When you think about home maintenance, cleaning AC coils may not immediately come to mind. However, it’s an important part of keeping your AC unit running efficiently and effectively. Dirty AC coils can lead to a host of issues and can even shorten the lifespan of your AC unit. Here’s a look at why you shouldn’t delay AC coil cleaning and how often you should have it done.
Dirty Coils Can Cause Your AC Unit to Work Harder
Your AC unit has two sets of coils: evaporator coils and condenser coils. The evaporator coils are located inside your home, while the condenser coils are located outside. Both sets of coils play an important role in the AC cooling process.
The evaporator coils absorb heat from your home’s air, while the condenser coils release that heat to the outside air. If either set of coils becomes dirty, it can disrupt the cooling process and cause your AC unit to work harder than it needs to.
Not only does this make your AC unit less efficient, but it can also lead to premature wear and tear on the unit. In extreme cases, a dirty coil can cause your AC unit to overheat and break down completely.
Cleaning Your Coils Can Save You Money
Because dirty coils cause your AC unit to work harder, it can end up costing you more money in the long run. When your AC unit has to work harder, it uses more energy, which translates into higher utility bills.
In fact, according to Energy Star, cleaning your coils can save you anywhere from 5% to 15% on your cooling costs each year. This can add up to a significant amount of money over the lifespan of your AC unit, so it’s well worth taking the time to clean your coils on a regular basis.
How Often Should You Clean Your Coils?
Ideally, you should have your coils cleaned at least once a year. However, if you live in an area with high pollen and dust counts, you may need to have them cleaned more often.
Additionally, if you have pets, they can also contribute to dirty coils since they track in pollen and dirt from outside. Therefore, you may need to have your coils cleaned every few months.
Can I Clean the Coils Myself?
Cleaning your coils is an important part of AC maintenance, but it’s not something you should try to do on your own. The coils are delicate and can be easily damaged if they’re not handled properly.
In addition, some AC units have electrical components that can be dangerous if you’re not familiar with them. For these reasons, it’s best to leave coil cleaning to the professionals.
What to Expect During an AC Coil Cleaning
When you have your coils cleaned, a technician will first inspect them to see how dirty they are. They may also check for any signs of damage, such as corrosion.
Once the inspection is complete, the technician will gently clean the coils with a soft brush or cloth. In some cases, they may also use a mild cleaning solution.
After the coils have been cleaned, the technician will reassemble your AC unit and test it to make sure it’s running properly.
The Importance of Regular AC Maintenance
Cleaning your AC coils is an important part of regular AC maintenance. However, it’s not the only thing you need to do to keep your AC unit running properly.
You should also have your AC unit serviced at least once a year. During this service, a technician will inspect the unit, clean the coils and other components, and make any necessary repairs.
Regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your unit and keep it running efficiently for years to come.
Schedule a Coil Cleaning Today
If you’re due for AC coil cleaning and maintenance – or if you’re having trouble with your AC unit – don’t wait any longer. Contact Maffei Services. We’re an experienced, trusted HVAC company that specializes in AC maintenance and repair.
We’ll thoroughly inspect your unit and clean the coils to help restore it to peak performance. We’ll also make any necessary repairs to keep your unit running properly.
