Picture this: you’ve been troubleshooting your air conditioner and ruled out nearly every possibility: tripped circuit breakers, a new blower motor, and clean air ducts. You check your A/C condenser coils and realize they’re absolutely filthy.
Therein lies the problem. So, how do you clean A/C condenser coils?
You can opt for a heating and cooling comfort specialist, or you can go the do-it-yourself (DIY) route. If you choose the DIY route, be prepared for the time, energy, and resources the job will take.
Nevertheless, we’re here to help. For more than 20 years, we’ve helped inquisitive Florida businesses and homeowners with all their air conditioning needs.
If you need a step-by-step guide on how to clean your air conditioning coils, this article was made for you.
In this guide, we’ll cover the gamut of how to clean your air conditioning condenser coils, including topics such as:
- Why cleaning condenser coils is a must — and what happens if you don’t
- Problems that can occur if you lapse on A/C condenser coil cleaning
- Tools you’ll need to clean your condenser coils
- Types of coil cleaners for air conditioners
- How to clean condenser coils
- How to clean evaporator coils
- Related problems that might mask a need for condenser coil cleaning
- The value of troubleshooting air conditioner issues with a professional
Why cleaning condenser coils is a must
“It’s a coil. It can’t be that bad can it?” One might think.
It’s true: Cleaning coils is a fairly straightforward procedure.
Failing to clean them the right way can cause damage — and mean more buckeroos out of your wallet.
Plus, failing to clean your air conditioner’s condenser coils can lead to a hot, humid, and stuffy environment. Unless you’re a lizard or frog (which we can’t imagine that you are, but who know? No judgment here), you probably don’t enjoy hot and humid homes.
And in a hot and humid home, mold can rear its ugly head. So, you want to make sure you’re cleaning your condenser coils on the regular.
Problems that can occur if you don’t clean your A/C condenser coils
Air conditioner coils help absorb heat and humidity in homes — and coils help release heat out of a home. If you allow dirt and debris to accumulate in your air conditioner’s evaporator and condenser coils, you’ll likely encounter any number of problems mentioned below:
- Your air conditioning unit will expend more energy to cool your home, which can mean a higher energy bill.
- Your air conditioner fan will run longer and more often.
- Your A/C unit may not cool your home as well.
- Dirty coils can precipitate further problems.
And problems breed problems. You’ll want to keep your condenser and evaporator coils clean so that your air conditioner can do a great job without you having to pay exorbitant repair fees.
Cleaning your air conditioner coils — or having a trained and certified HVAC specialist clean your air conditioner — at least one time per year will ensure that your A/C works as it should in those moments you need it most.
Tools and materials you’ll need to clean condenser coils
You might think that cleaning coils can’t be that tough. You’re right! The process is pretty simple.
But gathering the right tools — and knowing how to use those tools — is key for ensuring a successful condenser coil cleaning. The great news is that you probably already have all the materials needed to prepare yourself for the job.
Here’s what you’ll need on your cleaning checklist prior to cleaning:
- A durable scrub brush
- A fin comb (you’ll want to order this one from an HVAC specialist or parts supply store)
- A hose with a sprayer nozzle attachment
- A vacuum with a wand extension
- A flashlight
- Screwdrivers or drills
- Gloves
- Cleaning soap
Let’s take a look at one of the most important items to collect before your cleaning adventure begins: coil cleaning soap.
Types of coil cleaners for air conditioners
In general, two types of cleaning agents exist for A/C systems:
- Canned, foaming cleaning agents from a hardware store
- A DIY air conditioning coil cleaner you can build yourself
With a canned, foaming cleaning agent, the cleaning agent is designed to clean A/C coils. In fact, the foaming properties in the products help the soap stick to the coils while the soap does its job in cleaning the coils.
If you’re shopping online or at a local parts supply store for a canned cleaning agent, look for products with the words “coil cleaner” or “foaming coil cleaner.”
But, if you decide to go the DIY route, you’ll want to purchase the right ingredients for the job. In general, a mixture of white vinegar, baking soda, and water can do the trick.
With a DIY cleaning job, you’ll want to be scrupulous about the cleaning process and rinse your air conditioner down with clean water after completing the job.
Note: we can’t guarantee that a DIY option won’t damage your air conditioner’s coils. Hiring a licensed HVAC professional is always a more surefire way to keep an air conditioner clean, but you’re always welcome to try giving it a shot on your own.
How to clean condenser coils inside an air conditioner
You’ve made it to the best part: how to clean condenser coils and evaporator coils. Here’s a quick nine-step list including what you need to clean a coil in an air conditioning unit.
(Friendly tip: The condenser coils are located outside of the house)
- Turn the power to the A/C unit off: turn off the A/C unit and disable the breaker (The breaker is either a switch near the unit or located in a metal box near the outdoor unit.).
