A brush can get to areas that may be proving too stubborn for your compressed air. In theory, there is no reason why your evaporator coil won't last as long as your HVAC system. Clogged Air Filter - Air filters are designed to filter out the dust and debris from the air as it passes through your system. The evaporator coil's job is to absorb the heat from the air within your house. It entails opening up the unit and pulling the coil. The evaporator coil can be a magnet for dust, debris, and other contaminants, this is because it is installed within the airstream of your HVAC system. And frequent filter changing  is critical. Cleaning the A/C evaporator coils with a brush: Brush cleaning can be a beneficial technique for removing minor accumulations of dirt of evaporator coils. This will remove excess dirt. AC Compressor Not Working but Fan is Running, Evaporator Coil Leak: What You Need to Do, Looking for A Portable Air Conditioner That Doesn’t Need A Window, Why Your Furnace is Short Cycling and What to Do About It, What To Do When Your Air Conditioner Air Flow Is Weak, Best 50 Gallon Electric Water Heaters: Our Top Picks. From time to time, GraniteGrok accepts content from third parties (posts, or additional links after initial publication) from which we may or may not receive compensation. The evaporator coils will be located in the indoor unit of your air conditioner. Where the condenser coil is located plays a big part in the job it performs. The evaporator coil for most central air conditioning systems is a copper pyramid-shaped coil located inside the air conditioner. How to Clean Your Air Conditioner’s Evaporator Coils. If needed, you may need to apply and clean a few times. This method is relatively cost-effective, but may require multiple applications. 6 Steps To Clean Your Evaporator Coils If the evaporator coils get dusty and dirty, their ability to cool and dehumidify air becomes significantly compromised. Dirty coils can reduce efficiency by around 30% and increase the amount of energy used by up to 40%. Now that you’re inside, you can start cleaning the coils. However, keep in mind that your AC system is still leaking and will eventually need to be addressed at some point, and it's possible that there will be long term internal damage. That means hiring a professional. Ads related to: Clean Ac Evaporator Coils Yourself Results from Microsoft . You’ll find the evaporator coils in the main indoor unit, and then the condenser coils are found in the outdoor unit and release the hot air outside of the house. … Use, foaming ac evaporator coil cleaner spray to remove dust and dirt. All rights reserved. Use a relatively soft brush and start by sweeping the dust off, being careful to avoid damaging the fins. Both roles are necessary in order to win a game. Direct the spray at the coils and rinse them thoroughly. If your leak is small it may be the most economical choice, especially if you plan on selling your home in the near future. Even if your air conditioning system is functioning properly, cleaning evaporator coils regularly is a good way to ensure that your air conditioner remains in good condition. You may also want to use a cleaning product to help things along. We'll cover everything you need to know about AC evaporator coils and then some. Let's take a closer look: As you can see from the above image, the AC evaporator coil is typically upright in an "A" frame shape. Air conditioners work more efficiently when the evaporator and condenser coils or cooling fins are clean and the fins are straight. Be careful with the kind of water pressure you use to clean the coil. This is by far the least inexpensive and easiest way to extend the service life. If using compressed air isn’t enough, you may want to clean them with a brush instead. Mix ½ water and ½ vinegar inside the bottle. All of the above possiblilities can result in an AC system that doesn't perform as designed, and in addition, will shorten the service life of your unit. The visit will include an inspection of all the major parts, including the evaporator coil and confirmation of proper refrigerant level and pressure. There are a variety of factors that can cause leaks, including corrosion as well as a clogged drain. The panels are lined with "fins" which are thin metal strips that allow the passing air to get as close as possible to the coil tubing. Yes, You can clean it yourself however, the first step in Air conditioner Cleaning Townsville is obviously getting access. As the air passes over, the refrigerant within the copper tubing absorbs the heat. Copyright 2020 Think Tank Home. Since the condenser coil's job is to release the heat from inside your house, it makes sense that the heat would be released into the outside air. Add Refrigerant - This option may buy you some time. Find out how to clean your air conditioner’s evaporator coils in six easy steps below. Just a few short minutes a couple times a year is all it takes to keep your coils sparkling clean. Without adequate airflow blowing over the evaporator coil, the condensation on the coil will freeze because there isn't enough heat to be absorbed. You might think of it as your favorite basketball team playing offense and defense. If you have any issues, then check the manual of your air conditioner to show you where exactly it is. Technically, the evaporator moves the heat from the air into the refrigerant and the cooled air is then