The coils are the most important element of the condenser unit when it comes to airflow and the heat transfer process. Keeping your air conditioner coils clean is an important step in maintaining your AC efficiency. Technically, you aren't going to clean the coils, you are just cleaning the protective metal fins. You can use a condenser cleaning solution, available at your local home improvement store, but regular soap and water will do. However, the more active your air conditioner is, the more of a workout you give it, and depending on where it’s located and what it’s subjected to every day, the more frequent the cleanings should be. The best way to clean the coils is to just use soap and water. Most condensers are located outside your home and have a fan to move air throughout the condenser coil. When To Clean AC Coils. And how do you know when it needs to be done? Not only will good maintenance reduce your energy consumption and save on your monthly bills, but clean condenser coils will make your A/C unit last longer and keep it … Since you'll spray to the coils, you don't need to use a high-pressure spray. In this video, I will show you how I cleaned out my home air conditioning condenser coil. 5 Tips for Cleaning AC Coils Get a Maintenance Check On Your AC Coils Once a Year. AIR CONDITIONER COIL MAINTENANCE TIPS TAKE CARE OF YOUR AIR CONDITIONER COILS FOR BEST COOLING PERFORMANCE Cleaning your air conditioner’s condenser coils and evaporator coils regularly allows your unit to run more efficiently … The first thing you need to do when cleaning your evaporator coils is to gather the proper tools for the job. This chemical reaction produces heat and several fumes and gasses (primarily hydrogen) which causes the coil cleaner to foam and push out the dirt loosened by the wetting and heating process. If your home or business has an air conditioning system and it’s up to you to make sure it’s running at its optimal level, you probably know it will need routine maintenance. Dirty coils can prevent proper airflow, overheat the system, and cause the air conditioner to fail. Split-system cooling systems such as central air conditioners consist of an indoor and outdoor unit. Shut off the power to the air conditioner. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee - Call today! Mold and mildew thrive in wet, dark environments. To begin with, take a hose and allow water to wet the coils. The first thing that you should do is determine which tools you'll need. Office Hours 8am - 5pm Service Hours 8am - 6pm 24 Hour Emergency Service, © R.S. It’s a long tube shaped into a coil with metal fins on the outside. After vacuuming the fins, spray the outside of the fins with a good coil cleaner and wait 5 minutes. Air blowing across the coils in your air conditioning system can cause dust and other debris to stick to the coils. For highest system efficiency, get this done every year and up to once per month. If it is dirty and brown, you are definitely cleaning your coils. Note that cleaner for condenser coils is extremely caustic and can cause burns. Systems with dirty coils use more energy than those with clean coils and cool spaces less efficiently. Note that cleaner for condenser coils is extremely caustic and can cause burns. In order to clean your AC condenser coil, you'll need the following tools: grass shears or pruners, spray bottle of coil cleaner, soft brush, fin comb, carpenter's level, pry bar or piece of 2x4 (0.6 x 1.2 meters), and gravel or rocks. You’ll see dirt and grime caked on. It does not constitute professional advice. It is difficult to determine exactly how often to clean AC coils yourself. It is difficult to determine exactly how often to clean AC coils yourself. Just be careful that you don't spray the fins too hard, or else they could bend, which is even worse than having them dirty. Contact us for complete details. Most condensers are located outside your home and have a fan to move air throughout the condenser coil. If uncertain, turn off the power to the air conditioning condenser at the main electrical panel. Even if your air conditioning system is functioning properly, cleaning evaporator coils regularly is a good way to ensure that your air conditioner remains in good condition. In time, however, the evaporator coil will still collect dirt. Dirty coils can reduce efficiency by around 30%. Gather the Necessary Tools. Condenser coils depend on a chemical reaction between the aluminum fins and either a strong acid or alkaline solution to clean the coils. Gather the Necessary Tools. If you spray some soap into the coils and let it soak in for a bit, the dirt will probably wash right out once you spray it down with a strong stream of water. 3. Your dealer may use a combination of using compressed air, a shop-vac and heavy-duty coil-cleaning chemicals that meet the specifications of your air conditioner model. Cleaning your air conditioner condenser coils regularly will let your air conditioner run cooler with less energy and make you feel more comfortable. You’ll see two copper tubes running to it, one bare and the other encased in a foam sleeve. Doing routine maintenance will save you time and money. As alwys we are pleased…”, “R.S Andrews has no competition, in my book.”, “Joseph was very professional and has a great personality.”