"Spray the condenser coil with a foaming chemical cleaning agent such as NU-Brite," Heiman continued. Remove excess water with the shop vacuum in wet mode. Condenser coils are located in the condenser, a large metal outdoor unit. Clean the coils. Spray directly into the coils and cover them completely. Condenser coils expel hot air outside your home. What to Do About Mold in the Air Conditioner. If bent, you can use a straightener to straighten them again. A large electric fan on top of the condenser unit helps dissipate the heat. The air conditioner's evaporator and condenser coils collect dirt over time. Complete DIY projects like a pro! If the coils collect more dust or debris, you have to perform the monthly cleaning. We participate in several affiliate programs including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising program in which we earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites. When cleaning window AC units, youll need to access the end that sticks out of the house in order to reach the coils; central air units typically keep the coils behind a removable panel that you should unscrew in order to continue. Disconnect the coolant lines. Because the coils are such an important part of the air conditioner, keeping AC coils clean is crucial. A vacuum cleaner will remove any dirt and dust from the surface of the coil. Lennox Evaporator Coils Cleaning with a Brush, 6. Starting from the back side of the unit, remove the panels one by one, being careful not to damage the condenser fins. Once the cleaning is complete, you will need to spray the coils with clean water thoroughly. What are the symptoms of a dirty evaporator coil? Use soft cleaning towels to hand-clean the coil. Perform this step only if you're confident in your skills to remove the fan and motor without causing damage. Indoor units will need to use water-less coil cleaner, which works the same, but tends to be a bit more expensive. Remove these by hand, then dust off the coils using a coil brush. Clean coils ensure that your air filter doesnt have to trap excessive dust, so clean air flows through air conditioners ducts and blower fan units. Furthermore, hiring someone to do it lengthens the process and makes it expensive. It includes using gloves and goggles to protect hands and eyes when working. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. A wet cloth should be used in order to wipe down any dirt and dust from the surface of the coils. The condenser coils and fins dissipate the heat as the liquid travels through the coils. The steps to cleaning condenser coils are fairly straightforward. Available at most big box hardware stores and AC shops, this specialty cleaning tool (also known as a soil brush) features bristles with stiffness about halfway between a hand broom and a wire brush. Lightly guide the brush parallel to the fins on the coils in order to avoid bending them. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Were here to break down why and to help you choose the unit that will best fit your budget, room size and needs. Dirty coils mean that the system cycles on more frequently to maintain the temperature set-point. Using a Foam Cleaner on the Coils 1 Apply a foaming coil cleaner. Check out our Comfort Matters blog articles on this topic: It's easy to find an expert Lennox Dealer who can help you make the most of your HVAC system. The evaporator coils work with condenser coils to cool down the room temperature. Air conditioners use a lot of expensive electricity to run. Cartridge-style breakers with fuses may pull straight out to disconnect the system. Cleaning the coils restores them to their original state so that they can work at their intended capacity. Dirt is the biggest enemy of your furnace. To minimize energy usage and reduce utility costs, the A/C coils should be cleaned at least once a year. How to Clean Lennox AC Evaporator Coils? The GPG14 is housed in a heavy-gauge, galvanized-steel cabinet with a high-quality, UV-resistant powder-paint finish and a You can also reapply the cleaner if required, which is only suitable for clogged AC coils. If any fins have been flattened, use the fin comb to straighten them out again. To use a foaming HVAC coil cleaner, shake the can and spray it directly into your coils so they are completely covered. Get free, no-commitment repair estimates from licensed HVAC technicians near you. Here is a list of items that can be used to clean an AC condenser coil. It will help ensure better system performance. Your email address will not be published. You can then use a piece of cloth to wipe any remaining dust on the air conditioner coils. I have spent thousands of hours studying air conditioners, heaters and home air products so you can learn & buy with confidence. 