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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Legionella bacteria can proliferate in air conditioning systems, particularly in cooling towers. Inhalation of contaminated aerosols can lead to Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia. Symptoms include high fever, cough, and muscle aches. In extreme cases, it can be fatal.
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 thick layer of dirt, dust and other gunk on your evaporator coil is the most obvious sign of a filthy coil. Dirt can cause your coil to freeze, so check for ice on the coil as well.
As dirt and debris accumulate on the coils' surface, it can restrict air passage, reducing the amount of air that comes into contact with the coils. This will then result in reduced airflow through the evaporator coils, leading to lower cooling performance and reduced air circulation in the room.
An AC coil cleaning is certainly worth the cost compared to spending on major repairs. There are a few ways to approach this task yourself, but first, you want to take care of other things. Otherwise, cleaning the coils won't have long-term benefits.
Spray the coils down with Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner.
Let the Simple Green sit 10-15 minutes to penetrate heavier soils, and then hose it down again. After the coil cleaner has dripped off the coils, examine the coil surfaces for any areas that may need another application, and repeat this step as necessary.
Replacing an evaporator coil costs an average of $1,350, and it often ranges from $600 to $2,000 depending on the size, type, and the cost of pro labor in your area.
Signs of Damaged Evaporator Coil Components
Air coming from the vents is warm. Air conditioner starts and stops frequently but doesn't properly cool your home. Air conditioner does not turn on. Refrigerant leak near the indoor cooling system components.
Dirt buildup happens naturally on air conditioners over time, but it will build up much more quickly if you don't change your air filter. When your filter is clogged, dirt and other debris in your home's air will blow around the filter and build up on your air conditioner's cooling coils.
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.
You'll want clean condenser coils after doing all that work inside. You can't use compressed air because it's a large job, but you can utilize a leaf blower and the same coil foam cleaner for the condenser coil. However, it will take about one to two bottles. Rinse everything with a water hose.