Why AC Coils Should Be Cleaned Every Year During Maintenance

Hand holding a handheld sprayer near a container with wiring against a brick wall in HVAC maintenance setting.

Cleaning Dirty Coils Can Improve AC Performance

Air conditioning systems are made up of many different components located inside and outside the home. The evaporator and condenser coils are essential as they are responsible for the heat exchange process. For optimal cooling efficiency and air quality, it is vital to include AC coil cleaning in an annual maintenance routine. Coil cleaning helps remove dust, dirt, and other particles that can accumulate on the coils of an air conditioning system. This blog post will share why AC coil cleaning is recommended and beneficial. 

Evaporator Coil

Evaporator coil from an air conditioning system, showing fins and tubing, placed on a cardboard base in a grassy area, illustrating the importance of AC coil cleaning for optimal cooling efficiency.Evaporator coils are critical to an air conditioning system but can get dirty easily. When dirt and debris accumulate on the evaporator coil, it prevents heat from escaping outside and makes it harder for the air conditioner to keep a home cool. This can lead to less effective cooling, higher energy bills, and increased wear and tear on the air conditioning system, which can shorten its lifespan.

Regularly cleaning the evaporator coil can help to prevent these issues. Cleaning the coil helps to remove dirt and debris that can build up and block heat from escaping, which helps keep the air conditioner working more efficiently. Regular cleaning can also reduce wear and tear on the unit, as dirt and debris can cause extra strain on the motor when it works to cool the home. 

Condenser Coil

Condenser coil for air conditioning system, showcasing metal fins and tubing, essential for heat release and cooling efficiency.The condenser coil of an air conditioning system is another vital component responsible for cooling the air in a home. It releases the heat outdoors that the evaporator coil removed from the indoor air. But these coils can become dirty and clogged with dirt, dust, leaves, and other debris from storms over time. 

A dirty condenser coil can lead to poor system performance, reduced energy efficiency, higher energy bills, and increased wear and tear on the system, which can lead to premature breakdowns. It's important to check, and clean condenser coils regularly to keep the AC running smoothly and efficiently. 

Benefits of Coil Maintenance

Cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils is essential for the proper functioning of the air conditioning unit and has many benefits. It helps to reduce energy costs and prevent costly repairs and premature replacements by improving airflow and energy efficiency and reducing wear and tear on system components. 

HVAC contractors can use various methods to clean condenser and evaporator coils, including dry brushing and pressurized air, to remove dirt, dust, and other debris that may have collected on the coils over time. To ensure a thorough clean, professionals may also use chemical cleaners and degreasers to eliminate stubborn deposits of dirt or grime.

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has over two decades of experience serving Daytona Beach and the surrounding area. They provide transparent pricing, a satisfaction guarantee, and a membership plan. Call them today for air conditioning maintenance and coil cleaning in Daytona Beach, FL.

Remember the AC Coils During Spring Cleaning

A man in a blue work uniform with a clipboard, showcasing HVAC maintenance expertise at Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

A Clean AC is a Cool AC!

Summertime is on the way, and this means increased cooling costs. With the high heat and humidity of summer, air conditioners have a lot of work to keep homes cool. Thankfully, there are things that homeowners can do to save a little on cooling costs.

The best thing homeowners can do to save on cooling costs and get the AC ready for summer is to schedule maintenance early in the season and make sure coil cleaning is part of the checklist. Don’t know what coil cleaning is? Here is a guide from local AC professionals to get homeowners started. 

Why Do Evaporator Coils Get Dirty?

Evaporator coil showing buildup, crucial for air conditioner efficiency and cooling power, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and cleaning for optimal HVAC performance.

Clean evaporator coils are essential to the operation of an air conditioner. They supply the cooling power of the entire AC system. During a cooling cycle, all of the air in the home will be passed over this coil multiple times. That means everything in the air has the potential to get stuck on the coils and rob the system of efficiency. 

Air filters are in place on every air conditioner to prevent grime from depositing on the evaporator coil. When filters are replaced regularly, dust buildup on the coils is minimized. When filters are improperly installed or allowed to stay in service for too long, buildup will result, and the way to restore the lost cooling power is by cleaning the evaporator coil and changing the air filter. 

How are Condenser Coils Cared For?

Person cleaning a condenser coil of an air conditioning unit with a hose, emphasizing HVAC maintenance and efficiency.The condenser coil is the other half of the closed loop that provides cooling power for an air conditioner. The condenser coil is part of the outside unit that blows out hot air as the system cycles. Just like the evaporator coil, uninterrupted airflow is what makes it work. Over time, evaporator coils become blocked by dust, vegetation, and pollen. In addition to a buildup on the condenser coil, airflow can also be blocked by bent fins that are part of the coil. 

When condenser coils are cleaned, blockages are removed with powerful cleaners and a hose. The technician will also repair the bent fins that obstruct airflow during the service. The free movement of air in the cleaned and maintained coil will add noticeable cooling power to the unit during the summer. 

Coil Cleaning and Maintenance 

Coil cleaning is recommended every year as part of normal AC maintenance. Even when air filters are regularly changed and condenser coils are protected, normal buildup on the coils can rob efficiency that costs homeowners extra money on cooling bills. Scheduling AC maintenance is as easy as finding a good local AC contractor to give the entire system a tune-up. 

AC maintenance and coil cleaning only takes an hour or two and is often offered as part of a membership program that allows homeowners to pay for the service over the course of the year. The benefits of AC maintenance and coil cleaning are: 

  • Fewer repairs during the summer
  • Decreased energy usage
  • Money savings
  • More comfortable home 
  • Increased longevity of equipment 

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. have been dedicated to keeping the residents of Daytona Beach comfortable in their homes since 2002. They provide their clients with personalized solutions and financing options. They also offer a membership program that includes AC maintenance and exclusive discounts. Call them today for air conditioning services in South Daytona, FL.