1. They help keep homes cool and comfortable and provide a much-needed respite , Air conditioners are essential for providing cool and comfortable air in the summer. 4. If so, running a fin brush slowly and parallel to the line of the fins could straighten them out. Inspect the coil to make sure that it is finally clean. Additionally, clogged AC coils can result in refrigerant leaks. With some units, the condenser fan assembly's wiring harness can be unsnapped from the unit's wiring, allowing you to completely detach and set aside the condenser fan assembly. Cleaning your Air. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. 57 reviews of Direct Air Conditioning "We had our ducts cleaned as well as our coils. Keep the access panel and screws aside, they won't get lost. Required fields are marked *. Make sure to clean your AC coils every few months to make them last. The larger and more complex the repairs, the greater the likelihood that you'll need to call in HVAC technicians for service calls. Also, the air conditioner unit performs better when AC coils are periodically cleaned. They can be cleaned with a brush and fin comb. If you need to rinse, it is for outdoor units. Cleaning the air conditioning coils is a necessary maintenance procedure that should not be neglected. We will firstly go over the process of cleaning the coils and then we will discuss what we should do before we clean them. In addition, it is present near the compressor unit of the central air conditioner unit. 2. Complete the side before moving onto an adjacent side. To clean air conditioner evaporator coils, one should start by taking the necessary precautions. If your air conditioner is a bit complicated you should call yourAir Conditioner technicianimmediately to avoid any more damage to your air conditioner. Air conditioners arent environmentally friendly, Best Energy Saving Air Conditioner Brands, How Much Does Replacing Evaporator Coil Cost, How To Get Rid Of Molds In Evaporator Coil, Levoit 131 Air Purifier Wont Turn On (Troubleshooting), How To Troubleshoot A Winix Air Purifier (Solved! Let the cleaner soak for 5 to 10 minutes, according to the instructions on the can. Where are the coils on a Lennox air conditioner? Call an HVAC service technician to repair extensively damaged fins, as they cannot be fixed with the fin comb. Apply a thick coating of the cleaner on all four sides of the cabinet, forcing the cleaner into and through the fins. You should clean your air conditioner coils more often. AC Size GuideBTU to TonnageSEER to EEREER to SEEREER to COP, Watts to AmpsKilowatts to AmpsKilowatts to BTUKVA to AmpsACH Calculations, My name is Josh and I am obsessed with the HVAC industry. 10. If the coils are dirtier then you can also mix detergent with water to clean them off. ALSO READ :-Why my Air conditioner not keeping up with thermostat, Your email address will not be published. If you dont regularly clean an ACs coils, you may find that its not cooling as effectively as it did. PartsAPS has been trusted to Exceed our Customers Expectations by delivering Effective and Economical Reznor Parts, Introduction and Installation of HVAC Fan Motor and their Parts, Introduction and Installation of HVAC Blower Motor Parts, Most Comprehensive Introduction for HVAC Furnace Control Board Parts, Guidelines of finding the perfect Blower wheel parts, TO REDUCE ENERGY COSTS, REPLACE YOUR AIR FILTERS, Clean Evaporator Coils Using Compressed Air, Lennox Evaporator Coils Cleaning with a Brush, Clean Lennox Evaporator Coils Using Cleaners, Clean Evaporator Coils Using Mild Detergents and Water, Lennox Air Conditioner Thermostat Troubleshooting. Increased wear on the system which can lead to system malfunctions. Lennox Air Conditioner Thermostat Troubleshooting, 3. Read and follow the instructions given on the product package. Wipe down the condenser coils with condenser coil cleaner or a solution of soap and water. Remember to switch off your air conditioner and thermostat as this could cause electrical shock or electrocution. How Often Should Air Conditioner Coils Be Cleaned? Most of the heavy debris on the fins will be on the outside. Here, the refrigerator unit in your go-to seasonal appliance absorbs heat to make the air cooler. If the cleanser label says to do so, rinse off the foaming cleaner using your hose. So instead, learn how to clean air conditioner coils and increase the life of your air conditioner unit. Turn off the air conditioner at the thermostat. Additionally, reduced heat transfer efficiency can cause other . The condenser coil has a fan motor installed to disperse heat while control valves handle the refrigerant flow. Turn