If you’ve lived in your home for more than a year, you’ve probably noticed that your air conditioner is getting dustier. You’ve probably wondered how to clean the coils. Here are some steps to take. Clean the evaporator coil and condensate pan. Make sure to drain the system’s drain tube, as well. Once these steps are completed, your air conditioner should be running efficiently.
Clean the condenser
You can clean the condenser of an air conditioner easily if you know how to use a few simple tools. Most people already own a vacuum cleaner. If you don’t, you can buy a shop vac. You’ll also need a screwdriver, a long-handled brush, and rags. While you’re cleaning, you may also want to replace the air filter.
First, you should remove the protective grilles on the top and side panels of the AC unit. You can use a soft brush to clean the coils. You can also use a water-based dish detergent solution or a commercial condenser coil cleaning solution to clean the coils. After cleaning, rinse the coils with a garden hose, being careful not to damage the delicate fins. Once they’ve dried, you should reinstall the condenser and coil. After removing the top and side panels, you can reconnect the power to the condenser at the main electrical panel.
If you’re confident that you can clean the coils, consider purchasing a coil brush. This tool has stiff bristles and is halfway between a wire brush and a hand broom. Make sure that the bristles are parallel to the fins. Do not deep scrub the coils, though; just remove any loose debris that’s hanging around. You can also purchase a fin comb to clean the fins in hard-to-reach areas. A specialized fin comb may be necessary to get rid of the most stubborn debris.
Clean the evaporator coil
To clean the evaporator coil of your air conditioner, first disconnect the power source. Usually located near the air handler, the power switch is usually in the attic. Once disconnected, you can follow the instructions that come with your air conditioner to thoroughly clean the coil. If you are not comfortable cleaning the coil by yourself, you can call a professional. The following tips will help you clean the coil safely.
If you do not regularly clean your evaporator coil, your air conditioning system will work harder and cause your bills to go up. Dirty coils will also result in increased heat transfer, which reduces the cooling power of the system and can result in premature system breakdowns. In addition to a decrease in cooling ability, a dirty coil will also lead to more frequent AC cycles, refrigerant leaks, and water buildup.
Clean the condensate pan
The condensate drain line in your air conditioner should be cleaned regularly to keep it clear and free of algae and bacteria. It is also possible to clean the drain line yourself with a solution that contains vinegar, hot water, or dish soap. Pour the solution into the drain line and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then, flush the pipe with warm water to remove any leftover solution. After the drain line is clear, place the condensate pan back into its proper place. If the problem persists, contact a professional air conditioning service for help.
Clogged condensate drains can result in water leaks in your home. It is often difficult to determine whether they are plumbing leaks or condensate drains. If not properly cleaned, water will leak into the home, damaging roofs and other interior parts. Also, a clogged condensate pan can result in increased humidity and unpleasant odors. Eventually, a clogged drain line can cause your entire air conditioning system to become less effective.
Clean the drain tube
To clean the drain tube of an air conditioner, you need to turn off the HVAC system, thermostat, and breaker. Then, look for the condensate pan located underneath the AC unit. You can remove the access panel to get to it. If there is water in the drain pan, you have a clog. If the water does not drain, you can pour vinegar into the drain line. Then, let the unit sit for a few minutes to let the drain line saturate with vinegar.
Using distilled white vinegar will help you clear the drain line. Instead of vinegar, you can use hot water or peroxide. You can also use a long plumbing snake. If you use the latter, make sure to cover the drain line with a PVC cap. If you are working alone, use a bucket at the end of the drain line. If the water flows cleanly, the clog has been cleared. Once the drain is clear, replace the drain vent cap.