Coil cleaning is an important part of HVAC maintenance. If your coils are dirty, your system will not run as efficiently as it should. This can lead to increased energy bills and a shorter lifespan for your equipment.
Improper coil cleaning can mean spending hundreds on a replacement or thousands for a new unit altogether. In this blog post, we will discuss why coil cleaning is important and give you four tips for keeping your coils clean!
1. Start by shutting off the power to your unit.
There are three basic ways that you can kill power to your HVAC unit. Simply switching the thermostat to off is easiest, but you can also shut off the breaker for your HVAC unit on the electrical panel or pull the fuse. This might be preferable if you’re working with a system that is sensor-heavy and “modern,” but it’s likely overkill.
2. Remove the grill from the front of your system.
The inside of the unit can be quite complicated, with a lot of different parts. The coils are located on the inside of the unit, so you’ll need to remove the grill in order to access them. On most units, the grill is simply held on with screws. Once you remove the screws, the grill should come right off.
If your unit doesn’t have a removable grill, you may be able to access the coils from the back. In this case, you’ll need to remove the entire unit from its mounting so that you can get to the coils from behind. Refer to your unit’s manual for specific instructions.
3. Vacuum the dust and dirt from the coils and around the unit.
Now that you have access to the coils, it’s time to start cleaning! We recommend using a coil cleaner specifically designed for HVAC units. You can find these cleaners at most hardware stores.
Coil cleaners typically come in two forms: aerosol and pump. Consol cleaners are easier to use, but they can be more expensive. Pump cleaners are more affordable, but they require a little more work to use.
To use an aerosol cleaner:
– Simply spray the cleaner onto the coils and wipe away any dirt or grime.
– Be sure to clean both the inside and outside of the coils.
– You may need to use a brush to scrub away any tough buildup.
To use a consol cleaner:
– Spray the coils with the cleaner.
– Allow the cleaner to sit on the coils for the recommended amount of time.
– Rinse the coils with water.
To use a pump cleaner:
– Pour the coil cleaner into the pump sprayer.
– Pump the handle of the sprayer to pressurize the cleaner.
– Spray the coils with the cleaner.
– Allow the cleaner to sit on the coils for the recommended amount of time.
– Rinse the coils with water.
After each use-case, replace the grill to your HVAC unit and switch the power back on by reversing whichever processes you used for powering down. Cleaning your coils regularly will help to extend the life of your HVAC unit and keep it running efficiently.
4. Test your system to make sure it is running efficiently.
One way to test the efficiency of your HVAC unit after cleaning the coils is to check the pressure readings on the gauges. The suction pressure should be within the green range, and the discharge pressure should be within the red range.
If either of these pressures is too high or too low, it could indicate that the coils are not clean. Another way to test the efficiency of your HVAC unit is to measure the air flow. The most accurate way to do this is with a anemometer, but you can also use a piece of cardboard or your hand to feel for airflow.
If the airflow is low, it could be an indication that the coils are dirty. Finally, you can also check the temperature of the air coming out of the vents. If it is significantly higher or lower than the temperature of the room, it could be an indication that the coils are not clean.
Still Unsure? No Problem!
By following these four tips, you can keep your coils clean and your HVAC system running efficiently. Of course, we understand the intricacies of these machines, so there’s no shame in hiring a professional instead of taking this on yourself.If you have any questions about coil maintenance or you need the reliable touch of an expert to help you get more out of your system, Superior AC and Heat has the know-how and experience to cover your needs. Contact us today with any questions or to set an appointment!