blown into the home through the ductwork. This will have a panel that you can remove with some basic tools, most likely a screwdriver, to reveal the coil itself. Now spray a generous amount of coil cleaner spray bet… The cold air delivered actually comes from the evaporator coil. People Everywhere Are Raving About ZenCooler, But Does It Really Work? Refrigerant lines will need to be disconnected, and the system will need to be repressurized. Make sure that the product is going to be safe for your coils and apply for a few minutes before wiping clean. A great hack for this is to put your warm water and detergent into a spray bottle. Here’s what happens when dirt and debris build up on your air conditioner’s evaporator and condenser coils. The evaporator coil works when air flows over a series of thin metal fins that are cooled by the refrigerant within the copper tubing. This will help each part of the system last longer, saving you money, as well as making it a generally more effective tool to regulate the temperature of your home. The air filters will capture most of the tiny debris that could cause trouble for your system.4 Though regular cleaning will still be necessary, the coils will be much cleaner if the air filter is cleaned and replaced when needed. This gives the refrigerant plenty of time to release the heat which was moved from within your home. Shake the solution well, and apply it to the evaporator coil and condenser coil. During the cooling season, we recommend changing your filter every 4 to 6 weeks. Take your spray bottle, vinegar and water. Leaven For the Loaf – President signs executive order to protect vulnerable newborns, Green Energy Policies Could Bring Blackouts to NH, BLM Leader: Many NHDems Secretly Backing Agenda, ‘Tight Races’ Keep Them Silent, UPDATE: Parents Arrested Several Months After Bringing Kids to Concord Playground, The wrong policies could bring California’s rolling blackouts to New Hampshire, House, Senate to consider veto override on September 16, Without innovation, labor can’t generate progress, Lawsuit Challenges NH Absentee Voting Process. Each handles a different side of the process. Evaporator Coil Removal & Cleaning Photos. Contact Us. Method 2 of 4: Using a Pump Sprayer and Brush. When the evaporator coil is dirty, it can’t absorb as much heat. Taking care of your air conditioner unit is a way to ensure the efficiency and longevity of your system. Types of Coils in AC Units. This will generally be located in the basement or a cupboard hidden away in the house. Replacing your evaporator coil isn't cheap. Be sure not to bend the coil fins which will block air flow if bent. Fortunately cleaning your air conditioner evaporator coils is a relatively easy DIY task, and unless there are complications, it is a procedure you should be able to handle yourself. During the cooling season, we recommend changing your filter every 4 to 6 weeks. Once you have a schedule with how often you’ll check your coils, the next thing is to actually get inside so you can clean them. But this, of course, assumes that you are providing proper care. Your air conditioner will have filters around the system to reduce the amount of dust and dirt, but if these aren’t being maintained, then the amount of debris on your coils will increase significantly. The evaporator is where the cold air actually comes from and the coils are made from metals that easily conduct heat. If the coils aren’t too dirty, then this will be able to blow off a lot of the initial dust quickly and effectively. Once you have located the coil, turn off the thermostat. Now, use the electric vacuum cleaner and vacuum all the grime away that has gathered over the evaporator unit. If you don’t have a coil cleaning product to hand, then a combination of detergent and warm water will also do. When your evaporator coils become dirty, they will have a reduced ability to transfer heat to the cooling fluid which, in turn, will decrease its ability to cool air. Most manufacturers will only honor your warranty if a certified HVAC professional handles all major maintenance and cleaning. It is fine to give it a good soaking. Technically, the evaporator moves the heat from the air into the refrigerant and the cooled air is then blown into the home through the ductwork. On average, it'll cost about $1,000, but depending on the size and make of your system, it could be as low as $600 or as high as $2,000. Regular maintenance and ongoing observation are the keys to proper performance and maximum service life. Similar to your car, your air conditioning system is a big upfront investment, so it’s worth keeping on top of cleaning and maintaining it yourself as much as possible. But if you're like most people, you probably think that your AC system is cooling the air, but in reality, heat is being removed. After that is done, use a water hose and use normal water pressure to clean of any dirt that might still be present on the coils. The expansion valve plays a very important role, as it reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. AC coil cleaning: what all the fuss is about. We highly recommend professional cleaning if you notice an extensive amount of dirt or dust as the surfaces within the coil may also be affected. The most basic way to keep evaporator coils clean is to make sure your AC unit has clean air filters installed. And frequent filter changing  is critical. If you notice