How To Clean Your AC Evaporator Coils

Cleaning evaporator coils is much easier than it sounds, but you’ll want to start by switching your machine off. Then, cut the electricity to your air handler. Powering down your HVAC system is an important step for safety.

Once you have it powered off, you can typically remove the access panel located on the side of the air handler unit. Some newer models will have this conveniently labeled, but you shouldn’t have too much difficulty finding it even if you’re working with an older unit.

Cleaning An Evaporator Coil Assembly

A socket wrench or screwdriver should be more than enough to get you inside of the access panel. You might find a tiny bit of reflective metal foil along the edges, which may have to be removed to get inside. Once you have, you locate the coils themselves. They’re usually inside on the air intake end of the fan coil.

Specific larger models might have them located toward the outlet end of the furnace assembly. A majority of coils will be made from copper, aluminum, or steel, so they should be rather noticeable. The coil assemblies themselves are usually bent into a series of circular shapes and set into a frame, making it easy to clean them out with a pump sprayer and a brush.

You’ll want to use a new pump sprayer that’s never had any fluid in it before. Mix a standard alkaline cleaning solution and use a little flow on the spray wand. You may have to shoot at the coils from a low angle to get rid of clumps of debris, but you don’t want to use enough force to bend them. Rinse your brush often and get rid of any residual chemicals that might have adhered to the surface.

Instead, those who would rather take a more DIY home approach to clean can use a mild dish-washing detergent, as long as it’s not highly acidic. Cleaners that have a low pH value may shorten the life of copper. Also, only ever use a few drops and clean off all of the cleansers so that you don’t run the risk of any contamination. Usually, you can clean the interior with just a little mixture, so you won’t even need that much to get rid of buildup anyway.

Cleaning Coils The Simple Way

In some cases, you may just be able to brush the coils off with a shop towel or another delicate piece of cloth. Ensure that you don’t use too much pressure if that’s the case since you don’t want to bend the coils.

As you already have the panel open, take the opportunity to replace any gaskets or filters that might need it. Take a rare chance to look inside the system. Then, see if any further work needs to be accomplished.

Find Your Compressed Air Components At Furnace Part Source

We’ve seen many different styles at Furnace Part Source. Still, the rest of the process should go pretty quickly. HVAC contractors and specialists can attest that we know how to maintain and repair air conditioning systems with the right parts to boot.

When you can’t find the correct replacement part for some portion of your air conditioner, make sure to contact us at the Furnace Part Source. We’ll provide options from heavy-duty to affordable components that pair with regular cleaning.