The Indiana cooling season is long and hot, and getting the most out of your air conditioner is probably high on your list of priorities. Your best defense against an inefficient system is your annual preventive tune-up, which will increase your air conditioner's efficiency, lower your utility costs, and extend the life of your system. When you call to schedule your yearly tune-up, ask your HVAC professional about cleaning the A/C coils to further increase system efficiency and save you money.
What are coils?
Your air conditioner has two coils that work together to rid your home of unwanted heat.
- The evaporator coil, found in your indoor unit, absorbs heat from the air in your home.
- The condenser coil, found in your outdoor unit, expels the heat energy outside.
Dirty coils inhibit the efficient absorption and transfer of heat, requiring your system to work harder to keep you comfortable, and raising your energy bills.
How are coils cleaned?
Depending on how dirty your coils are, your technician will employ one of three methods to clean them.
- Heavily-soiled coils generally require a foaming coil cleaning solution that is sprayed on the coils and left to sit for a period of time before being rinsed. If your coils are particularly grimy, it may take several applications of the solution. Because some of these chemicals can pollute the water supply, opt for biodegradable coil cleaners whenever possible.
- Lightly-soiled coils are scrubbed with a mild detergent and water to remove the dirt.
- Dusty coils are blown clean with low-pressure, compressed air.
Coil cleaning should include cleaning the condensate pan, which lies beneath the evaporator coil and catches condensation dripping from the coil. The constant dampness can allow the growth of mold and other biological contaminants, reducing your indoor air quality and promoting clogs in your condensate drain, which can cause the pan to overflow and shut down your system.
Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning has been dedicated to the comfort of Ft. Wayne area residents since 1963. For more expert advice about the importance of clean A/C coils, please contact us.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about cleaning A/C coils and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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