If you’re an allergy sufferer, it’s important to be mindful of the type of air filters you use in your home. Air conditioners can stir up dust and allergens, which will make your allergies worse. That’s why it’s crucial to clean your AC coils on a regular basis. Here are some tips for cleaning them effectively!
1. Remove all dirt and debris to ensure best results
Removing all dirt and debris is vital to clean AC coils. When you are ready to begin the process, shut off the water supply to the unit. The next step is typically to remove an access panel or two so that you can get inside the compressor’s compartment. Then it’s time to clean!
Start by removing any removable parts so that you can get to the coils. Once this is done, you can begin removing anything else blocking your access, such as dirt and debris. This should be done before you start the cleaning process with any equipment; you could ruin it if there’s a blockage in an important part.
2. Hose bibs must be shut off
Once you know it’s safe to go ahead and begin the cleaning process, shut off the water supply leading into the building. If this is done first, then you won’t need to worry about accidentally flooding your property by leaving a hose bib open or, worse yet, not shutting one of them off at all!
3. Inspect/replace damaged parts as required
Once you’ve removed the coverings, it’s time to inspect for any worn or damaged parts that may need to be re-installed with new ones or simply replaced entirely. This makes for a great time to double-check everything else, too, like fasteners and wiring connections… if you know what you’re doing!
4. Don’t forget the drain pan!
Just as you would with mopping, never start cleaning until everything that needs to be move is moved out of the way first. Once this has been done, you’ll want a large pan or container underneath to catch any water or condensation that will inevitably leak from your AC coils. If you’re using a pressure washer, this will also trap debris from being sprayed around the property.
5. Steam-cleaning is an excellent technique
Using a steam cleaner can be one of the best ways to clean AC coils. The pressurized water vapor that travels at high speeds through the cleaning nozzle can loosen stubborn dirt and debris while still being gentle enough to avoid damage to the unit.
6. Never use water alone to clean AC coils
This is perhaps the most important tip of all to remember! Using even just plain old water by itself can damage your system due to mineral deposits; this is especially true if you’re cleaning them often or live in an area with hard water. To prevent this, you can use a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water. It’s cheap, safe, and won’t damage your unit…as long as you remember to rinse everything off completely when you’re done!
Read more : How to Clean Your HVAC System’s Evaporator Coil
7. Vacuum hoses must also be kept clean
When using a wet/dry vacuum to remove debris from AC coils, make sure you use a bare minimum of a 5-micron filter bag to keep your unit clean. Using anything cheaper can allow debris and moisture back into the system, thus creating corrosion and other problems down the road.
8. Sweep up after cleaning AC coils
Once you’re done with cleaning, also ensure that all debris has been removed from around the area. This includes sweeping up any dirt, leaves, or other trash that might otherwise be drawn back into the unit during operation. Then check the pan beneath to make sure there are no loose items before you are done. If you think you don’t have enough time on hand, you can hire a heating and air companies in atlanta who provide cleaning services.
A clean AC coil will ensure that it is running at its most efficiently and will help to maintain the air quality of your home. With these tips, you can make sure that the coils in your system are always fresh and ready for use!