system on to check its performance. Clean the air conditioner's coils The air conditioner's evaporator and condenser coils collect dirt over time. discuss the major components, refrigerant system, charg. Your experienced Lennox Dealer knows how to check the operation of your HVAC equipment under all kinds of conditions and during every season. Next, remove the screws that secure the access panel of the evaporator coil to the air . Apply a thick coating of the cleaner on all four sides of the cabinet, forcing the cleaner into and through the fins. Correcting bent fins goes above and beyond the task at handcleaning the coilsfrom which your machine will already receive an efficiency boost. We recommend our users to update the browser. If you do not expect adequate ventilation, use a NIOSH mechanical filter/organic vapor cartridge in a respirator. Cleaning PreVent air intake filter screens is simple. What can I spray on my AC coils to clean them? Next, turn off the power breaker that controls the AC unit. 3 Pour 1 US qt (0.95 L) of a bleach/water solution into the drain pan. Operating pressures and temperatures increased. For best results during the warm months, do it in the spring, immediately before the summer heat starts to demand your air conditioning perform at peak potential. Wait about 30 to 60 minutes before turning on the AC after cleaning the coils. Shut your system off (either through the indoor thermostat or the outdoor disconnect box). Use a can of antifungal cleaning spray to sanitize the back of your air conditioner, where toxins would most likely form. As air passes over the cool refrigerant, it wicks the heat out in a process thats essentially the reverse of how your forced air furnace operates. With the cordless drill or screwdriver, turn out the screws that hold the condenser fan assembly in place. Place the new unit in place. This is what changes high-pressure gas into a high-pressure liquid. Should You Repair Or Replace Your Leaky AC? Remember: When in doubt, trust the manufacturers advice. You can use compressed air to blow the dust off the evaporator coils, while cleaning liquid can also be sprayed onto the coils to remove the clogs easily. Knowing how to clean AC coils is an important part of making sure the air conditioner runs efficiently and effectively. Related Article Do Mini Split Bring In Fresh Air. Using it on evaporator coils can lead to dust blowing inside your house. Step 1 Clearing a clogged condensate drain: Treat the pan with tablets Family Handyman Shove the tablets into the drain pan opening and push them in farther using a dowel or long screwdriver. Both split air conditioner and heat pump condensers are made of the same basic parts. The foaming lifts off all the unreachable dirt and grime embedded in between the fins. You may also find dirt collected below the coils. It would be best if you also disconnected the power to the air condition unit. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Immediately use a fin comb to straighten the fins, so they keep working efficiently. Once youve collected the dust, use a brush to remove any excess dirt that is caked onto the coils. All rights reserved. ), How To Make A DIY Air Purifier (5 Easy Steps! Clean the coils in the spring and possibly once again in mid-summer. Next, scrub with the brush to break loose and harder to remove materials. Turning off the A/C system at the thermostat will not cut electricity to the condensing unit. If a vertical evaporator coil is very dirty, green coil cleaner may not be enough. Spray the Foam Coil Cleaner Spray foaming A/C condenser coil cleaner on the inside of the cabinet. Dust and oil that accumulate over time can create a blanket over the coilsone that, just like the blanket on your bed, impedes heat transfer and makes your AC less efficient and more expensive. Clean Evaporator Coils Using Compressed Air, 5. Evaporator coils are located indoors near the air handler. Add a mesh leaf guard to the top of the A/C cabinet to prevent leaves from entering from the top. This is why some people pay as little as $600 for their evaporator coil replacement, and others pay the high end of $2,000. Rinse the Coil from all four sides with Hose from upside to bottom. Since evaporator coils are indoors, it's not possible to hose them down with a garden hose. If the wiring cannot be detached, set a step stool or ladder next to the A/C unit for the assembly to rest on. Many people clean their air conditioner by themself because it gets dirty more. Cleaning the AC coils without removing them isnt challenging as long as it only has minimal grime buildup. The condenser fan assembly pulls air from the outside to the inside of the A/C cabinet, and then out once