A/C Coil Cleaning Is Recommended for Avoiding Energy Waste

Your air conditioner works hard to keep your northwest Arkansas home cool all summer long, and over the course of the cooling season, dirt and dust can build up on your coils and reduce the efficiency of your system. The evaporator A/C coil in your indoor unit is responsible for absorbing the heat from the air in your home, and the condenser A/C coil in your outdoor unit helps expel the heat outside. Dirty coils inhibit the exchange of heat and make your system work harder to maintain your comfort level. This raises energy costs and reduces the life of your air conditioner.

Coil cleaning frequency

Your A/C coils should be cleaned once a year before you turn on the air conditioner for the season. During the summer, check the coils periodically and remove any new dust and dirt buildup to keep them working efficiently for the duration of the cooling season.

Three ways to clean your coils

• If your coils are only slightly dirty, use an air compressor to send low-pressure air over the coils to blow away the buildup.
• If the coils are fairly dirty, use a mild detergent and water to scrub dirt off of them. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• If the coils are heavily soiled, use a biodegradable foaming coil cleaner that can safely be rinsed down the drain. Spray the foam onto the coils and let it sit for a few minutes. Vacuum the foam up and repeat the process until the coils are clean. Rinse them thoroughly with clean water.

Don’t forget the condensate pan

The condensate pan under your evaporator coil catches the water that drips from the coils, and may become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Clean the pan thoroughly when you clean your indoor A/C coil, and treat it with a biocide to reduce the growth of these organisms that can wreak havoc on your indoor air quality.

For more expert advice about cleaning your A/C coil, please contact us at Paschal Heat, Air & Geothermal. We serve northwest Arkansas homeowners with a high level of customer satisfaction.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Northwest Arkansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about A/C coils and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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