Dirty A/C coils will cause up to a 30 percent decrease in the effectiveness of your home’s air conditioning unit. This lowered efficiency will end up costing you more money in cooling costs and can contribute to the failure of your air conditioner. Proper cleaning of the coils should be carried out on a regular basis.
Your A/C’s coils
Air conditioners have two sets of coils. The warm, or condenser coil, which helps to release heat that is built up in the A/C system, is located outside of the home. The indoor coil is known as the cold or evaporator coil. This is the coil that helps to cool your home.
It is important to check these coils every three or four months to make sure that dust and dirt have not collected. If you notice that the coils have become dirty, they should be cleaned immediately.
How to clean the coils
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You can clean the dirty A/C coils using a soft bristle brush or mild detergent. This is a good solution for light buildup on your air conditioning coils.
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For slightly heavier dirt, you can purchase cleaners that are specifically made for cleaning coils.
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If your coils are really dirty, you may need to a steam cleaner or a pressure washer to clear the grime. You must take extreme care when using a pressure washer or steam cleaner. Damage to the coils can ruin your air conditioner and cause expensive repairs.
Professional cleaning and maintenance of your cooling system can add years to the life of the unit and save you money. If you need expert assistance with cleaning your A/C coils please contact Arpi’s Industries Ltd. We have been serving the Greater Calgary area for more than 50 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about dirty A/C coils and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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