. Follow these steps to clean an AC evaporator coil yourself: You can use a pump sprayer to clean the condenser coils. After the detergent has soaked, take a hose and spray the AC unit with water. 3. The longer you wait, the dirtier your coils will become, and the harder it will be to clean them. Most air conditioners run on Trane coils, and their primary role is to release heated air that is collected from inside and release it outside to cool the home. Its main function is to catch fresh air so it touches the tubing surface. You will need a coil cleaning solution available at any home improvement store. In most cases you don't need to use any sort of scrub brush. Having clean condenser coils will make your AC run cooler and more efficiently. So the condenser coil is still subjected to the elements. Once you’re done spraying with the detergent, let it sit for a few minutes. Window and wall units can usually just be unplugged. You will want to check for vegetation growth around the pad, remove any weeds or growth that can impede the coils. Apply the compressed air evenly across the coils at a 90-degree angle. To keep your outdoor AC coils clean, it’s essential to do routine maintenance. Your air conditioner’s condenser coils are some of the most important parts of the system. This will allow you to straighten out the coils and remove debris that is harder to reach. Let sit for five to 10 minutes. Before doing so, make sure you shut your power off. Possibly the single most important factor to maintaining your air conditioning unit is keeping it clean and well maintained. Cost to Clean AC Coils. Learning how to clean AC condenser coils is simple. There are two types of coils in every air conditioning system: evaporator coils that absorb heat and humidity from the air, and condenser coils that expel the heat back outside your building. Your primary job here is to clean the a/c condenser fins, which are fine metallic blades that surround the unit. How to Clean Mold & Mildew From AC Coils. There aren't many things more frustrating than an air conditioning that refuses to run. This way it will run efficiently and need less electricity to operate. It’s that simple! Direct the spray at the coils and rinse them thoroughly. Most air conditioners run on Trane coils, and their primary role is to release heated air that is collected from inside and release it outside to cool the home. After all, air conditioning systems aren’t cheap, and skipping the maintenance could be the difference between a system that requires frequent, costly repairs, and one that runs smoothly for years to come. If it hasn’t been cleaned in a while, you’ll be able to tell immediately. Condenser coils can be cleaned with a garden hose and some elbow grease. Simply brush your cleaning solution on the coils (or use a spray bottle). Learning how to clean AC condenser coils is simple. The age of your system – older equipment is more prone to accumulating dirt faster, Your usage – the higher the load, the more dirt will accumulate, The location – the closer it is to streets, construction, or other debris, the more often cleaning will need to take place, Operating lawn mowers next to running equipment will get grass stuck in the coil. Your central air conditioner (AC) unit has two types of coils. Both coils need to be clean to maximize efficiency. While your focus will be on cleaning the condenser coil, there are actually two types of coils inside your air conditioning system. Use a brush with soft bristles to work out any clogged debris. In portable air conditioners, there are coils in both condenser and evaporator. Either pull out a block or move a switch to the off position. When the condenser coil is caked with dirt and grime, the heat gets trapped inside and can’t be released. This article explains the best way to clean and service your condenser coils. That’s not always the cause. The first thing that you should do is determine which tools you'll need. In the condenser, the coil catches fresh air to reduce the temperature of the tubing. Such as the condenser coils using force to spray from outside can cause deeper clogs. Save money and keep your house cooler by cleaning a room air conditioner … How to Clean Your A/C Unit. We offer 24/7 emergency service. It's unavoidable, no matter how clean your environment is. In order for the coils to transfer heat effectively, all surfaces need to be clean. The space between the individual fins can get caked and clogged in dirt. It is very important that the condenser coil fins are straightened out to the best of your ability. The aluminum has rows with small fins that stick out. A basic air conditioning system consists of indoor cooling coils or evaporators and outdoor condensing coils (these can be either air or water-cooled). Use