The Evaporator Coil Cleaning Process
While people often praise the air conditioner unit as a whole, the individual components that make up the system sometimes go unrecognized. Each and every element of the system is critical to keeping the unit running, especially when the weather is at its hottest. One of those components, the AC evaporator coil, can single-handedly take down the HVAC system if it isn’t working properly.
This article explores the importance of maintaining your AC evaporator coil and will even teach homeowners how to clean their coil if it does get dirty.
Issues That Can Be Caused By A Dirty AC Evaporator Coil
Much like any part of the HVAC system, the AC evaporator coil is prone to dirt, dust, pet hair, and other debris that accumulate on it over time. While a little bit doesn’t change much about the system’s efficiency, this buildup will lead to a significant change in how well the system works.
The following symptoms occur because the debris coats the evaporator coil, holding the warm air inside and acting as an insulator. Because the AC evaporator coil’s main job is to absorb excess heat, the coil is unable to work efficiently, making the system work much harder to cool down the home. Here are a few signs homeowners should look out for that could indicate their AC evaporator coil needs to be cleaned.
- A buildup of frost on the coil
- Sudden, unexpected increases in the electricity bill
- Their home not feeling as cool as it should
- The coil and the entire AC unit feeling warm to the touch
Contact a trained HVAC professional as soon as any of those symptoms are noticed for an assessment.
The AC Evaporator Coil Cleaning Process
Some DIY-inclined homeowners may search for ways that they can clean their AC evaporator coil themselves. The problem with this is that the internet, while it can be helpful, is also full of plenty of misinformation.
The problem with some of this misinformation is that it can lead to damage to the HVAC system and potential injury to the homeowner. HVAC units use a chemical refrigerant called freon, which can be dangerous in certain situations. If not handled correctly, freon can cause serious health issues like vomiting, loss of consciousness, and chemical burns.
Those health concerns are the main reason why cleaning the AC evaporator coil (and the HVAC unit in general) is a job best left to the professionals. HVAC technicians have both the proper tools and the right knowledge to perform the cleaning safely and correctly.
AC Evaporator Coil And Full HVAC System Services
It’s impossible to understate the importance of having professional HVAC maintenance services performed. While calling with an emergency is an option, preventative care can keep the system running at its best and ultimately costs less over the unit’s life.
The AC evaporator coil needs to be cleaned at least once a year to keep it working efficiently. It should also be inspected, as part of a full HVAC system inspection, twice yearly. Ideally, this should occur in the spring and the fall, before the unit is turned on more regularly.
Regular system maintenance also has the potential to save homeowners up to 30% annually on heating and cooling costs.
About 1st Choice Air Solutions
1st Choice Air Solutions opened in 1995. Located in Fort Worth, Texas, they combine strong values with a dedication to providing their customers with honest, reliable HVAC services. The local family-owned and operated company offers both routine installation and maintenance as well as round-the-clock emergency services.
