In a nutshell, the air condition coil on your central cooling system or the rooftop HVAC unit needs to be cleaned for your house to operate properly. This includes keeping AC coils clean and free from dust and dirt buildup. Dirtiness accumulates in the evaporator coils of your AC unit outside, which causes a refrigerator-like effect as the dirt blocks cold air and heat from escaping. Keeping the AC clean will prevent this built-up debris from building up and blocking airflow--which is dangerous for both you and your family's health.
Possible AC Problems If You Don't Clean the Coil
If you don't clean your cooling coil, you run the risk of a buildup of dust and dirt which may cause your AC to break down completely. This is because dirtier coils have a harder time turning heat into cool air, resulting in an increased electricity bill and adding to our ever-growing energy consumption. Cleaning your coils will make it easier for them to push out cold air and may reduce your electricity bill, which is good for the environment.
Improperly cleaned systems can also cause you to fall victim to allergies, illness, and other unpleasantness. Dirt on AC coils has a way of getting into the air inside the house, where it irritates the lungs and causes health problems as well. It can also cause allergies to flare up. Cleaning your AC unit will help keep the air inside your home clean and healthful.
Your HVAC system can also be damaged when the evaporator has not been cleaned. Dirt on the coils makes it a little more difficult to keep the cool air inside your home circulating properly. This can then lead to drafts, which you'll notice on a particularly cold day when all of the windows are closed and you still feel a breeze. A dirty system is more inefficient.
A dirty air conditioner also puts the whole system at risk for needing repairs. When the AC unit is dirty, it may not cool properly in high-temper
ature situations, putting strain on the rest of the HVAC and causing it to break down or need more frequent repairs.
How to Clean Your AC Coil--what you'll need
You will need:
Protective goggles--other safety equipment may be required depending on your specific situation. Materials such as aprons, cleaning gloves, etc. will depend on what the AC unit is connected to (i.e. a gas furnace, a wood-burning fireplace, etc.)
A damp rag or sponge
Dry rags, paper towels, etc. to wipe up excess moisture
How to Clean Your Coil if the Old Unit is Too Large to Move: Follow These Steps
1. Unplug your unit and move it out of the house or inside of a garage, shed, etc.
2. Attach a blower attachment to your vacuum cleaner and run it over the coil surface to get rid of any loose dirt and dust that was loosened by the wet cloths and blower.
3. Take off all of your dust-proofing, belts, hoses, etc. that might block airflow through the unit.
4. Remove the old motor, wiring, and other parts of the AC unit that you don't need to keep. Put them somewhere safe where they won't get in the way while you move your unit to your new location.
5. Take off all of your hoses and belts, then put an air hose over the intake and exhaust ports so the air can move freely through the system without being obstructed by any belts or hoses that were formerly attached to it.
6. Attach a blower attachment to your vacuum cleaner and run it over the soil surface to get rid of any loose dirt and dust that was loosened by the wet cloths and blower.
7. Attach an air hose to your intake and exhaust ports, then attach a water hose to the inlet and outlet ports on the fresh air filter. Run water through the system for 15-20 minutes to get rid of any debris that won't be removed easily using a wet rag or sponge.
8. Remove a rag or paper towel from a bucket of hot water, put on your protective gear, and clean the coil surface with more rags or paper towels soaked in hot water.
9. Repeat steps 4-8 until the coil is clean and free of debris.
10. Move your unit to its new location and plug it in. You should now be able to connect it back up to electricity without any problems regarding safety concerns or temperature control when running the unit without your protective gear on.
It's a good idea to do this procedure every year, especially if you live in an area where dirt and dust are prevalent. Your coils should be sufficiently cleaned during your annual maintenance visit. If you do not have a scheduled maintenance appointment with your HVAC provider, then follow the above steps to clean it yourself.
Final words:
Don't wait any longer to clean your coil. Dust and dirt build-up can cause air conditioners to break down, resulting in higher electricity bills and damaging the health of you and your family. And if you are confused about the AC coil cleaning process you can Contact EZ Heat and Air who specialize in providing a complete range of AC unit coil cleaner services to serve the air conditioning needs of home and business property owners in San Diego. We have the expertise to keep your home or business comfortable throughout the year. Call us today!
Author Bio:- Michael Cabral
Michael is a marketing manager at EZ Heat and Air. He loves writing about innovative and hybrid HVAC installation tips. His articles help readers to have valuable insights into the importance of duct cleaning, water heater maintenance and repair, optimum working of thermostat, Mini split and heat pump installation in Orange County. Read articles for more information on keeping your HVAC system in a tip-top condition and lead a hassle-free life.