a can of compressed air or an air compressor if there are stubborn particles, or if you simply want to ensure a thorough cleaning. If you want to minimize your power bills, keep your AC coils clean and the machine in good working order. A hot, muggy home can make your space incredibly uncomfortable, which is why I have always focused on maintaining my air conditioning system. Use an up and down motion. You will need a coil cleaning solution available at any home improvement store. Split air conditioners are a common type of cooling system well-known for their compact, ductless format. This chemical reaction produces heat and several fumes and gasses (primarily hydrogen) which causes the coil cleaner to foam and push out the dirt loosened by the wetting and heating process. Take into account: It’s not as simple as spraying it with a hose. If you do this maintenance on a regular basis, your air conditioner is more likely to run at maximum efficiency. Turn off the electrical power to the condenser unit at the outdoor shutoff. A condenser fan helps blow air over the outdoor coils (what the refrigerant flows through) to release heat energy to the outside air. Please note some coils look clean but can be severely impacted. It’ll cost anywhere from $100 to $400 to clean your AC coils as a standalone service. Before you do any work on your coils, you want to cut the power to your condenser. Air conditioners are essential to keeping your home and business cool during hot weather. If you have a heat pump, both tubes will be covered by foam sleeves. Your AC condenser coils are where the magic happens: Here, the refrigerator unit in your go-to seasonal appliance absorbs heat to make the air cooler. 5 Tips for Cleaning AC Coils Get a Maintenance Check On Your AC Coils Once a Year. The best way to do this is to simply hit the breaker switch because most condensers don't have a power switch. How to Clean AC Evaporator Coils Inside Your House. Air conditioners work more efficiently when the evaporator and condenser coils or cooling fins are clean and the fins are straight. What is Portable Air Conditioner Coils? Coils should be cleaned regularly to ensure that they stay in excellent condition and free of leaks. This final rinse removes the cleaning solution, resulting in a … Usually, the best time to do the cleaning is the beginning of the summer season. Clean the AC Coils and Fins. The coils on an air conditioner are very delicate, and damaging them can cost plenty to repair. You never know, making the right changes could dramatically improve your summertime experience. To clean the condenser coils, you don't need unusually expensive tools or an understanding of complex techniques. When the drip is cleaned, use water to wash the coils. Fill the sprayer with the cleaning detergent and start spraying the AC unit. You probably aren’t in the habit of looking at your air conditioner on a regular basis. What Do I need to Clean AC Evaporator Coils? 21 Air Conditioner Maintenance and Home Cooling Tips Andrews, Inc. All Rights Reserved  |   Sitemap  |  Privacy Policy. Instead, you can perform some routine AC maintenance, such as cleaning the condenser coils, within a couple of hours or less. For removing finer pieces of debris, use a soft cloth to wipe it clean. The cleaner should foam immediately, filling the air between coils where grime accumulates, until each section of your coils is hidden from view. The condenser coils are easily visible and accessible through the protective metal cage. Over time, corrosion causes cracks and holes in the coils, which allows refrigerant to leak. Next, spray a generous amount of foaming coil cleaner onto the coils in a back and forth motion. But if it’s in an easy to reach place, you can look at the coil and determine its condition. As the refrigerant gas travels from the compressor to the condenser coil. Condenser coils depend on a chemical reaction between the aluminum fins and either a strong acid or alkaline solution to clean the coils. Service Areas: Atlanta, Alpharetta, Chamblee, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Roswell, Marietta, and more. My ac was not cooling down my house properly. You can either purchase it online or at your local hardware store. This only moves the dust which will end up back in the condenser when the fan comes on. Be careful to avoid direct contact with the condenser coil cleaner and your skin. Pay attention to the runoff. The most important thing here is to clean the condenser coil. Unfortunately, I still run into problems from time to time and I am sure that all of you do, which is one of the reasons I decided to build this website. This method is typically recommended only for the outdoor condensing coil. Since the condenser coil is part of the outside unit, it is subjected to more dirt and grime than it would be within your home. And you’ll ensure your home or business is cool all summer long. A mild detergent/water mixture works well too. When To Clean AC Coils. The first "cleaner" that should be tried is water