your evaporator coil is frozen you need to immediately shut down your system. You'll need five tools to clean the evaporator coils on your AC unit: a screwdriver, a stiff brush, a large hand mirror, household bleach and wire. For many Chicago homeowners, air conditioner maintenance means little more than changing the air filters regularly and cleaning debris from the exterior unit. The coils on an air conditioner are very delicate, and damaging them can cost plenty to repair. AC Coil cleaning is one of the most effective approaches for maintaining the cooling and functionality of the air conditioner, yet it’s can be over-interpreted and generally undervalued. Low Refrigerant - When your system is running low on refrigerant it won't perform as it should. Failure to do so can damage the compressor. Use the brush to the coils and clean dirt piles away. All Rights Reserved. Air Conditioning and Cooling Systems - Trane XL80 evaporator coil - Hi, I have a TRANE XL80 that froze up yesterday all the way outside to the AC fan. Allow some of the solution to drip away, and wipe away the remaining solution with the cleaning rags. The consequences of not cleaning AC coils. A common problem you'll have during the cooling season is a frozen evaporator coil. This will help each part of the … How to Clean Your Air Conditioner’s Evaporator Coils Read More » If a cleaner is used be sure it is certified for cleaning the coil as to not have a chemical smell in a home. You can turn the thermostat off position, but it is also recommended to turn off the breakers that control the AC in the home's breaker panel. If you find that your evaporator has started leaking, you basically have three options: Use a Sealant - One option is to inject a sealant into the refrigerant which travels through the system in search of leaks. During normal operation, condensation collects on the coils and evaporates. It’s easy for them to become dirty, too, as they are often damp from the dehumidifying process. Your AC evaporator coil extracts heat from the indoor air, sending it through a refrigerant to cool. The Evaporator Coil cleaning, in total, for this system took a little over ~2 hours. While knowing how to clean air conditioner evaporator coils comes in handy, remember that the best prevention for dirty coils is purchasing a quality system air filter and changing it … If you neglect your evaporator coil, you'll most definitely need to replace it at some point. Even if you value coil cleaning, you may wonder if you are doing it the right way. The blower fan draws hot air from your house over the evaporator coil. Does ZenCooler Really Work? Additionally, many states and even municipalities require licensing for anyone working with refrigerant. These are located in the main unit and are generally out of sight, so you may be more likely to forget about them. Using a Brush to Clean Your Evaporator Coils. Your air conditioner’s coils are some of the most important parts of the system. Frequently the coils are made from copper, but steel and aluminum is also used. I need help knowing how to clean the evaporator Trane XL80 evaporator coil - DoItYourself.com Community Forums Save money and keep your house cooler by cleaning a room air conditioner yourself. AC EVAPORATOR COIL. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Within the condenser are many copper coil tubes that wind around the housing. There are two types of coils in an air conditioning system: evaporator coils that absorb the heat and humidity from the air in your space, and condenser coils that expel that heat outside of your building. Unfortunately, evaporator coils will leak. Also, we highly recommend having an annual service conducted by an HVAC professional. Your system runs longer without cooling as effectively. Purchasing a quality air filter is the best defense in preventing dirty evaporator coils. This Is A Must-Read For Anyone Interested In Buying The ZenCooler Air … The evaporator coils are within your processing unit inside behind the removable access panel. Air is blown over the condenser by a large fan to assist the refrigerant in releasing it's heat. The evaporator coils are needed to take the heat from the air in your home, leaving the system with cool air to be dispersed back into the room. Follow the instruction below for a successful, ac coil cleaning. Cleaning the evaporator coil yourself can void your AC warranty. If you live somewhere with a lot of flowering plants, for example, this may be sucked into the system. This will depend on the area you live in and how much dust and debris are in the air. Division Headquarters 315 N Racine Avenue, Suite 501 Chicago, IL 60607 +1 866-331-2435 Once you have these tools, make sure you know where the evaporator coils are located. The tubes are bent into "U" shapes and are stacked into a panel. Clean Your AC Evaporator Coils. When performing maintenance on your air conditioner, always make sure to replace or clean your filters and clean your coils. Clean AC Evaporator Coils Yourself? To clean air conditioner coils, turn off the unit and remove the cover to access the inside of the unit. The Difference Between Condenser Coils and Evaporator Coils Before you start cleaning your AC unit, it helps to understand a bit about how the system works. Evaporator coils also work to dehumidify the air passing through the system, as well as cool it down. Not convinced yet about why to clean AC coils?