One of the most effective ways to make certain your air conditioning unit is pumping out cool air is to clean its condenser coils. Especially with summer rapidly approaching, your system must be able to transfer heat from inside your house to outside efficiently at all times of the day and night. When the condenser coils are covered with dust, dirt, and debris, the coils will struggle to effectively transfer heat. Because the outdoor unit is vulnerable to weather elements, regular cleaning is vital. When the evaporator coils aren’t cleaned, bacteria and mold can also develop which means these contaminants may end up getting blown around inside your home, decreasing indoor air quality.
Importance of Cleaning Coils
When condenser coils aren’t regularly cleaned, the AC unit will use more energy to run and have reduced ability to cool your house. In other words, you’ll end up paying more money for less cooling. If the condenser coil malfunctions or slows down the AC system, it can affect the entire system, decreasing its lifespan. Energy consumption can end up increasing by up to 30 percent, and residue on dirty coils can result in frozen evaporator coils and the compressor overheating. To prevent a whole host of problems, condenser coils should be cleaned twice a year as part of regular HVAC system maintenance.
Preventing Dirty Coils
A couple of other DIY items to add to your spring checklist: check your air filter monthly and replace it when it’s clogged with dirt, dust, pollen, or other debris. A dirty air filter causes dust and dirt to build up on the condenser coils reducing air flow. Occasionally check your outdoor unit and remove any debris around the unit. Make certain that the surrounding area is clear of any foliage that might get blown into the unit or restrict air flow. Clearing a two-foot-wide area around your outdoor unit is recommended.
Cleaning Condenser Coils
You can rinse off your condenser coils with a hose in between servicing, but just make sure the water pressure is not too high. High water pressure can damage condenser fins. Condenser coils can be damaged by improper cleaning, or coils can even break from weather elements. Don’t forget to turn off the electrical power to the condenser unit at the outdoor shutoff. Generally, condenser cleaning is best left to your local HVAC servicing experts.
It’s worth scheduling professional preventative spring maintenance. This is one of the best ways to prevent long term issues with your condenser coils and air conditioning system. Call your highly trained technicians at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating today at 480-968-5652 to schedule an appointment.