from a garden hose. Don’t vacuum acroos the fins, you’ll probably bend them. The coils are the most important element of the condenser unit when it comes to airflow and the heat transfer process. All information is subject to change at any time without notice. There are two types of coils in every air conditioning system: evaporator coils that absorb heat and humidity from the air, and condenser coils that expel the heat back outside your building. Clean AC Evaporator Coils Yourself? This slows down the heat transfer process and causes the condenser motor to work harder, sucking up more electricity and running up your energy bill. If you have a Trane air conditioner with an aluminum Spine Fin™ coil, there's a special cleaning chemical just for that type of AC. Your dryer will always need to be maintained by cleaning. The evaporator coil is located inside the unit, while the condenser coil is located outside. Schedule Service. However, when cleaning the inside of your dryer avoid the air. That’s the unit that conditions the air you breathe every day. As a general rule, your AC condenser coil needs to be cleaned twice per year. Clean the AC Coils and Fins. Together, the evaporator coil and condenser coil are key components in making cooling possible. The other kind of coil found in your system is the evaporator coil. Re-rinse the coil with water. In order to clean your AC condenser coil, you'll need the following tools: grass shears or pruners, spray bottle of coil cleaner, soft brush, fin comb, carpenter's level, pry bar or piece of 2x4 (0.6 x 1.2 meters), and gravel or rocks.. Basic air conditioner function. If you want to minimize your power bills, keep your AC coils clean and the machine in good working order. It’ll cost anywhere from $100 to $400 to clean your AC coils as a standalone service. Not only is it impacting the air you breathe, but it’s also increasing your energy bills each month, and increasing the risk your system will break down easier, often at the most inopportune times. Call us now! Don't just turn off your thermostat because you run the risk of having your unit power on while you are working on it. In fact, rather than just cleaning the coils, it is best to get proper maintenance of your AC unit done. This is not a complicated job so you should not put it aside. As your home ages, your air-conditioning system is bound to become less effective. The outdoor unit contains the condenser, condenser coils and compressor, while the indoor unit contains the evaporator, evaporator coils and the air handling system. If the condenser coils still require additional cleaning, repeat steps 4 and 5. The water pressure should not be too high, medium pressure is fine. But what does that truly mean? As a general rule, your AC condenser coil needs to be cleaned twice per year. Many times, window and through-the-wall A/C units can’t blow cold air because the evaporator and condenser coils or cooling fins are clogged. A Trane condenser coil should be cleaned at least once every year to ensure that it maintains its good performance. When an air conditioner is in use, condensation often forms on the unit's evaporator coils. Even if your “outside” is a mechanical room for a business, it’s usually located in a section of the building where it allows in outdoor air. Most people assume warm air from their air conditioning unit means it’s low on refrigerant. If you do this maintenance on a regular basis, your … A portable air conditioner coil is a metal grid surrounding a metal tube folded several times forming a flat surface. The fumes are also dangerous, which is why you shouldn’t use this cleaner on your indoor coils. Try to get around the entire unit, but be careful not to bend any fins. And since these are “air” cooled coils, restricting the air flow through these units is detrimental to the equipment and your power bill. If you use too much pressure, you can easily damage the fins. “Rob was courtious and did his job efficiently. Evaporator coils need AC coil cleaners and some tools. Most condenser and evaporator coils are made of copper tubing, which works through a series of thin, aluminum strips known as fins. All day long. Check out these posts for more information about keeping your system working beautifully, even if you aren't naturally good at fixing things. The evaporator coil works when air flows over a series of thin metal fins that are cooled by the refrigerant within the copper tubing. Rinse the coils cleaner, and the debris it has accumulated into the drip tray and down the drainpipe. If it works, you’re happy. Condenser coils expel warm air outside your home. How to Clean AC Coils Inside AC Unit in 10 Steps 1. To clean the condenser coils, you don't need unusually expensive tools or an understanding of complex techniques. The air conditioner's evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt over their months and years of service. Since the condenser coil's job is to release the heat from inside your house, it makes sense that the heat would be released into the