How To Clean Condenser Coils

Over the winter, even if you keep your condenser unit covered, there is a good chance that it will need to be cleaned before regular summer usage. The outside walls of a condenser, where the coils are, are the most vulnerable part of the unit. This is where dirt, leaves, and dust can get blown into the coils, causing them to be less efficient. It is always smart to clean your condenser coils during spring, before you are reliant on your AC to keep your house comfortable. This article explains the best tools and techniques for cleaning your air conditioner's condenser coils.

What Do Coils Do?

The condenser coils are a vital part of the AC system. They are key to the heat transfer process. For your AC to be efficient, the coils must suck warm air out of the ducts and disperse it through the coils. If the coils are clogged, the condenser is more likely to overheat, and it will end up using more electricity to run regularly. Basically, a simple cleaning could reduce your electricity bills during the summer.

Cleaning the Coils

This work is obviously very simple, and you don't even need to mess with any of the electrical components. That being said, you should make sure your thermostat is turned to the off position. The most important thing you need to clean your coils is a hose with a decent amount of water pressure. You don't need a super powerful stream, or a pressure washer. In fact, the coils are fragile and can actually get bent if they are sprayed with too much pressure. Many people think they need a scrubber or sponge to clean the coils, but this is usually unnecessary. If water alone does not wash all the dirt out, you might need to spray some liquid cleaner onto the coils. If you let it soak in for a few minutes, this should help break down the dirt, so you can easily wash it out with the hose.

When your coils are regularly cleaned, your air conditioner can run more efficiently. It is definitely still advisable to cover your condenser during the winter months. It should help prevent the coils from getting too dirty. Additionally, if you leave your unit uncovered during the winter, you are likely to experience water damage and rusting on your fan. It is a simple and cheap way to lengthen the lifespan of your condenser.

For more information about maintaining your condenser coils and AC unit in general, talk with HVAC contracting companies, like Aurora Pumps.

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