We sometimes take our air conditioners for granted, they are a modern luxury with many components. One of these components is an AC Condenser Coils. The main function of condenser coils is to trap heat and release it to the outside, keeping you cool and relaxed.
Since condenser coils wear many hats, it makes sense that you are responsible for maintaining your condenser unit.
While some jobs require professional work, such as repairing or replacing your capacitor coils, there are some maintenance strategies you can use yourself. If the problem is still not solved, you can contact the expert air conditioning repair technicians in South Brunswick.
The Role AC Condenser Coils Play
Air conditioners perform similar functions, they are not all the same. Many homeowners use a split system air conditioner that includes both indoor and outdoor units:
- Indoor Units: An indoor unit consists of a fan coil or evaporator and a furnace. The cooling or evaporator coil is located on the fan coil or exhaust side of the furnace. The main function of an indoor unit is to remove heat from inside your home so that your ventilation unit can move and blow cool air.
- Outdoor Units: Your outdoor unit is where your condenser coil comes into play. Your condenser coil traps the heat absorbed by your indoor unit, and as the refrigerant circulates and absorbs the heat, your coils push the heat outward. Evaporator and condenser coils are typically made of copper, but aluminum and swirl fin coils are also common.
Why Should You Clean Your AC Condenser Coils?
Although your AC condenser coils play an important role in your condenser unit, harmful particles such as dust, dirt, animal pollutants, debris, etc. can seriously affect its performance.
A buildup of these pollutants can affect your air conditioning system’s ability to move heat in and out of your building. This reduced performance can be frustrating, especially in summer.
Dirty coils can also impede or completely block all airflow, increasing bills and reducing your air conditioner’s performance. Dirty coils, in particular, can cause problems like those listed below.
A Less Comfortable Home
Dirty coils can increase overall humidity and give you and your family a higher temperature than usual. Additionally, your family may be breathing in harmful pollutants that can cause respiratory problems and even attract unwanted pests and mold growth.
Skyrocketing Energy Bills
Your air conditioner has to work harder than before to reach your usual comfort level. This less efficient operation will cause your energy bills to skyrocket.
Additional Expenses
In addition to utility bills, dirty coils can also cause other costs. The biggest expense is often replacing or repairing the system. Since your device has to work overtime to cool your home, there is a higher risk of its components malfunctioning or failing. Taking the time to clean your coils can lead to a more comfortable home and fewer bills in the long run.
Cleaning Your Coils
Although your AC condenser coils carry a lot of responsibility, the good news is that cleaning is a stress-free process that you can easily do at home. In addition to cleaning your dirty coils, we will also explain in detail how to straighten your cooling fans.
1. Disconnect the Power
When thoroughly cleaning a device with an electronic source, it is always recommended to disconnect the power supply. Although it is very unlikely that you will get an electric shock while cleaning your capacitor coils, it can still happen. Unplug your outdoor unit and then turn off the main power source.
2. Locate Your Coils
As mentioned, AC units typically have an evaporator coil and a condenser coil. Your evaporator coil is located in your indoor air conditioning system, either:
- In his own closet
- In your ventilation unit or fan coil unit
- Attached to your oven
Your condenser coil is located outside and is usually wrapped around your air conditioner. Sometimes your condenser coil is completely exposed, but other times it can be well hidden. Additionally, the top and exterior may need to be removed before you can begin cleaning.
It’s best to follow your manufacturer’s exact cleaning recommendations. However, when in doubt, having the air conditioner checked by a repair technician can be of great help.
3. Eliminate Large Debris and Other Build-Up
No matter what method you use to clean your condenser coils, you should always start by removing any visible debris. Depending on your coil protector, you may just be able to use items like tweezers to remove buildup between wires.
Another item you can use is a brush attached to a vacuum cleaner. This option allows you to vacuum up excess dirt and prepare your coils for further cleaning.
4. Use a Wet Cleaning Solution
While there are several ways to clean your condenser coils, many DIY strategies require a wet cleaning solution. You can make cleaning solutions at home, such as Mix hand soap with baking soda or mix dish soap or dish soap with water.
However, these DIY solutions can be ineffective, which is why cleaning solutions designed specifically for air conditioning systems are better. Be sure to read the instructions as some may need to be diluted with water.
Once your cleaning solution is prepared, you can pour it into a spray bottle and spray your coils outside. Although you don’t want to soak your coils, you should spray them enough so that the cleaning solution begins to flow.
You want the cleaning solution to penetrate your coils for the time recommended by your manufacturer.
5. Rinse the Coils
Once the commercial solution has completely soaked in, rinse your coils thoroughly. Most owners have success with a garden hose, but do not use a nozzle as the pressure could damage your slats. Instead, use low pressure and continue rinsing until the solution disappears.
6. Straighten Your Coil Fans
After waiting for your condenser coils to dry, you may need to align your coil fans. To do this you need a professional straightening comb.
When using the comb to smooth your fans, don’t be afraid to go slowly and stop every now and then. Use little force as too much pressure can damage or damage your fans. If you’re still unsure about whether your fans are straight, a professional can help you.
Using Compressed Air Instead
Instead of using a commercial or homemade cleaning solution, some dealers opt for compressed air. This method is usually combined with a shop vacuum and strong chemicals used to clean your air conditioner and is generally only used for outdoor coils.
The process works by blowing compressed air in the opposite direction of your coils’ normal airflow direction. It is important to blow air directly through your coil fans rather than at an angle. You or your heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician can use the workshop vacuum cleaner to vacuum up the dirt and debris left behind.
Sometimes compressed air is enough to clean your coils, but it is also recommended to use a commercial cleaner.
How Often Should You Clean Your Coils?
There is no set time or standard for when you should clean your air conditioner coils. After all, the weather can depend on the following factors:
- Whether you have a filter and how often you change it
- The amount of dust, dirt, or debris that accumulates on your property. For example, if you have a large house with lots of family members and pets, your coils are likely to get dirty more quickly.
- The environment outside your property: Do you have clean air outside or is there a lot of dirt and debris?
- General humidity can also play a role in warmer climates, which typically require more regular cleaning.
Although there is no set time period, it is important to have your air conditioner inspected by professional HVAC technicians at least once a year. An optimal time is to schedule this interview shortly before summer.
How the Pros Can Help
While being a responsible homeowner may require you to regularly clean your air condenser coils yourself, it may still be beneficial to call professional HVAC technicians. By working with HVAC professionals, you can benefit from the following services:
- Regularly scheduled maintenance sessions
- Recommended cleaning and maintenance solutions
- Thorough cleaning of the air condenser coil
- Change your air filters
- Check your system for any problems
- Significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce bills
- Repair or replace your air conditioner or key components
By working with Carrano Air, you get access to professionals, transparent and cost-effective solutions, and guaranteed satisfaction. With proper maintenance, your air condenser coils can last 20 years or more.
Call Carrano Air Today!
It’s hard to imagine a world without air conditioning, especially in hot climates like New Jersey . However, to keep you and your family cool in the summer and all year round, you should properly maintain your air conditioner.
Luckily, our team offers tailored solutions to keep you and your family cool for years to come. From regular inspections to major repairs or replacements, Carrano Air HVAC Contractors Inc. is here to help.
To learn how HVAC systems work and how our team can service your AC condenser coils, contact Carrano Air HVAC Contractors Inc. at 732 329-3784 today!