How to Clean Your AC Coils With a Foam Spray

Air conditioning, or AC, units are a great way to stay cool during the hot summer days. They pull hot air out while replacing it with cool fresh air. The only problem is that the circulation of air also circulates dust, hair and other airborne dirt that can build up on the AC coils. Air conditioning units have two types of coils--evaporator coils, known as indoor coils, and condenser coils, also called outdoor coils.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Vacuum
• No-rinse foam spray cleaning product

Instructions

Cleaning AC coils

1. Open the grill covering the AC coils. On many units, you'll simply snap off the grill. Some designs may require using a screwdriver to remove screws attaching the grill. Remove the filter when getting to the evaporator coils (the ones on the inside). In most cases, the filter can be pulled out without any extra tools.

2. Clear away any larger debris by using a vacuum. Gently pass the vacuum hose attachment over the coils and the surrounding area. This clears away the debris that the foam spray may be unable to tackle.

3. Spray the foam spray evenly across the coils. Let the spray sit on the coils for a while before using the AC again. Individual products will have instructions for how long to wait.

4. Run the AC for a while to clear the coils of any remaining foam. Air circulation will help disintegrate the foam .

5. Repeat the grill-removal and cleaning processes for the outside condenser coils.

Tips & Warnings

• While you have the filter out, you should wash or replace it. This will help keep the evaporator coils cleaner for a longer period of time.

References

• Handyman How-to
• House-energy

Resources

• Energy Experts