The Importance of Clean Coils on Air Conditioners

Just how essential is it to have clean coils on air conditioner units around Florida? Well, the answer depends on how badly you want to maintain an energy-efficient system that will save money on utility bills and not need early replacement.

The climate in Florida means that local air conditioners work extremely hard for homeowners and business owners in the area. Cleaning any accessible components of the air conditioner is helpful between service visits, including changing the air filters. However, air conditioning coils are sometimes tricky to keep clean without the help of a team like Fast Air Repair, Ocala’s trusted AC repair technicians.

Below, these professionals discuss everything you need to know about air conditioning coils.

What Is an Air Conditioning Coil?

The first question about these particular HVAC components is what they do. Air conditioners have several internal mechanisms and features that allow them to regulate the temperature and air quality, and coils are crucial in both of these processes. HVAC systems operate with two primary conduits that have refrigerant constantly flowing through them:

• The evaporator coil
• The condenser coil

The Evaporator Coil

Most evaporator coils consist of copper and aluminum. These coils suck heat from inside the room and eject it. The process significantly helps with dehumidification and keeps your Florida residence comfortable.

The evaporator coil operates within indoor units, providing the cooling necessary to regulate temperatures on the hottest summer days. It is vulnerable to condensation due to the evaporation process from which it gets its name, which is why keeping it clean is so important.

The Condenser Coil

The second coil has the opposite function and operates within the outdoor unit of the HVAC system. It connects to the evaporator coil through a network of coolant lines, releasing heat from the building into the air outside. The large fan you see outside a house or on top of commercial buildings is where the condenser coil and compression system link together.

Monitoring Coil Cleanliness

So, why pay so much attention to maintaining clean coils on air conditioner units? The main reason is that air conditioning units get dirty quickly, and bogging down the system with dirt, dust, and residue sorely affects its function, efficiency, and lifespan. Making professional HVAC inspections and cleaning part of a seasonal routine helps to keep the system in good nick. 

An inefficient HVAC system may cost thousands in energy expenses, repairs, and early replacement, but it is easy to prevent these issues with clean coils and filters. So, keeping cool air flowing freely is beneficial in all aspects. Cleaning the coils prevents:

• Pollen, dirt, and dust accumulation
• Ice
• Water leaks
• Wear and other damage

Professionals find the coils by opening the access panel on the unit, and you can minimize countless issues with regular checks. For example, the evaporator coil constantly moves cool air, which means that cold condensation will accumulate around its components. Ice causes untold damage to this system and limits its capacity. 

With condensation, the process allows dirt, pollen, and dust to stick to the coils and affect the unit’s efficiency. Changing the air filter is an excellent way to reduce these particles, which is why most HVAC technicians recommend replacing it every few months.

Simple Ways to Ensure Clean Coils on Air Conditioners

A professional maintenance visit from Fast Air Repair will always include a thorough check of the coils. The team will locate the access panel, ensure the machine is safely off, and disconnect the power before cleaning it. They turn off the HVAC system through the user module and shut off the breaker to avoid electrical hazards. 

Our Florida air conditioning professionals then loosen screws or latches to open the panel and assess the coils. Cleaning methods may involve:

• Soft brushing
• Compressed air
• Household cleaners
• Detergents or other solutions

Soft Brushing

A soft bristle paintbrush or construction brush is available in most hardware stores. They remove dust stuck to the coil and between internal components but need a gentle touch. Scrubbing too hard could damage the coil material, which is why some professionals prefer a microfiber cloth.

Compressed Air Solutions

Pairing compressed air with the soft brush approach works well in removing dirt and debris from hard-to-reach areas. Compressed air blows the fine dirt out so that the brush can reach it. A “shop vac” is also helpful for removing loose grime on or near the coils.

Professionals like Fast Air Repair also use proper safety equipment while cleaning the coils because high-power air compressors can launch dangerous particles into the face and eyes.

Household Cleaners

The third method is non-corrosive cleaners, which will prevent damage to the system’s various surfaces. The team is careful to dry any excess cleaner off the coils so that it does not freeze when the AC unit activates after the cleaning session. There are many commercial cleaners available in local stores.

Detergent

Even a mix of water and mild detergent could restore the air conditioning coils to pristine condition. We sometimes combine a two-part solution into a spray bottle for direct application. After a few minutes, the solution loosens dirt for easy removal from the coils with a soft brush or air compressor. 

We also double-check for remaining liquid or ice formation before turning the unit back on.

Why Choose HVAC Professionals like Fast Air Repair?

Enlisting a qualified HVAC technician like Fast Air Repair for this kind of work can save a lot of time and energy on air conditioning maintenance in Florida. We understand the system, the climate, and the most common issues that units face across Florida’s summers and winters. 

Why not let our company help keep the coils and other components in tip-top condition? We respond promptly to inspection and repair requests and address any concerns you have on the spot.

Connect with Our HVAC Professionals Today

“Do ACs clean air?” is one common query we receive at Fast Air Repair. However, our experienced team is open to answering any other questions you may have about cleaning, energy efficiency, replacement options, and enjoying better air quality in Florida.

Contact Fast Air Repair at 352-290-7968 today for affordable HVAC maintenance that will guarantee perfectly clean coils on air conditioner units in Dunnellon, FL, and the surrounding communities.