Air Comfort Service, Inc. - When It Comes to Spring Cleaning, Don't Forget the AC Coils!

HVAC professionals of Missouri offer tips on improving air conditioner performance.

Cleaning Coils increase AC Efficiency May

When discussing cleaning an air conditioning unit, the most often mentioned parts for cleaning include the filter and the intake vents, perhaps even the ductwork. Still, one area that needs special attention is the coils. The coils in an AC unit are the primary parts responsible for cooling the air and removing moisture. If these are dirty, the unit cannot cool the air efficiently, and the whole system has to work harder. This article will discuss the types of coils present in modern AC units and how to clean them.

Coils Inside the Home: The Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils are inside the home in the part of the HVAC system called the air handler. These coils contain refrigerant that absorbs the heat within a home. This is part of what is known as the heat exchange process and is not as simple as blowing air over something cold. Because these coils are in the home, they tend to collect house dust and dander.

If this layer of dust is allowed to remain, then the coils cannot absorb the heat as efficiently as they should. It’s similar to putting that cardboard ring around a hot coffee cup which prevents the heat exchange to a person’s fingertips. Evaporator coil cleaning is essential for keeping the air conditioning at peak functionality.

Coils Outside the Home: Compressor or Condenser Coils

The outdoor HVAC unit also has a set of coils called compressor coils or condenser coils. The air conditioner model will determine which of these is present. Both a condenser and compressor release heat outside the home, but they do it differently to reach the same result.

Compressor: A compressor pushes the gaseous refrigerant in the coils into a smaller space (less volume), releasing heat.
Condenser: The condenser returns the refrigerant gas to its liquid form, releasing the heat but without the same pressure used by the compressor.

The result is the same whether a condenser or a compressor is present; the coils can get dirty through wind and storms. If they are covered in grime, the heat exchange process is hampered.

How to Clean Both Interior and Exterior Coils

Coil maintenance can increase a unit’s efficiency by up to 40%. This means lower energy bills and better-regulated temperatures within the home. One of the best ways to keep coils clean is to schedule professional maintenance for a home’s HVAC system every six months. AC coil cleaning is part of this regular maintenance package. If a homeowner needs an immediate cleaning and the pros are not available, here are a few tips for coil cleaning:

Evaporator Coil Cleaning:

Make sure the unit is turned off
Remove the air handler cover
Use canned air to spray off the coils
If there is a heavier buildup, one can use mild soap and water

Condenser Coil Cleaning or Compressor Coil Cleaning:

Make sure the unit is turned off
Remove cover and inspect the coils
Use a coil brush for heavy debris
Rinse with water
Use a coil cleaner (or dish soap) if necessary and rinse again with water

About Air Comfort Service, Inc.

For commercial and residential HVAC care in St. Louis, MO, look no further than Air Comfort Service, Inc. They have successfully offered heating and cooling solutions for 53 years and counting. Call today for full HVAC service in the greater St. Louis area.