As soon as the power has been turned off to your unit and all necessary safety gear has been donned, remove the access panel. Clean out larger debris like leaves or spider webs from around coils using an access panel vacuum; additionally, use a fin brush to straighten bent fins lightly.
Next, apply a no-rinse coil cleaner and let it sit for the time prescribed on its container; this will loosen stubborn dirt deposits from your coils and increase airflow.
Once you’ve cleaned the coils and increased airflow, consider reaching out to Anderson Air for further maintenance assistance in Greenland.
1. Remove the access panel
Before beginning, ensure your system is completely off by switching off its air handler switch in your thermostat and turning off its power at its source. This will prevent you from being surprised by any 110v or 220v components within your system that could prove hazardous.
Once your system has been shut off, take the following steps to gain access to its evaporator coil: First, remove the access panel on the furnace/air handler; second, open the unit; third, determine which cleaning method would best work; this may depend on what kind of system it is such as closet/up-flow unit; gas furnace or electric heat pump.
You can also check the owner’s manual and identify which cleaning methods might work better based on how dirty the coils are.
2. Brush the coils
Evaporator coils (commonly referred to as furnace coils) are integral in heating and cooling your home. They take heat from indoor air and release it into the atmosphere during hot weather. In the winter, they do the opposite and warm any indoor air that passes over them.
Furnace coils are typically constructed of copper or steel for optimal heat conductivity and protection. Their fins serve to dissipate excess heat more effectively. Since homeowners rarely (if ever) can access their evaporator coils, HVAC professionals typically perform regular tune-ups and cleaning services as part of a tune-up plan.
If you plan on cleaning your coils yourself, use a brush that won’t harm the fins. Brushing helps loosen dirt and debris that has become resistant to spray cleaners while giving you access to each coil. A wire brush like one from PLXparts could work just as well, or try something more specific like an HVAC fin comb to ensure safe results.
3. Spray the coils
Coils can be tricky to access and clean for homeowners without the right tools; however, you can do an effective job if you follow these simple steps.
Start by switching off the power to your air conditioning system – leaving it running could damage its components.
Apply a moderate coat of cleaner to the coils using a pump sprayer and allow the solution to soak for several minutes, allowing any heavy build-up to loosen before wiping it off using either a brush or cloth.
For particularly severe problems, stronger cleaners than detergent may be needed. When searching for one specifically tailored to HVAC systems and rinse-free, foaming cleaners may be your solution.
4. Rinse the coils
It’s important to purchase a pump sprayer, professional cleaning solution and brush from a local hardware store to clean coils properly. Begin by visually inspecting your evaporator coils to ensure no large debris has accumulated on them before lightly brushing away loose dirt and hair with a coil brush – being mindful not to bend fins too hard as this could damage them!
Once all major dirt has been eliminated, a no-rinse foam cleaner should be used on the coils. Following instructions, allow it to soak for five to ten minutes and rinse off using a garden hose or similar sprayer that reaches all fins on each coil.
You can also use a hose in your garden with a spray nozzle to rinse off the coils thoroughly. Begin rinsing from the top and work your way down, ensuring that all the cleaner and loosened dirt is washed away. Use moderate water pressure to avoid damaging the coils.
5. Dry the coils
After rinsing, allow the coils to air dry completely before reassembling the furnace. Refrain from using a blow dryer or any other artificial heat source, as it may damage the coils. To stop mold or mildew from growing, make sure the coils are totally dry.
Dust, pet hair, dander and grimy debris build-up can impede your system’s ability to produce heat, leading to less output and mechanical failure over time.
After rinsing, allow the coils to air dry completely before reassembling the furnace. Refrain from using a blow dryer or any other artificial heat source, as it may damage the coils. Make sure the coils are completely dry to prevent mold or mildew growth.
Evaporator coils are usually constructed of metals that efficiently conduct heat and feature fins to transfer refrigerant. There are two main varieties of evaporator coils – slab coils and “A” coils.
Slab coils are made up of simple slabs of fins. In contrast “A” coils have more intricate fin arrangements that install directly to the furnace without transition ducting, available in multiple widths for common furnace models and offering multiple refrigerant pressure settings that match each furnace model.
Moreover, too narrow can result in low refrigerant pressure levels or even lead to mold growth that affects health issues or exacerbates allergies.
