Can I clean my evaporator coil myself?
Yes, you can clean your evaporator coil yourself, but it's important to do so safely and effectively. The evaporator coil is a critical component of your air conditioning system, and keeping it clean can help improve efficiency and extend the life of your unit.
What is an Evaporator Coil?
The evaporator coil is the part of your air conditioning system that absorbs heat from the air inside your home. As warm air passes over the coil, the refrigerant inside the coil absorbs the heat, causing the air to cool. Over time, the evaporator coil can become dirty, which can reduce its efficiency and cause your air conditioning system to work harder to cool your home.
Why Should I Clean My Evaporator Coil?
Cleaning your evaporator coil regularly can provide several benefits, including:
- Improved Efficiency: A clean evaporator coil can improve the efficiency of your air conditioning system, which can lead to lower energy bills and better cooling performance.
- Longer System Life: Keeping the evaporator coil clean can help extend the life of your air conditioning system, as it won't have to work as hard to cool your home.
- Better Indoor Air Quality: A dirty evaporator coil can harbor mold, mildew, and other contaminants, which can negatively impact the air quality in your home.
Cleaning your evaporator coil is a relatively simple task that you can do yourself, but it's important to follow the proper safety precautions and use the right tools and cleaning products.
How to Clean Your Evaporator Coil
Here are the steps to clean your evaporator coil:
- Turn off the power: Before you begin, make sure to turn off the power to your air conditioning system at the circuit breaker or disconnect switch.
- Access the coil: Locate the evaporator coil, which is usually located inside the air handler or furnace cabinet.
- Use the right cleaning products: Use a coil cleaner specifically designed for evaporator coils. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the coil.
- Apply the cleaner: Spray or brush the cleaner onto the coil, making sure to cover all the surfaces.
- Rinse the coil: Use a garden hose or a pressurized sprayer to rinse the coil, removing any dirt or debris.
- Dry the coil: Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the coil and remove any remaining moisture.
- Reassemble and test: Reassemble the air handler or furnace cabinet and turn the power back on to your air conditioning system. Run the system to ensure it's working properly.
Cleaning your evaporator coil is an important maintenance task that can help keep your air conditioning system running efficiently and effectively. By following these steps, you can clean your evaporator coil yourself and enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained system.
Is evaporator coil cleaning worth it?
Air conditioner coil cleaning is an important part of air conditioner repair and can help you save money, maintain efficiency and extend the system's life expectancy. Let's dive into how to clean AC coils and why this is important.
Can I use simple green to clean my AC evaporator coils?
Simple Green makes an AC friendly cleaner. The manufacturer recommends 409 so that's what I used.
What not to clean AC coils with?
There are specific cleaning solutions that remove dirt and grime from evaporator coils or condenser coils. Read the label before starting to ensure you're using the right solution. Avoid using acid-based cleaners indoors, and never mix different brands of cleaners.
How do you clean a dirty evaporator coil?
This is totally cleanable. Try using a brush with a commercial coil cleaner or make one at home. You only need detergent and warm water. Mix them together and spray evenly on your evaporator coils. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes and then wipe off with a piece of cloth. Repeat the process and you should be good to go.
How much is a home AC evaporator coil to replace?
Replacing an evaporator coil costs an average of $1,350, and it often ranges from $600 to $2,000 depending on the size, type, and the cost of pro labor in your area.
Can I clean my own AC coils?
If you see a lot of oil or grease on the coils, you can use a chemical cleaner (after making sure it's non-acidic and safe for evaporator coil use) and gently rinse using a spray bottle. You could also use a homemade mix of water and mild detergent (like dish soap) instead of commercial chemical cleaners.
How often do evaporator coils need to be cleaned?
each year
It's normally attached to your furnace, and we recommend having it cleaned each year before heating season begins, but it's ideal to repeat mid-season. Although some homeowners might try to clean their evaporator coil themselves, this service is best handled by a trained Carrier HVAC technician.
What are the symptoms of a dirty evaporator coil?
The following symptoms indicate you may need to have your evaporator coil cleaned.
- Your Air Conditioner Is No Longer Cooling.
- Your Energy Bill Increases.
- Your Coil Is Frozen.
How much does it cost to clean AC evaporator coils inside a house?
around $100 to $400
The AC coil cleaning cost is around $100 to $400 as of 2024, according to Homeguide (for an evaporator coil), and up to $700 to remove and clean the coil. Cleaning the condenser coil costs $75 to $230.
Is foam cleaning AC good or bad?
Overall the AC cleaning foam is very effective & efficient in nature which maintains your AC performance & life for longer.
