Cleaning an AC's Coils Prolongs the Unit's Lifespan

Many homeowners don't give AC maintenance a second thought. They think: "Yeah, I change my air filter. What else is there?" Most air conditioning units use condenser and evaporator coils to heat and cool air. However, these coils can get dirty over time and prevent the unit from working as expected.

This spring, homeowners should put coil cleaning on their to-do lists. This can save homeowners money, time, and frustration in the long run. Continue reading to learn more about evaporator coil cleaning and condenser coil cleaning, plus the benefits of each method.

Pay Special Attention to Evaporator Coils

If an evaporator coil gets too dirty:

• The AC system could stop working, affecting the home's indoor air quality in seconds.
• Frost and ice can form on the AC system, causing burst pipes and other problems.
• The AC system could need to work harder, leading to above-average wear-and-tear and higher-than-normal energy bills.

Don't Forget To Clean the Condenser/Compressor Coil!

The condenser coil is full of refrigerant liquid that works with the evaporator to control the home's indoor air temperature. It's generally located outside the house, exposed to the elements. Leaves, dirt, mud, and even animal matter can quickly soil a coil and render it unusable.

Because condenser coils are outside, they can rust over time. When cleaning this component, one should focus on more than wiping away dirt and debris. Try removing rust with a solution of baking soda and vinegar.

Alternatively, one can call an AC coil cleaning service. A professional can employ various techniques to keep an AC system up and running and catch any potential issues before they worsen and costly repairs.

How To Clean Condenser and Evaporator Coils

Homeowners should have these items on hand when cleaning their coils:

• Protective eye gear and gloves
• A soft-bristle brush
• A can of compressed air
• A handheld vacuum cleaner

Now, when cleaning a coil, whether it's an evaporator or condenser coil, one should:

• Turn off the AC system: One doesn't want to risk burning themselves or breathing in toxic fumes while cleaning the system.
• Identify the coils' dirty areas: Many AC systems have copper coils that are usually reddish-brown. If these coils are gray, black, or brown, this likely points to a thin layer of dirt.
• Use the compressed air on the coils: The compressed air will dislodge any hard-to-remove debris and anything stuck on, like mud or caked-on dirt.
• Scrub the dirt off--but not too harshly: Using the scrub brush, one should gently remove any dirt or debris. They should refrain from using too much force, as this can damage the coils or the system itself.

About Snappy Electric, Plumbing, Heating, & Air

Snappy Electric, Plumbing, Heating, & Air is a local and family-owned and operated business that provides fast, high-quality service to its neighbors in Marietta, GA, and the surrounding areas. They offer 24/7 emergency service, upfront pricing, and payment flexibility. Call them today for evaporator coil cleaning in Marietta, GA.