How to Clean Indoor Air Conditioning Coils Without Removing Them

Clean your AC's evaporator coils yourself every year or two.

Any homeowner can clean their air conditioner's coils without removing them. Dirty air conditioning coils reduce the efficiency of your system, which means you're losing money. Learn how to easily clean the coils yourself, so your air conditions runs more efficiently.

Things You'll Need

• Protective eyewear and gloves
• Wet/dry vacuum
• Rags
• Foaming AC coil cleaner, specifically made for condensate-producing coils

Instructions

1. Shut the power off to the air conditioner at the breaker box. Often the breaker you want will be marked "furnace" or "air handler."

2. Remove the screws that hold the panels on the air handler, inside air conditioning unit. Set the panels and screws to the side. You should now be able to see the evaporator coil, fan and electrical parts.

3. Put on protective eyewear and gloves.

4. Carefully vacuum the fan and the insulation on the walls.

5. Place rags everywhere that water can drip. Keep some extra dry rags at your side to clean up any stray water.

6. To prevent a mess, you need to verify that the drain is working. Pour water into the drip pan, which is located below the coil. If the drain is blocked, go outside and use the wet/dry vacuum to suck out the drain.

7. Spray both sides of the air conditioning coil with the cleaner. Watch as the foam breaks down, dissolves the dirt and drains it away.

8. Replace the panel and turn the power back on. Be sure the screws are tight; use duct tape to help seal the system.

Tips & Warnings

• Change the filter often to keep coils cleaner.

• Do not touch the coils as they are very sharp.

References

• HandymanHowTo.com: How to Clean Air Conditioner Evaporator Coils -- Part 2