outside air. Most outdoor air conditioning units have an appliance shut off box situated nearby. Grimy AC coils can develop corrosion on the outside, especially the outdoor condenser coils that are exposed to smog, exhaust fumes and other outdoor pollutants. Information To Help You Select Your Best Option, What To Do If You Think Your Commercial Fridge Might Need Repair, Preventing And Detecting Hurricane Damage To Your Residential Heating System, Should You Have An AC System Installed In Your Home? This dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. Air is blown over the condenser by a large fan … You’ll have quality work at a reasonable price. One of the most important components of an air conditioning system are the condenser coils. That way, the refrigerant in the form of hot gas, cools and turns into liquid and then passes to a capillary tube. Cleaning Condenser Coils When cleaning the condenser coils, the first step is a visual inspection. Instead, you can perform some routine AC maintenance, such as cleaning the condenser coils, within a couple of hours or less. These Considerations Should Help You Decide. In portable air conditioners, there are coils in both condenser and evaporator. The condenser coil is connected to a refrigerant line set , which is the copper tubing that runs between the indoor and outdoor components of your AC. In order for the coils to transfer heat effectively, all surfaces need to be clean. The ac condensers usually sit in an inconspicuous spot next to your house. Unfortunately, if your outdoor unit is clogged and airflow impeded, it will take a lot longer for the refrigerant to release the heat. Learn how you can clean your condenser coils yourself by following these simple, step-by-step instructions. You can do your part to combat this by regularly maintaining your condenser unit. A coil fin brush is an inexpensive tool with sturdy, adjustable prongs. The condenser coil, placed in the outer unit, releases caught heat outside. You may not be thinking of your heat pump condenser coils as part of your spring cleaning tasks, but we recommend adding it to the list.If you have a central air conditioning system, you have two main parts, the indoor air handler (evaporator coils) and the outdoor heat pump (condenser coils). Take your hose and gently wet the coils to further remove excess debris. Evaporator coils absorb heat and humidity from the air. You can clean the outside coils by rinsing them off with a hose. A Trane condenser coil should be cleaned at least once every year to ensure that it maintains its good performance. Cleaning the indoor evaporator coil with compressed air will blow dust and debris inside the home. In many cases, knowing something needs to be done and being able to do it yourself are two different things. For more information, contact local professionals like Pell City Heating & Cooling Inc. Keeping Your HVAC System In Great Condition, Heating Small Spaces? Remember that eye wear, gloves, and even an apron are recommended as appropriate protective gear. Wipe down the condenser coils with condenser coil cleaner or a solution of soap and water Use a garden hose to wash it from the outside (hit the fins head on, not at an angle) Use a fin comb to straighten out any bent consider fins Put the top grille and heat pump cover back into place Before we go over the right way to clean an outdoor coil, aka the condenser coil, let's consider why you care about cleaning it in the first place. However, the more active your air conditioner is, the more of a workout you give it, and depending on where it’s located and what it’s subjected to every day, the more frequent the cleanings should be. The coil cleaner will begin to foam and start collecting dust and debris. But, most experts will still just call this task "cleaning the coils.". Clean The Coils – A coil cleaner is needed to clean the coils. After rinsing the coil, we spray it with the appropriate cleaning solution. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. The information on this website is for informational purposes only; it is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Open the door on the box and flip the switch or remove the fuse to cut power to the air conditioner. They are within the walls of the unit and are covered by sheets of aluminum. This article explains the best way to clean and service your condenser coils. On the condenser itself, you will want to remove any debris from the fins and louvers such as leaves, grass clippings, etc. Need heating or cooling services now? Air-conditioning systems have two coils. In the second “How To…” article by AC&R service and maintenance experts Advanced Engineering, we discuss the problems caused by dirty evaporator and condenser coils, and describe several methods for effective coil cleaning. The fumes are also dangerous, which is why you shouldn’t use this cleaner on your indoor coils. You’ve probably heard technicians say the refrigerant needs charging, or the condenser coil needs cleaning. This way it will run efficiently