You can also use a coil cleaner to remove a blockage. Carefully push the coil down the plughole, twisting it as you do so. This will help it get around the U-bend.
Remove large debris from air conditioner coils and straighten fins. Clean the coils. Back flush condenser coils with water using a medium (no more than 400 PSI) water pressure and water flow over 2.5 GPM. Specialty cleaning systems designed to clean condenser coils work best.
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.
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.
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.
You can either use a commercial coil cleaner or make your own by mixing water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the coils and let it sit for five to ten minutes to break down any stubborn dirt.
In small systems (up to 2 tons), a hand-oil pump can be used to flush the coils. In larger systems, it is recommended to use a circulating pump to move the coil flush through the coils.
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.
Yes, you can use water to clean the condenser, but be gentle. Use a garden hose to rinse off the coils after applying a cleaner. Don't use strong water pressure because it can damage the coils. Let the unit dry before turning it back on.
All right, so in summary, don't use bleach; use vinegar. That helps with any mildew growth—keeps you running clean. It's not going to actually clean your A/C drain, but it can prevent some backups.
Clean your coil with a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle. Set the water pattern to a wider, gentler setting like “Flat” or “Shower.” Do not use the “Spray” setting. Begin at the bottom of the unit and slowly wash a few inches across, spraying left and right across the coil.
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.
Clean up any debris around or in the unit, using gloves to remove leaves, sticks, or other bits of debris. Use a shop vacuum to remove any remaining dust or dirt from the unit. If the aluminum fins on the condenser coils are bent, use a fin comb to gently straighten them out. This can help the unit run better.
Turn off the power to your air conditioner. Locate the evaporator coils, which are typically found inside the indoor unit or air handler. Carefully remove the access panel or cover to expose the coils. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris from the coils gently.
The dynamic flushing stage is completed to remove the majority of the debris, dirt, and particles from inside the pipework system prior to moving on to the chemical cleaning stage, which will use chemicals to move the water quality to the next stage.
With a clogged condenser, you will notice higher pressures even though you have the right amount of refrigerant in the system. These higher pressures are noticed on both the high and low side.
Removing clogs
Vacuum the standing water from the condensate pan with a wet/dry vacuum. Insert a plumber's snake or plastic tubing into the PVC drain attached to the pan to remove obstructions, then do the same on the terminal end of the drain.
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.
There are specific cleaning solutions that remove dirt and grime from evaporator coils or condenser coils. Read the label before starting to ensure you're using the right solution. Avoid using acid-based cleaners indoors, and never mix different brands of cleaners.
Simply pull the plug out or flip the switch to the “off” position. Step 3: Use gloved hands to remove any large pieces of debris on or around the outdoor unit. Step 4: Carefully vacuum the condenser fins with a soft-brush attachment.
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.