As an HVAC expert, I have seen firsthand the consequences of neglecting to clean air conditioner coils. Many homeowners are unaware of the impact that dirty coils can have on their cooling system's efficiency and lifespan. That's why I want to emphasize the importance of regularly cleaning your AC coils with an AC coil cleaner. Due to the narrow gap between the coil's fins, the surface moisture from the cooling process, and the amount of air flowing through them, dirt, dust, debris, and other contaminants can accumulate on the coil surfaces. Over time, this buildup reduces the system's ability to transfer heat in and out of the house, reducing the system's ability to provide cooling during the summer.
In more extreme cases, dirty coils can also hinder or block airflow, which is so important to the entire process. This can result in having a less comfortable home and increasing utility bills due to loss of energy efficiency. Even worse, dirty coils cause the system to work harder than expected and can reduce system life and, potentially, costly repair bills. In short, the cleaner the air conditioner coil is, the more efficient the system will operate. Excessive accumulation of dirt and debris can cause excessive strain on the system, causing fans and compressors to work harder and at higher operating temperatures to achieve the desired interior comfort.
Every year, one of the things we need to do is to clean our AC coils with an AC coil cleaner. Air conditioning coil cleaners are precisely made to remove mud and dirt from air conditioner coils and extend the life of the unit. The condenser cleaner or coil cleaner is formulated to remove grease and oil from the top of the dirt. I use Nu-Calgon, Nu-Brite, this is a non-acid cleaner that, mixed with water, reduces grease and oil and, in fact, removes dirt better due to its foaming action. A cleaner cooling system is more efficient. Good cleaning of all key parts removes excess dust and dirt.
With the condensing unit, a strong spray of water also helps keep it cooler, meaning it consumes less energy. It will also increase the overall efficiency of the system by keeping the rest of the air conditioning unit clean. To expose the air conditioning coil, you may need to unscrew the screws and panels, depending on the manufacturer and type of air conditioning unit. Clean AC coils almost always equate to a lower cost of electricity, which is one of the most important benefits of routine AC coil cleaning.
