Most HVAC maintenance tasks should only be performed by trained, licensed professionals. A few jobs, like replacing your air filter, can and should be performed by you. Then there’s one that falls in between: cleaning the condenser coils on your AC. This can be performed by a layperson without significant risk of damage or injury. However, if you’d rather leave it to the professionals, that’s fine too. If you do want to attempt the job yourself, we’ll show you how to clean AC condenser coils.
Do I Need to Clean My Coils?
Since your outdoor AC unit is exposed to the elements, over time it accumulates dirt, dust, and other debris. Car exhaust can sometimes accumulate as well. If left for too long, this debris impedes the transfer of heat through the coil. The air can’t get as cold, so it takes longer to cool your home, wasting energy.
In order to maintain efficiency, coils should be cleaned periodically. However, unless you live in an area with an unusual amount of dirt around, it probably only needs to be cleaned once a year. This means your HVAC technician can do it during your annual maintenance visit. Still, if you want to clean your condenser coils yourself, here’s how to clean AC condenser coils.
How to Clean AC Condenser Coils
First, turn off the power to the unit. (Never work on an AC that’s powered on!) Next, use a coil brush to gently brush debris out of the coils. The coil brush has gentle bristles that can help you avoid damaging the fins as you clean. If any fins are bent or misshapen, straighten them out using a fine comb. Otherwise, they can impede airflow.
Once the coils are straight, spray them gently with a hose. Then, apply a foaming coil cleanser back and forth over the entire coil and let it sit for 10 minutes. Lastly, rinse the foam away with another gentle spray from the hose.
To learn more about how to clean AC condenser coils, contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We’re Indianapolis’ trusted source for quality home-comfort solutions.
