How to Clean AC Coils Easily?
Since their inception in 1902, modern air conditioners have become an integral part of our lives. Consider a life without an air conditioner in the blazing heat of December and January. Sometimes, in these months, the hot weather reaches extreme levels, and living without an AC in such adverse conditions is the most arduous task. Like every other appliance, air conditioners consist of numerous components, and each component requires proper service and maintenance. Cleaning is an integral part of the maintenance of your air conditioner.
It’s nothing different than buying a vehicle. To keep it in the best condition with performance optimization, you need to fuel it and clean its engine along with other parts on a regular basis. Similarly, you need to maintain your air conditioner by cleaning its coils and other components. The best thing about coil cleaning is that you can do it yourself. Let’s delve deep into the coil cleaning process, so you can save your cash and avoid a very expensive repair or even replacement.
Multiple Types of Coils in Air Conditioning Units
1) Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils are installed in indoor units. It is generally located on the outlet side of the furnace or the intake side of the fan coil. Due to their contribution to the cooling process, these coils are also known as cooling coils. These coils serve to remove heat from the indoor unit so the fan can return the refreshing and cool air inside the house.
2) Condenser Coils
These are found in the outdoor units for the sole purpose of removing that captured heat from the inside environment.
Both these types of coils are made up of copper tubing, which runs through thin aluminium strips known as fins. There are some other designs of these coils, such as all aluminium coils or spine fin coils. Airflow across these coils facilitate the transfer of heat.
How to Clean AC Coils
1) How to Clean AC Coils using Detergent
There are multiple solutions available in the market to clean all kinds of coils, but you can do it with household detergent. Mix detergent with water and use a low-powered sprayer to spread it over the coils and then allow natural air drying of these coils. Make sure to use a sprayer with low pressure; otherwise, it may damage the coil. Additionally, before applying the detergent, make sure it isn’t acidic; because acidic detergent would damage the copper and other metals.
2) How to Clean AC Coils using Commercial Cleaners
Commercial cleaners are always a better alternative to household detergents. There are special cleaners formed separately for indoor and outdoor units. Before applying solutions, make sure to clean all the debris by hand or with special fin brushes. For the outdoor unit, take foaming cleaner and apply it with a low-pressure sprayer. Do the same with indoor coils, but use self-rising cleaner instead. Then wash them with drinkable water and place them to dry before refitting.
In addition to this, compressed air can also be used to clean outdoor coils. It’s not recommended to use compressed air for the indoor unit, as it will blow all the dust and debris into the house.
The Bottom Line
Though you can clean the coils by yourself, make sure to use proper methods and equipment. If the wrong pressure is applied, it can damage the thin fins of the coils, thus increasing your expenses. So, it’s always preferable to hire a professional for periodic cleaning of AC coils to get optimal results. If you are looking for a trustworthy technician to clean your coils within a day or so, then get in touch with our professional team of Quick Air and get same day service in all the major cities of Australia. Call us at 1300 730 896.