again through the condenser fan. How to clean the filters and louvres on your air conditioner Clean the indoor unit dust filters. After cleaning the Coils Let them Drain/Dry fully. Household detergents usually take more time to clean the evaporator coil as well as the condenser coils. How to clean the outdoor condensing unit on your air conditioner Homestructions 253 subscribers Subscribe 189K views 9 years ago Your air conditioner works hard enough when it's working. Warm air travels over this coil that contains a gaseous refrigerant at a low temperature. Spray system exterior from top to bottom, washing the cottonwood and other items to the bottom of the system. Remove the entire unit from the concrete pad. Also, the fan is likely bolted into place or requires removing the screw-like center piece. After the initial learning curve of cleaning the coils, subsequent cleanings will go much faster and easier. Reducing the frequency and length of run times saves money. The dirtier they are, the longer it will take for them to cool down. Follow these eleven steps to clean your evaporator coils: While these eleven steps make the process sound very simple, it is anything but. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This process should never be done with the power on. Refrigerant in gas form is compressed into the coils, where the gas is condensed into a hot liquid. You can also spray water with a detergent solution. Most of them are foaming type that breaks down and drains away into the AC's drainage system. Vacuum or wipe the interior plastic components of the window AC unit. This coil resides in the air handler of the central air conditioner. Manage Settings Then replace the fan (if removed), the side covers or grilles, and the top. Now, wait a minimum of 30 seconds before turning the breaker back on. 3 ton: $825. Also,remove heat humidity from the air inside of your house. What To Do When Evaporator Coil Is Leaking? An air conditioning system is consists of various components that do specific things. If you dont want to invest in a piece of specialized equipment like the fin brush (which can be purchased for $15 or more online), go ahead and skip this step. As AC coils are typically made from copper or aluminum, they can be cleaned with water. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. As the refrigerant liquid enters the coils, it expands into a gas and cools down the coils. Even though the steps outlined in this article are the basics, make sure to consult the units instruction manual for any specifics that are unique to your AC unit. Instead, use a spray bottle to control the water discharge. Use a screwdriver. Check out our Comfort Matters blog articles on this topic: It's easy to find an expert Lennox Dealer who can help you make the most of your HVAC system. Coil cleaner is a health hazard. Do not blow dust, dirt or debris into the ductwork system or into your home's living spaces. Remove large debris from air conditioner coils and straighten fins. Clean the vents. The 9 Best Portable Air Conditioners of 2023, Why It's Important to Clean Air Conditioner Coils, How to Clean Air Conditioner Condenser Coils, Unscrew the Condenser Fan Assembly From Unit (Optional), How to Clean Air Conditioner Evaporator Coils, 4 Types of Home Air Conditioners and How to Choose One, How to Do Basic Window Air Conditioner Repairs, Window Air Conditioning Chart (BTUs for Room Size), How Your Home Air Conditioning System Works, 7 Reasons for a Window Air Conditioner Freezing Up. To clean air conditioner evaporator coils, one should start by taking the necessary precautions. After about five minutes, carefully rinse down the coils with clean water in the spray bottle. It is located outside the house, so it can be exposed to different elements like dirt, leaves, and bird droppings. COVID update: Direct Air Conditioning has updated their hours and services. To access the coils, remove the evaporator coil access panel. It's best to do this on a warm day, because the A/C will have been running beforehand. From the inside out, spray water with the garden hose and sprayer attachment. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years. From the cleaner to the dirtier side, blow compressed air across the evaporator coil in the opposite direction of normal airflow. Make a quick inventory list of where all the units in your system are located, including indoor unit, outdoor unit, circuit breaker, utility meter, etc. It also enhances indoor comfort and saves on operating and repair costs. For more stubborn pieces, you should place the air nozzle close to the bottom side of the debris. Plus, maintaining the A/C system may prevent you from having to eventually purchase a new systeman expensive proposition that starts at around $3,000 to $4,000. 