.
Poor Air Quality: A dirty AC can circulate pollutants, allergens, and contaminants trapped within its components back into the indoor air. This can exacerbate respiratory issues, trigger allergies, and contribute to a generally uncomfortable living environment.
Air Duct Leaks
In fact, according to ENERGY STAR, the average home loses between 20%–30% of the air flowing through its ductwork, typically through gaps around fittings or unsealed joints in the duct system. The result is increased dust in your system, which then circulates throughout your home.
The good news is that you absolutely can spray water on your air conditioner if it needs a cleaning, and nothing bad will happen. Spraying water on your AC's condenser also helps it run more efficiently. In fact, your condenser needs a regular spritzing in order to keep doing a good job.