The condenser coils are one of the most important components of an air conditioning system. Located within the outdoor unit, over time, it will collect dirt and debris. All that dirt can reduce the airflow and insulate the coils, reducing the system’s ability to transfer heat into and out of the home.
Because the AC condenser coils play such a crucial role in the cooling process, keeping them clean helps to ensure the long-term health of your air conditioning system. Air conditioner coil cleaning can help you save money, maintain efficiency and extend the system’s life expectancy.
Before cleaning a condenser coil, make sure to shut off power to the unit. Then, perform an inspection of the coil to determine how dirty it is.
DIY air conditioner condenser coil cleaning step-by-step guide:
- Turn off the AC and shut off power to the condensing unit.
- Remove the case.
- Clear out debris with a brush.
- Spray out the coil with coil cleaner.
- Wash away the coil cleaner
- Clean the condenser coil with dry cloth.
- Reassemble the unit.
If your outside condenser has light buildup on it, you should be able to use a light spray from the hose to wash it off. Make sure that you spray the water from the top, pointing downwards towards the bottom of the unit. Do not spray straight ahead, forcing the crud inside the unit.
If your outside condenser coil has a lot of white fuzz in it, you do not want to put a water hose on it from the outside. That will only push the dirt in deeper into the coil. So instead, you need to take the top off the unit and hose it from the inside out to push the fuzz out.
When there is already a pan present, the evaporator drain pan, just use some plastic to try and make sure the cleaner does not go all over the place and drips in the pan.
What can I use to clean my ac condenser coils?
If you have oil & dirt, cottonwood tree buildup, or more of a heavy organic buildup, you can use coil cleaner to clean the ac condenser coils. First, spray on to loosen the buildup. Then lightly hose the cleaner off.
Don’t let the cleaner stay on too long as some products actually etch the aluminum. Instead, allow the cleaner to work for a maximum of five minutes. During this time, the foam should form, and dirt should be visibly carried out on the foam.
If you try to use coil cleaner on your indoor coil, you need to have a pan under the coil to catch all the water and coil cleaner. You do not want the coil cleaner to get on your ductwork or your heat exchanger.
Also, be aware that many of these coil cleaners have acid in them that you don’t want to get on your skin or in your eyes.
Cleaning your AC condenser cuils typically is the best way to save energy bill. While it may look like a potential DIY project, the easiest and best way to clean your coils is to have a professional do it.
