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.
Yes, vinegar mixed with water is often used to clean AC coils at home. However, vinegar is usually effective only against lighter dirt build-ups. Nevertheless, you can keep your coils in good shape by mixing white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spraying the mixture onto the coils.
Warm Water and Detergent
Any standard dish soap, mixed with warm water should do the trick on really grimy coils.
Do NOT use WD-40 or other all-purpose lubricants. 5. Spray the inside of the empty air conditioner unit with moderate pressure from a water hose.
Lysol has a high ethanol alcohol concentration, which means it is highly flammable. When you spray this disinfectant into your HVAC system, it could come into contact with the electric motor and create a flash explosion that could damage your home's ductwork and even create a fire.
Spray down the interior cabinet and exterior housing with hydrogen peroxide, and use a cloth or rag to wipe down everything that you can reach. You can use the same spray cleaning solution on the evaporator and condenser coils, or you can use an AC coil spray cleaner.
Spray alkaline coil cleaner over the fins and coils. Be sure to read the manufacturers instructions on how to do this safely. Let the cleaner set and drip for the time specified in the manufacturer's directions. Spray off the cleaner with water in a spray bottle.
To clean mold and AC, unlock and remove the filter. If it's disposable, replace it. If it's reusable, wash it in a mix of one-part bleach to 10-parts water. Allow it to soak for at least 10 minutes to kill any mold.
Mold grows best in areas that are constantly damp and well-shielded from direct sunlight. So it's no surprise to find mold growing on the evaporator coil. Enclosed within the air conditioner plenum, the evaporator coil is kept damp and in the dark — the perfect conditions for mold to flourish.
You can use diluted bleach or distilled white vinegar, or you can buy an Environmental Protection Agency-registered mold removal solution from your local hardware store. Aim for a 1:3 ratio of cleaning solution and warm water. Take apart the AC unit: Use a screwdriver to remove the grille from the front of the unit.
Be careful to not apply too much water since too much moisture can damage the coils. After you have finished cleaning, make sure to leave the access panel open until the evaporator coils are fully dry.
To create the homemade cleaner, add ½ cup of white vinegar, a few drops of Dawn, and fill a spray bottle with water. Spray down the coils with the homemade or commercial cleaner. Let the cleaner sit for 5-10 minutes. For excessively dirty coils, run a sponge down the coils.
Cal-Brite® is a low-pH or acid-based product developed for cleaning evaporator coils, air-cooled condensers and other finned cooling and heating coils. It is based upon glycolic acid and ammonium bifluoride.
As AC coils are typically made from copper or aluminum, they can be cleaned with water. Rinse the coils on any outdoor central AC unit by spraying with water from your garden hose on a low setting.
Once you have cleaned your evaporator coils, you may need to allow your system to dry before turning the AC back on. Leave the access panel off and wait 30 to 60 minutes before turning the system back on.
Performance decreases significantly when your AC coils are dirty. Your unit can no longer cool air efficiently with a layer of dirt buildup on the indoor coil. Refrigerant may take longer to evaporate, resulting in higher indoor temperatures or, in extreme cases, your unit overheating.
Run the coil under hot water for a few seconds. This will help lift some outer layers of residue from the wicking material and coil surface. Place the coil in a container and submerge it in boiling water for approximately 30 minutes. Allow the coil to completely dry for 24 hours.
If you have it in your air conditioner, it won't be long until it reaches your home's air ducts. Black mold can be toxic to those around it, so it is vital to remove it as soon as possible. Luckily, Davis Home Services has the tools and experienced professionals needed for the job.
If you have mold allergies, black mold can make you sick. Black mold produces spores, which can enter the air. Molds also produce microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), which create an unpleasant “moldy” or musty smell. If you have allergies, you can have allergy symptoms from the spores or mVOCs.
There is no comparison between dirty coils and clean when it comes to system efficiency. Clean coils allow your system to function at its fullest capacity and efficiency. Dirty coils allow bacteria to breed and affect your air quality, they also prevent proper air flow which increases your energy expenses.