Regularly cleaning AC coils is a crucial part of air conditioning maintenance. It not only improves the system's efficiency and cooling performance but also contributes to energy savings. Depending on usage, environmental factors, and specific health needs, cleaning the coils every two to six months is recommended.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
After cleaning the coils, wait 30 to 60 minutes before turning on the air conditioner.
You could also use a homemade mix of water and mild detergent (like dish soap) instead of commercial chemical cleaners. After cleaning the coils, it's also a good time to inspect the other parts of the unit. Inspect the condensate drain pan and remove anything that doesn't belong there.
When fins and coils are clean, air circulates more fully and AC systems operate and cool more efficiently, reducing the unit's power consumption.
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.
“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.
How Long Does It Take To Clean Your Central AC Condenser Unit Coil. Ideally, cleaning the outdoor unit should take about an hour.
Still, about ¼ of a cup of vinegar will do the trick in most cases. As for the frequency, you can get good results by cleaning the coils every month or every couple of months. Naturally, cleaning the coils can be time-consuming, especially when other AC maintenance tasks are added to the solution.
If your AC isn't regularly cleaned, all that extra dust and dirt can eventually settle into the unit and coat the outdoor and indoor coils. Although it's tempting to believe that a little dirt is harmless, the opposite is true when it comes to HVAC equipment.
The average AC coil cleaning cost is $250. The price of this service can range between $75 and $700, depending on several factors, including type, cleaning method, labor, size of your AC unit, and more.
When a unit is turned on its side, the oil may leak out the compressor case. By properly situating the air conditioner, you can allow the oil to return to the compressor. That is precisely what settling entails.
Using a hose, spray water onto the coils to remove dirt and dust. After the waiting period is over, use your hose to rinse the coils clean. For best results, start by spraying the AC unit from the inside out, starting at the top of the unit and working your way down.
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.
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.
Inspect the evaporator coils
To inspect the coils, use a flashlight and look through the access panel. If you see any buildup on the coils, use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove it.
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.
In general, standard air conditioning coils should last the entire operating life of the air conditioning unit, which is 10 to 15 years on average. With proper AC maintenance and coil cleaning, your coils could last up to 20 years.