- Remove the covers on the top and side of the condenser unit: using your drill, remove the screws or bolts from the cover and place them aside.
- Optional step: remove the fan from the unit: using your screwdriver or drill, remove the fan from the condenser unit. If you’re not super comfortable with this process, not to worry. You can move to the next step.
- Clean any debris or dust around the unit: Leaves, sticks, and chunks of debris are all fair game. Go ahead and throw on those gloves, and begin removing debris.
- Vacuum up dust and dirt: using your vacuum and/or extension hose, remove any existing dust or dirt from the unit.
- Adjust the fins on your condenser coils: using the fin comb, straighten out any aluminum fins that may have been bent out of shape. While not needed as part of the cleaning process, straighter fins will help ensure a more efficient A/C unit.
- Spray down your A/C’s coils with a coil cleaner: after wetting the coils with water, spray the cleanser onto the coils, and allow it to sit for about five to 10 minutes.
- Spray water on the coils to remove dirt and dust: hose the coils down starting at the inside and moving to the outside. Then, hose the cabinet down from top to bottom.
- Assemble the air conditioner back together again: once you’ve allowed your A/C unit to dry, re-assemble all parts in place again. Finally, turn the power back on. You now have yourself clean condenser coils.
Now, we just need to address the evaporator coils.
How to clean evaporator coils inside the air conditioner
You’ve cleaned the condenser coils, which are located outside of the house. Now, let’s turn to the evaporator coils, which are located inside the house. To clean evaporator coils, follow these four steps:
- Turn off the A/C unit at the breaker panel, and locate your evaporator coils: remove the access panel on the indoor air conditioning unit. The large, flattened tubes inside the air handler are the evaporator coils. The coils should look like the letter “A.” Often, this is the dirtiest part of the job.
- Brush the coils and vacuum any debris: using your scrub brush, remove any large pieces of debris. You can use your vacuum to suction up the debris. Once done, use your fin comb to help adjust and straighten flattened coils.
- Prepare yourself to use your foam cleaner on the coils: spray a large amount of cleaner on the inside of the coil. Allow the cleaner to sit for about five to 10 minutes. You can then rinse out the coils with water from a spray bottle. But, make sure not to hose down your unit indoors to avoid creating a smelly environment (trust us).
- Time to dry the coils and assemble your unit back together: you can either use a soft towel to clean the coils or leave the door open until the coils air dry. All that’s left is to screw back together everything again, and then you’re ready to go.
When air conditioner coils aren’t the problem…
Of course, sometimes dirty air conditioner coils aren’t the problem. Other air conditioner issues might be the culprit behind why an air conditioner isn’t operating as it should.
If you’ve cleaned your air conditioner’s coils — and your air conditioner still isn’t operating as it should — you may need to replace your air conditioner’s coils. Based on the make, model, and year of your A/C unit, evaporator coils can cost a hefty chunk of change.
Sometimes, the cost of repairs and replacements may exceed the value of the air conditioner, so you might be better off upgrading to a new, more efficient HVAC system.
Finally, if after cleaning your air conditioner’s coils, you find that your A/C still won’t work right, you might have one of the following issues:
- Dirty air filters
- Ice on the coils
- Low refrigerant fluid levels
- A clogged condenser
- A broken compressor
- Incorrect coil sizing
- Air leaks from poorly insulated rooms in the home
- An older home that needs more insulation
While a number of issues can exist and be the culprit behind why an air conditioner isn’t working, a surefire way to diagnose the issue is by being in touch with a professional HVAC technician. You can never go wrong with reaching out and asking for a free consultation and diagnostics troubleshooting of your HVAC unit.
Did you know?
Did you know that most residential air conditioners will look like this? This air conditioner uses inverter technology, a five-stage or variable compressor, and a multi-speed indoor blower. This technology has now been out for long enough to identify the pros and cons.
If you need help with your air conditioner, call today for a free assessment at (941) 356-6872. For more information about the latest HVAC technology, check out our Facebook page here!
Get straightforward answers and solutions for your cooling needs
Multiple factors can influence the health of an air conditioning system, not least its coils.
As more research confirms the value of coil cleaning technology to improve indoor air quality with energy-efficient, high-performing HVAC solutions (DataIntelo.com, 2024), we couldn’t be living in a better time to learn about proper evaporator coil cleaning.
If you want to try cleaning your A/C coils yourself, you’re more than welcome to. Just know that doing so can be tricky, and we often recommend reaching out to an HVAC professional to avoid potential issues and stress.
If you’re looking for an HVAC professional, can we help?
Our team of Straightforward Professionals has more than 20 years of dedicated experience with residential and commercial HVAC systems. If you live in the Sarasota, Florida region, don’t hesitate to contact us for a risk-free, no-cost assessment of your air conditioning and heating system.
We’d be happy to help. Until then, stay cool, and we wish you all the best.
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