Benefits of Having Your AC Coil Cleaned Regularly

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September 28, 2023
AC Maintenance
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Introduction

After a day in the heat, nothing beats entering an air-conditioned home to find comfort. But to maintain maximum effectiveness of your air conditioning system requires regular maintenance; one often forgotten but essential aspect of this care is cleaning the AC coils regularly. In this article we explore this practice’s top benefits from energy savings to improved indoor air quality; discover why such seemingly minor tasks can make such an enormous impactful statement about you and your home’s comfort!

The Importance of Regular Air Conditioner Coil Cleaning

Before discussing its benefits, it’s essential to understand why cleaning air conditioner coils is necessary. Air conditioning coils come in two varieties – evaporator coils for indoor units and condenser coils located outside – which play key roles in the cooling process by transferring heat between rooms and outdoors. Unfortunately, as time goes on they accumulate dirt, dust, and debris that reduce their efficiency over time. Here’s why regular cleaning is essential:

Improved Energy Efficiency

One of the primary advantages of clean AC coils is improved energy efficiency. When coils become covered in grime, their ability to effectively transfer heat is compromised. Therefore, your air conditioner must work harder and run for extended periods to maintain the desired temperature – this ultimately increases energy usage and leads to higher bills. According to research from the United States Department of Energy, dirty coils were found to increase energy use by up to 30%! Clean coils provide a simple yet effective way to lower energy bills while having an impactful positive environmental effect by decreasing your carbon footprint and saving money at the same time.

Increased Lifespan of the HVAC System

Your HVAC system is an important investment and should remain functional as long as possible. Dirty coils can lead to overheating and put strain on its most costly component: its compressor. This added stress can shorten the lifespan of your HVAC system by years. Regular coil cleaning can help prevent premature wear and tear, ensuring your AC unit continues to cool your home effectively for years to come.

Better Indoor Air Quality of AC Unit

Dirty air conditioning coils become breeding grounds for mold, bacteria, and allergens that can infiltrate your home and compromise indoor air quality. This could worsen symptoms of allergies or respiratory conditions in your family. By cleaning your AC coils, you not only ensure better cooling performance but also promote healthier indoor air quality.

Reasons to Clean Air Conditioner Coils

Now that you understand the importance of regular AC coil cleaning let’s delve into some specific reasons why this task should be at the top of your HVAC maintenance checklist.

Preventing Condenser Coil Corrosion

Condenser coils, located in the outdoor unit, are exposed to the elements year-round. This exposure makes them susceptible to corrosion. If left unchecked, corrosion can lead to refrigerant leaks and costly repairs. Regular cleaning helps remove corrosive elements, extending the life of your condenser coils and preventing potential leaks.

Reducing the Risk of System Breakdowns

No one wants their air conditioner to break down in the middle of summer’s hottest day. Dirty coils may lead to overheating of the system, leading to compressor failure and system malfunction. By cleaning your coils regularly, you reduce the risk of inconvenient and expensive AC failures.

How AC Coil Cleaning Works

Now that you’re convinced of the importance of AC coil cleaning let’s explore how this process works.

Coil Cleaning Products

Clean your AC coils using specially formulated coil cleaning products available in the market. These products are designed to break down and dissolve any dirt or grime that accumulates on them and should be applied according to manufacturer instructions for ease of use. However, be sure that before beginning any cleaning operation your AC system has been turned off and disconnected from power sources before beginning this task.

Professional AC Coil Cleaning Services

While DIY cleaning is an option, it’s often recommended to hire a professional HVAC technician for AC coil cleaning. They have the expertise and equipment to clean the coils thoroughly and safely. Professionals also inspect other components of your HVAC system during the process, ensuring everything is in working order. This proactive approach can help catch potential issues before they become major problems.

Signs That Your AC Coils Need Cleaning

Now that you know how to clean your AC coils let’s look at some telltale signs that indicate your coils may need attention.

Inadequate Cooling Performance

If your air conditioning unit is struggling to effectively cool your home despite having the thermostat set to lower temperatures, dirty coils could be at fault. Reduced cooling performance indicates that their operation has become compromised and requires cleaning in order for optimal functioning.

Ice Formation on the Coils of the Air Conditioning System

While it might seem counterintuitive, ice formation on your AC coils can be a sign of a problem. Dirt and debris accumulation on coils can obstruct heat exchangers, leading to too much cold air entering your system and freezing over. If ice forms on your coils, it is critical to switch off your AC system immediately and have its coils cleaned as soon as possible to prevent further damage to them and your home.

Conclusion

In conclusion, regular AC coil cleaning is a vital aspect of HVAC maintenance that offers numerous benefits. Clean air coils improve energy efficiency, extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, and enhance indoor air quality. By preventing condenser coil corrosion and decreasing system breakdowns, cleaning AC coils is an affordable way to make life more comfortable all year long and keep costs at a minimum.

AC coil cleaning should be part of your regular maintenance schedule – whether that means DIY cleaning or hiring an HVAC technician – to keep your home cool and comfortable, and ensure the healthiest functioning HVAC system possible for years. Don’t wait until a scorching summer day for your AC to break down; start reaping its rewards today with clean coils. Your wallet and your family’s comfort will thank you.