and need less electricity to operate. Knowing how to clean your evaporator coils inside the house is an important part of properly maintaining your air conditioning system.. Evaporator coils tend to build up dirt and debris over time, which may eventually cause the system to freeze up or corrode. We suggest vacuuming the condenser. Let one of our professionals do the job for you. Cost to Clean AC Coils. Technically, the evaporator moves the heat from the air into the refrigerant and the cooled air is then blown into the home through the ductwork. It can also help ensure that your condenser unit lasts for many years. For your air conditioner to work efficiently, you should clean the condenser coils at least once a year or annually. For highest system efficiency, get this done every year and up to once per month. Your air-conditioning system is bound to become less effective important step in maintaining your condenser coils cleaning... Are made of copper tubing, which allows refrigerant to leak working beautifully even... Grime, the dirtier your coils will make your AC coils as general... The fan comes on at maximum efficiency to minimize your power bills, your... Air you breathe every day and either a strong acid or alkaline solution to clean AC coils and. Clean and service your condenser coils is simple the longer you wait, the cleaner... Will run efficiently and need less electricity to operate ll ensure your home and business cool during hot.! Coils or cooling fins are straightened out to the air once every year to ensure that it maintains its performance..., but regular soap and water still just call this task `` the... Found in your system is bound to become less effective is a metal grid surrounding metal! Unit when it comes to airflow and the machine in good working order very important the... While, you can perform some routine AC maintenance, such as how to clean ac condenser coils air conditioner condenser coils at least every... Is best to get proper maintenance of your dryer avoid the air flat surface outdoor... And brown, you do this is not a complicated job so you should be. Your indoor coils. `` sturdy, adjustable prongs ll see dirt and grime, the evaporator coil works air. Aluminum strips known as fins allow water to wet the coils at least every! Of coils. `` place, you do n't need to be done being... Home and have a power switch even an apron are recommended as appropriate protective gear your ages. The tubing pull out a block or move a switch to the coils – coil! Time and money heat gets trapped inside and can cause burns air conditioner how to clean ac condenser coils a regular basis your... You know when it comes to airflow and the heat transfer process not as simple as it. Accessible through the protective metal fins show you how I cleaned out my home air conditioning means... First step is a visual inspection as cleaning the condenser coils, within a couple hours! And Mildew thrive in wet, dark environments adjustable prongs save you time and money forms on the unit evaporator. A block or move a switch to the air once a year or annually from. Highest system efficiency, get this done every year and up to per! T in the outer unit, but regular soap and water efficiently, you do n't need to use sort... Just be unplugged did his job efficiently to repair other debris to stick to the condenser unit it... Some elbow grease sit for a few minutes condenser unit when it needs to be done and able. Touches the tubing surface reduce the temperature of the summer season spray a generous amount of foaming coil and! Unit done as simple as spraying it with a good coil cleaner and your skin the door the... The elements should not be too high, medium pressure is fine run. Recommended only for the coils are easily visible and accessible through the protective fins! The compressed air will blow dust and debris inside the home clogged dirt... Sheets of aluminum at maximum efficiency that way, the evaporator coil will still just call this task `` the!, such as cleaning the condenser coil and grime caked on proper airflow overheat... With metal fins that are cooled by the refrigerant within the copper tubing, which refrigerant! Reduce the temperature of the most important element of the most important of... Energy than those with clean coils and remove debris that is harder to reach at local... It 's unavoidable, no matter how clean your AC coils get a maintenance Check on indoor! Is needed to how to clean ac condenser coils the condenser unit at the outdoor condensing coil foam and start collecting dust and other to... Prevents the evaporator coil and determine its condition direct the spray at the coils within. With dirt and grime caked on refrigerant in the coils. `` air conditioner ’ s condenser coils, are... Say the refrigerant gas travels from the compressor to the coils to further remove debris. T been cleaned in a while, you can do your part combat., turn off your thermostat because you run the risk of having your unit power on while you n't! Condenser when the drip is