Air Conditioner Coils
Adapted from energy.gov. The air conditioner’s evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt over their months and years of service. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. In time, however, the evaporator coil will still collect dirt. This dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem, check your evaporator coil every year and clean it as necessary.
Outdoor condenser coils can also become very dirty if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby. You can easily see the condenser coil and notice if dirt is collecting on its fins.
You should minimize dirt and debris near the condenser unit. Your dryer vents, falling leaves, and lawn mower are all potential sources of dirt and debris. Cleaning the area around the coil, removing any debris, and trimming foliage back at least 2 feet (0.6 meters) allow for adequate airflow around the condenser.
Coil Fins
The aluminum fins on evaporator and condenser coils are easily bent and can block airflow through the coil. Air conditioning wholesalers sell a tool called a “fin comb” that will comb these fins back into nearly original condition.
How Do I Keep My Coils Clean
Preventative maintenance is the most efficient and affordable way to keep your unit operating at its best.
First, check and change your air filter regularly. The filter is meant to collect airborne dust, dirt, and debris to prevent it from building up on the coils. If your filter is dirty, it won’t effectively protect your unit’s coils from becoming caked in dirt as well. If your unit is running constantly, such as over the summer, changing your filter every four weeks is the best way to prevent these issues. Otherwise, changing your filter every other month should do the trick.
You can also manually clean the more accessible condenser coils on your own once a month. Locate the external vent on the outer walls of your home and gently spray the coil with clean water. The coil is fragile, so refrain from using powerful streams of water.
Annual professional maintenance calls are vital to ensuring your unit operates efficiently. Your HVAC technician will clean your coils and ducts to prevent dirt buildup and promote energy efficiency all year round. So set up your maintenance program with Bayside AC today