Inhalation of foaming coil cleaner fumes may cause respiratory irritation, dizziness, nausea, and irregular heartbeat. Adhere to manufacturer instructions, wear protective gear, and use proper ventilation. In child-populated areas, safer alternatives like the COILPOD bag with compressed air and vacuum can be used.
Symptoms/effects : Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Symptoms/effects after inhalation : May cause respiratory irritation. Risk of lung oedema. Symptoms/effects after skin contact : Caustic burns/corrosion of the skin.
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.
Why Is AC Coil Cleaning Important? The coils in your AC system enable heat transfer to occur. A layer of dirt insulates them, preventing heat from moving in or out of the refrigerant lines. This reduces system efficiency so your energy bills go up each month.
Coil Cleaners
Generally, these coil cleaning products are highly acidic or alkaline, and are harmful when inhaled or when they touch skin, causing irritation and in some cases burns.
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.
After removing most of the debris, spray your preferred cleaner on the evaporator coils. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. If you want, you can take an extra step and saturate the nylon brush with the cleaner, and gently scrub and pick up any gunk still let on the coils.
Never use acid-type cleaners indoors. Always spray downwind when cleaning outdoor condenser coils. Use a gentle hose nozzle to rinse off chemical cleaners, never a high-powered pressure washer.
Chemical sprays for coil cleaning can pose health hazards if mishandled. The MSDS provides vital information on product hazards and safety precautions. Inhalation of foaming coil cleaner fumes may cause respiratory irritation, dizziness, nausea, and irregular heartbeat.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rinse the coils with water from a spray bottle. Avoid hosing down the indoor unit, as this could damage the unit and create an unpleasant odor. Dry the coils as much as possible with a soft towel or allow them to air dry. Reattach the access panel and turn on the AC unit.
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.
Cleaning AC units reduces electricity bills.
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.
Any standard dish soap, mixed with warm water should do the trick on really grimy coils.
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.
You can prevent a clogged AC drain by performing routine cleaning. By pouring a ¼ cup of vinegar into your AC's drain line, you will kill any mold, algae, mildew, and other forms of bacteria or fungi, preventing it from forming a buildup and causing a clog. Repeat this monthly for the best results.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris from the coils gently. Apply a no-rinse coil cleaner or a mild detergent and water solution to the coils, allowing it to sit for a few minutes. If necessary, use a soft brush to gently scrub any stubborn dirt.
While bleach does kill bacteria and fungi, we do NOT recommend using it to clean out your A/C drain. Your evaporator coil right by your drain is made of aluminum, which corrodes when bleach comes into contact with it.