The A/C coils create a substantial amount of condensation, and they’re magnets for dirt, mold and algae. If the coils aren’t cleaned every year, contaminated coils increase cooling bills, and mold spores can be re-circulated through the home. For maximum A/C efficiency and better indoor air quality the summer through, do a little spring cleaning on your A/C system.
Cleaning A/C Coils
The A/C coils are heat exchangers. The cold refrigerant that cools your home flows through the indoor evaporator coil. The hot refrigerant that releases the concentrated heat energy flows through the outdoor condenser coil. Following are the basic steps you or your HVAC pro may perform to clean the indoor evaporator coil:
- Cut power to the A/C at the thermostat, circuit panel and the limit switch (next to the air handler).
- Access the evaporator coil by removing the panel on the plenum. If the plenum is insulated, remove the insulation with care.
- An A-frame type coil may have another panel to access the concealed side of the coil. Remove this panel as well.
- Cover the coil top to bottom and inside and out with a foaming coil cleaner. Read the instructions on the cleaner. If it is acidic, wear latex gloves and goggles.
- Soak the foam for 15 minutes, and then apply a second coat of cleaner, and wait another 10 to 15 minutes.
- Wipe the dirty foam from all coil surfaces with a soft cloth. When finished, reattach the panels.
Cleaning the Condenser Coil
The condenser coil is a piece of cake to clean compared to the evaporator coil.
- Spray the foaming cleaner on the sides of the cabinet covering the entire grille. You’re not going to open the top of the cabinet to access the concealed side of the coil. That’s for a professional to handle.
- Apply a second coat after 15 minutes.
- Wash off the dirty foam with a garden hose.
- Turn on power and test the A/C system.
For more information about cleaning A/C coils, or to schedule preventive maintenance in your Indianapolis home, please contact the experts at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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