Tag: coils

Remember to Clean the AC Coils During Spring Cleaning

Improve the Performance of the AC With Coil Cleaning 

Spring is the perfect time to perform maintenance on an air conditioner. One of the most critical tasks is to clean the coils to improve the air conditioning system's performance. The evaporator and condenser coils play a prominent role in helping the unit cool a home, so they must be kept clean and free of debris.

When the coils are dirty with dust, dirt, and other debris, it can cause several problems, like reduced airflow and decreased cooling capacity. It can also result in more wear and tear on the AC system, resulting in higher energy costs due to the unit working harder than it should. This blog will discuss evaporator coils, condenser coils, and the effects of them being dirty and cleaned.  

Cleaning Evaporator Coils 

evaporator coils Evaporator coils are an essential part of every home's air conditioning system, but they can also be a significant source of dust and dander buildup over time. They help to cool the air in a home or office by absorbing heat from the indoor environment and transferring it away from the space. 

However, when dirty, it can make it harder for the system to keep a house cool, as the coils are less effective at drawing out heat when clogged with dirt and debris. Regularly cleaning the evaporator coils can improve energy efficiency, allowing for better cooling and energy cost savings. In addition to regular maintenance, air filters should be changed or cleaned regularly to prevent dust buildup in the coils.

Cleaning Condenser Coils 

condenser coils Condenser coils are a vital component of AC systems, providing a way to dissipate heat from the refrigerant cycle. The condenser coil consists of copper tubing and aluminum fins that absorb the heat from the refrigerant and transfer it to the outside air. The condenser coils must be clean and in good working order for an air conditioning system to function properly. 

Periodic maintenance and cleaning of the condenser coils are essential to ensure the system runs efficiently and safely. Cleaning the condenser coils can reduce energy bills by allowing the system to run more efficiently. Additionally, it will help extend the life of the condenser coil by preventing corrosion, which can occur when dirt and debris build up on the coils.

Coil Cleaning and Maintenance 

Cleaning and maintaining evaporator and condenser coils is crucial for optimal performance and keeping an AC system running efficiently. Professional technicians may use different methods to clean these coils, including pressure washing, chemical cleaning, and dry brushing. 

This process involves removing dirt, dust, and other debris to keep the coils working efficiently. In addition to improving performance, regular coil cleaning and maintenance can help reduce energy costs. A clean coil will run more efficiently than one clogged with dirt and debris. This means the unit doesn’t have to work as hard to cool or heat a space, leading to lower energy bills for the homeowner or business owner.

About Morrow Mechanical

Morrow Mechanical has over 20 years of experience serving Spring, TX, and the surrounding communities. They provide honest pricing, always on-time service, and same-day service. Call them today for AC maintenance and evaporator coil services in Spring, TX.

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Why Air Conditioning Coils Matter

Dirty Coils Cause Unexpected Problems During Summer

Air conditioners are complex systems that run when all components work together. In addition to the mechanical parts required, cleaning is a key factor in maintenance. Dirty coils inside the system can cause profound problems during the hottest months.

What Are AC Coils?

Air conditioners are unique in the way they produce cool air. Unlike furnaces, they do not generate indoor air. Instead, an air conditioning system uses refrigerants to absorb heat in the air. This air is then released outdoors.

Since air conditioners work to remove hot air, different coils are necessary to keep an entire indoor area cool. Two types of coils are used and are considered one of the most important parts of an HVAC system. 

The Evaporator Coil

coils An evaporator coil is located indoors. It can be tricky to locate because it is in line with the ductwork. An evaporator core is where the refrigerant absorbs heat. Typically an evaporator coil can be found near the blower fan. They can be identified by the type of material used. Most evaporator coils are made from copper, aluminum, or steel. These tubes are typically bent into semicircles for residential air conditioners before being placed into panels. 

Evaporator coils will collect dust, pet dander, and pollen. Once this dirt has built up over time, it is no longer energy efficient and may increase homeowners' electric bills. Even a thin layer of dust can reduce the evaporator coil’s efficiency. This dust essentially keeps the coil from absorbing hot air during the summer. Dirty evaporators can create higher pressure and raise indoor temperatures causing the system to work harder.  

The Condenser Coil

coil The condenser coil is located outside the home and is made up of tubes and fins. This part of the system works by transporting the indoor heat outside through a system of copper tubing. Warm refrigerant gas will enter the compressor so it can be pressurized. Once the fan blows air over these coils, the refrigerant loses heat.

A condenser coil can also become dirty in a relatively short period. This is usually due to debris such as tree limbs, plants, dirt, and inclement weather conditions. If yard debris interferes with the compressor’s fins, this can damage part of the system. Mowing the lawn, fallen leaves, and even animal hair can ultimately cause indoor temperatures to rise. 

Cleaning the fins of a compressor must be done carefully. If there is damage to this area, it can decrease the whole system's efficiency. A stiff brush or vacuum is recommended so fins do not bend or snap.

Without routine maintenance, the air condenser may develop a casing of ice. This is usually due to an airflow issue. Dirty air filters and vents may be to blame. If the ice is caused due to low refrigerant, a trained technician can help. 

How To Clean and Maintain Compressor Coils

Compressor coil cleaning will prolong the life of an air conditioner and reduce electric bills. Routine cleaning is recommended to make the most out of an HVAC unit.

Cleaning the coils can be difficult, depending on where it’s located. One way to prevent dust and pollen from ruining the coils is to change the air filters regularly. There are several air filters, and some may need to be changed more often than others. It depends on their material. Washable filters can save money.

Turning off the air conditioner first before accessing the coils is important. This can be done at the thermostat. Once the access panel is removed, compressed air will allow a touchless cleaning. Technicians can use a nozzle attachment for hard-to-reach places close to the bottom. High pressured air should be directed at a 90-degree angle to prevent fin damage.

A brush can work for those who do not wish to use this AC coil cleaning method. The brush must be swept gently but firmly across the fins. Cleaning solutions are unnecessary when using this method, but all material must be scrubbed. Hard bristles are not recommended during this process.

Evaporator Coils vs. Condenser Coils

Cleaning condenser coils are slightly different than cleaning evaporator coils because of where they are located. Since condenser coils are found outside the home, other debris may be found on the fins.

Most Do-It-Yourselfers usually use a garden hose and cleaning solution to clean condenser coils. An all-purpose cleaner will work for outdoor coils. Like cleaning the evaporator coils, the air conditioner must be turned off before cleaning. After the system is shut off, the outer casing can be gently removed not to damage any wires. Once the caging has been lifted, the fan will be easy to access.

A small hand brush can be used to remove debris. Leaves, insects, and dirt are frequently found. During this process, homeowners can check for any potentially broken aluminum fins. Since the coils are located outdoors, the fins are more likely to be damaged by heavier debris. A fin comb can be purchased online or at a local hardware store to straighten bent fins. 

Cleaning both evaporator coils and condenser coils will help the system run smoothly. When an air conditioner does not have to work at a high energy capacity, it will reduce the overall utility cost during the summer. This is particularly important for residential homes in hot climates.

About Morrow Mechanical

Morrow Mechanical has served its Spring, TX, and The Greater Houston Area community for over 20 years. They provide same-day, upfront pricing and after-hours service at no additional charge. Call them today for an air conditioning tune-up and maintenance in Spring, TX.

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