How to Clean AC Coils Inside A House?

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Is your AC causing issues? Is being noisy? Or is it throwing out hot air? Well, we must break it to you; it’s time to clean AC coils inside! Keeping your air conditioner coils all clean is a very important job. An air conditioner, when it gets dirty, always causes problems. Whether you have the AC installed in a casement window for ventilation or just your indoor air conditioning machine for an outdoor unit. Keeping dirt and debris out of your room is a necessity. There could also be several problems inside your cooling machine if you never think about cleaning your AC evaporator. However, the question that arises is how to clean it? What is the exact process? Keep all your confusion aside as we are going to learn the proper guide to clean your cooling machine. Hence, you can always experience better cooling inside the house.

A graphical representation Dirty ac coils reasons

The Mystery Behind Dirty AC Coils

You may be thinking, what is the cause of your AC functioning badly? Sometimes, you must also be experiencing the AC compressor not turning on. Now what could be the cause? A major cause of this could be the dirt and debris inside.

Airborne Dust and Debris: Dust, pollen, and other particles from the air settle on the coils.
Poor Air Filtration: A clogged or dirty air filter allows more dust and dirt to reach the coils.
Humidity: High humidity levels can cause moisture to attract dust and dirt.
Infrequent Maintenance: Neglecting regular cleaning and maintenance can lead to buildup on the coils.
Leaks or Water Damage: Condensation from leaks or water damage can cause dirt to stick to the coils.
Improper Installation: Incorrect installation can lead to issues with airflow, increasing the likelihood of coil contamination.

You can keep your air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently by cleaning the coils regularly. Clean these coils as part of your yearly maintenance schedule to improve the health of your AC and avoid incurring expenses. But first, let us learn the role of the evaporator.

A view of an AC evaporator coil

Significance of Evaporator

Before we learn about the actual steps, let’s see what role an evaporator coil has to play in the AC coils.

Reducing Heat and Humidity to Clean AC Coils

The evaporator coils are housed within the interior air handling AC unit, an integral part of every home air conditioning system.

Two of their most important functions are cooling the air and lowering humidity levels.
Indoor air that is already warm is cooled as it flows over these chilly coils.
Concurrently, airborne moisture condenses on these chilly surfaces, drastically lowering the relative humidity.

A view of unclean ac coils

How Unclean Coils Affect System Performance

Their efficiency is significantly affected when evaporator coils are covered in dirt and debris.

Dust, pollen, and other particles adhere to the wet coils, reducing their heat-transfer efficiency.
This inefficiency results in less cooling capacity, more energy usage, and increased wear and tear on the system (which could mean more maintenance and higher operational expenses).

Keeping Things Running Smoothly

Keeping the evaporator coils clean is essential to guarantee maximum efficiency and performance.

Regular cleaning can maintain the system’s cooling effectiveness and energy usage by preventing dirt and debris from developing.
Evaporator coils should be cleaned at least once a year as part of the HVAC maintenance routine and at least once every three months when cooling is in full swing.

A view of a person washing ac filter with a water filter

Materials You Need to Clean Coils

To delicately brush the coils, use a soft bristle brush.
To clean surfaces and pick up loose dirt, use a rag.
Blow out the coils of dust using compressed air.
To remove the screws from the access panel, you will need a screwdriver or ratchet.
Use a solvent cleaner for more stubborn dirt and buildup on the coils.

A view of a person cleaning an ac coil inside

How to Clean AC Coils Inside the House? – A Look at Steps

If you want your air conditioner to work as efficiently as possible, you must keep the evaporator coils clean. Here is a simple, step-by-step procedure for cleaning the air conditioning coils in your home.

Step 1: Getting Ready and Staying Safe

To prevent electrical dangers, switch off your air conditioner before you start. In most air conditioners, the evaporator coils are inside the air handler or connected to the furnace.

Step 2: Evaluation

Check the coils for a substantial accumulation of filth and other debris. Consult a certified HVAC system specialist for safe mold handling.

Step 3: Pick Up Any Loose Debris

To remove any big debris from the coils, gently blow them away with a can of compressed air. This aids in cleaning the coils of dust and grime without resorting to physical force.

Step 4: Clean AC Coils

Scrub the coils carefully using a brush with soft bristles. This helps remove any debris that the compressed air cannot loosen. Use a gentle brush if you don’t want to ruin the coils’ fragile fins.

A view of some cleaning agents

Step 5: Using the Cleaning Agent

Coat the coils heavily with a spray bottle of water and gentle dish soap. After a few minutes of sitting, the solution will dissolve the dirt. Another option is to use an air conditioner coil cleaner; these are available for purchase.

Step 6: Coil Rinsing

Wait for the cleaning solution to settle before rinsing the coils. Water runoff doesn’t require extra cleanup since it naturally drains into the drip pan below.

Step 7: Drain Line Clogging Removal

To avoid water accumulation and mold growth, check and clean the drain hole that leads to the drip pan after cleaning. To keep the pipes free, pour a capful of bleach down the drain hole. Gently remove any obstructions using a pipe cleaner.

Step 8: Final Inspection and Drying

After coiling, make sure to inspect one final time.

Let them air dry entirely.
After they’re dry, give them one last once-over to ensure no dirt or debris is visible.
Make sure that the cleaning process does not miss any spots.

Step 9: Assembling and Checking the System

Any panels or pieces removed to clean the air conditioner should be put back together. To ensure that your air conditioner is working correctly, turn it on. Check for strange noises and check that the air is cool and consistent. When you turn your ac on, make sure to keep it at a proper temperature.

A view of a person cleaning an ac coil with water pressure

Final Thoughts

Summing up, keeping your air conditioner coils clean is your best bet for a more energy-efficient and relaxed house. Clean AC coils inside your home are practical and necessary, as discussed throughout this tutorial. Everything you need to know to keep your air conditioner running well is right here, from cleaning the coils (inside and out, in the furnace, and even in your RV AC coils inside) to why routine maintenance is essential. Following these simple steps and using a gentle brush and coil cleaner can eliminate the grime and debris that reduce your system’s performance and shorten its lifespan. These simple but effective techniques will help you clean the coils of your domestic air conditioner or remove any debris from the outside condenser coil.

In conclusion, by keeping your HVAC AC system clean regularly, you can improve air filters and heat transfer and keep it in good repair while avoiding expensive repairs. With these practical tips for keeping your AC coils clean, you can improve the air quality inside your home and the performance of your system.

So, get out your spray bottle and clean up the AC inside!