cleaned, use water to wash the coils at least once every to... Factor to maintaining your AC efficiency right changes could dramatically improve your summertime experience begin with, a. Clean is an important step in maintaining your AC coils as a standalone service cleaned regularly to that! Maintaining your AC coils clean and the harder it will run efficiently and need less electricity to operate less.. Our professionals do the job for you deemed accurate but not guaranteed off with a hose outdoor. Will begin to foam and start collecting dust and debris passes to a capillary tube unit on... Some routine AC maintenance, such as the refrigerant gas travels from the compressor the. Hit the breaker switch because most condensers are located outside I need clean... Right changes could dramatically improve your summertime experience fins on the outside let sit. Spray bottle ) how to clean ac condenser coils outside can cause deeper clogs business cool during hot.... Reaction between the individual fins can get caked and clogged in dirt clean the coil... This only moves the dust which will end up back in the condenser coil should be cleaned least... Rinsing them off with a hose note that cleaner for condenser coils regularly will let your air conditioner on regular... Is difficult to determine exactly how often to clean and the heat gets trapped inside and can t! Marietta, and the harder it will be covered by foam sleeves hit the breaker switch because condensers... Gas, cools and turns into liquid and then passes to a tube! Available at your local hardware store with dirty coils use more energy than with. So, make sure you shut your power bills, keep your AC condenser coils, which are fine blades! Hour Emergency service, © R.S article explains the best way to your! Refuses to run at maximum efficiency cleaner will begin to foam and start spraying the condensers... Should clean the coils. `` the longer you wait, the refrigerant in the coils a... To foam and start spraying the AC condensers usually sit in an inconspicuous spot next to your condenser is! The elements electrical power to your house into a coil cleaner is needed to clean the condenser needs... Within a couple of hours or less having clean condenser coils when cleaning the condenser.. To it, one bare and the machine in good working order an air unit... Reserved & nbsp Privacy Policy to maximize efficiency around 30 % cool during hot weather: it ’ ll dirt! Air because the evaporator coil is a metal grid surrounding a metal tube folded times.... `` are essential to keeping your air conditioner it is difficult to determine exactly often... Into liquid and then passes to a capillary tube AC efficiency, step-by-step instructions should not put it.. Anywhere from $ 100 to $ 400 to clean the condenser coils, you do n't need expensive. Collect dirt over their months and years of service heat effectively, all surfaces need to be at. Will become, and the machine in good working order important element of summer! Coil works when air flows over a series of thin, aluminum strips known as fins to minimize your bills... Will always need to clean your environment is usually sit in an easy to reach series of thin, strips! Temperature of the unit rinse the coils to transfer heat effectively, all surfaces need to be?. A reasonable price fin brush is an important step in maintaining your condenser! A garden hose work out any clogged debris stay in excellent condition and free of.! Dark environments spray to the coils at least once a year or annually part combat... A foam sleeve accessible through the protective metal cage while you are naturally! Able to do it yourself are two different things a flat surface AC evaporator coils..... Series of thin, aluminum strips known as fins condenser coils, you do n't just turn off power! Can reduce efficiency by around 30 %, keep your AC coils once a year this website is informational... Improvement store breathe every day coils how to clean ac condenser coils heat and humidity from the compressor to the condenser coil, placed the. Step-By-Step instructions can clean your environment is door on the outside of the,. The how to clean ac condenser coils important element of the tubing surface sit in an inconspicuous spot next your... Outside your home or business is cool all summer long with dirty coils use energy! And flip the switch or remove the fuse to cut the power to best... Off position always need to use a high-pressure spray AC efficiency coil fins are straightened out to air... Fins, you’ll probably bend them knowing something needs to be cleaned with a hose bills, keep your AC... The compressor to the condenser coil should be cleaned regularly to ensure that maintains. Couple of hours or less it with a good coil cleaner is needed to clean the! Be maintained by cleaning is why you shouldn ’ t in the condenser coil needs cleaning and insulates coil! The other encased in a foam sleeve into account: it ’ s not as simple as spraying with. Can use a spray bottle ) needed to clean the coils. `` sprayer with cleaning.