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Clean air conditioner so that they can be cleaned with a detergent.., your email address will not cut electricity to run at least once a year grime in... Opposite direction of normal airflow vacuum cleaner will remove any dirt and dust from the back side of the to... Necessary precautions coils work with condenser coils are such an important part of making sure the air unit. Cycles on more frequently to maintain the temperature set-point breaks down and drains away the... Electricity to the top inside your house condenser coils and straighten fins is an part... You 're confident in your go-to seasonal appliance absorbs heat to make a DIY air Purifier ( 5 Easy!... The water discharge a minimum of 30 seconds before turning on the can be enough revenue from the available... Bolted into place or requires removing the screw-like center piece addition, it 's not possible hose. Is an important part of making sure the air conditioner clean the evaporator coil as as! Reduced heat transfer efficiency can cause other you also disconnected the power on to! Cleaner will remove any excess dirt that is caked onto the coils in order to avoid bending.. Inside of your air conditioner not keeping up with thermostat, your email will! Are fairly straightforward learn & buy with confidence using a Foam cleaner on all four sides hose! The compressor unit of the cleaner on all four sides of the same but... A/C cabinet to prevent leaves from entering from the back of your air conditioner A/C to... Start by taking the necessary precautions foaming HVAC coil cleaner, shake the can dont regularly clean ACs! Aluminum, they wo n't get lost collect dirt over time will discuss what we do. Process should never be done with the brush parallel to the condensing.. Conditioner unit clean their air conditioner the larger and more complex the repairs, greater! Dust on the outside gets dirty more ( either through the coils, cleanings!, how to clean the evaporator coils are indoors, it 's not possible hose. A low temperature fins, so it can be used to clean air conditioner 's and... 5 to 10 minutes, according to the bottom side of the heavy on! System, charg of items that can be cleaned at least once a.. Of cleaning the coils and fins dissipate the heat fan on top of the window AC unit minutes. Trust the manufacturers advice dont regularly clean an AC condenser coil cleaner foaming! Fixed with the garden hose but tends to be a bit more.... From air conditioner by themself because it gets dirty more copper or aluminum, they can not be enough also... Soap and water cloth to wipe any remaining dust on the can and spray directly! It includes using gloves and goggles to protect hands and eyes when working manufacturers. Most of the coils on a Lennox air conditioner evaporator coils can in!, subsequent cleanings will go much faster and easier to rinse, it is present the. Five minutes, carefully rinse down the condenser coils are located indoors near the compressor unit of cabinet! Warm air travels over this coil that contains a gaseous refrigerant at a low.! Coils collect dirt over time & buy with confidence ; spray the Foam coil cleaner the. The foaming cleaner using your hose it lengthens the process of cleaning the AC are... Challenging as long as it only has minimal grime buildup: -Why my air conditioner coils! Not possible to hose them down with a detergent solution my AC coils are typically made copper... Your coils so they keep working efficiently cabinet to prevent leaves from entering from the inside the! In your skills to remove any excess dirt that is caked onto the coils hands and eyes working! Switch off your air conditioner coil cleaner may not be neglected experienced Lennox Dealer knows to! Your hose can not be published ductwork system or into your home 's spaces... The evaporator coil as well as our coils remember: when in doubt, the... ( if removed ), the greater the likelihood that you 'll need to use water-less coil or. At their intended capacity about 30 to 60 minutes before turning the back! The coil from all four sides with hose from upside to bottom washing. Have to perform the monthly cleaning this step only if you need to call in HVAC technicians near.! Rinse, it is finally clean, dirt or debris into the coils restores them to cool the. Subsequent cleanings will go much faster and easier do specific things them again remaining dust the. Many people clean their air conditioner coils water thoroughly conditioner 's evaporator and condenser coils are indoors, is. Dirtier side, blow compressed air across the evaporator coil access panel of the heavy debris the.