How to Clean Evaporator Coils

Evaporator coils are a core component of your air conditioner and are responsible for creating the cold air the system pumps through your home. Like other AC components, condenser coils get dirty and need regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance. Read on to learn some tips from our experts on how to clean evaporator coils. 

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How Do Evaporator Coils Work?

Evaporator coils contain small tubes through which the compressor pumps pressurized coolant. The pressurized coolant absorbs the heat from the air that passes over the coils, creating cold air. The coil then pumps the newly heated refrigerant vapor to the condenser coil which extracts the heat and removes it from your system before pumping the coolant back to the compressor to restart the cycle. 

Cleaning Your Evaporator Coils: Step-By-Step Guide

Fortunately, cleaning coils is a relatively simple job that you can do in your home without an expert. Below is a quick step-by-step guide on how to clean evaporator coils safely and effectively. 

• Before doing anything turn the air conditioner’s power off for safety precautions. The best option is to turn off your air conditioner breaker so it doesn’t accidentally turn on while cleaning. 
• Next you’ll need to remove the unit’s access panel to reach the coils. Most access panels will be located near the base of the air handler which you can unscrew and lift it off. 
• Once you have uncovered the coils, visually inspect them, taking note of any bent fins. You can use a flashlight to get a clean view of the inside of the coils. 
• Once you have assessed the coils’ condition, you can start cleaning them. Use a bottle of compressed air to remove loose debris. After that gently clean the coils using a soft brush and a gentle dish detergent mixed or coil cleaner in a spray bottle. Be careful not to bend any fins while brushing the coils. 
• After cleaning, rinse the coils using a hose and give them about 30 minutes to drip dry. 
• Once the coils are dry, you can reattach the access panel and turn the circuit breaker back on. Turn on the AC to determine if it’s working correctly. 

How Often Should I Clean My Evaporator Coils?

For best results, you should clean your coils at least once per year. If you live somewhere with a high amount of air pollution, you should try to clean your coils at least once every six months. Coil cleaning is typically a part of routine AC maintenance so a service technician should do it for you during a regular service checkup. 

San Diego’s Best Heating & Air Services

If you would like more advice on how to clean evaporator coils or would like to schedule an appointment for AC maintenance, call the professionals at Bob Jenson at (858) 294-0341. Alternatively, you can fill out our online contact form, and a member of our team will reach out to you.