How to Clean A/C Coils

Air conditioning units need to be cleaned, occasionally.

Air conditioning coils are a vital part of a properly functioning air conditioner system. The coils receive refrigerant gas from the compressor of an air conditioner and then cool the gas into a liquid. Without functioning coils, the air conditioner will not cool. Commonly, the air conditioning coils collect dirt and debris that can block the effectiveness of the coils. Routine cleaning of the coils can prevent this issue from occurring and improve the function of the cooling system.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Fin comb
• Vacuum with hose attachment

Instructions

1. Turn the air conditioning unit off and unplug it. Remove the front grill of the air conditioning unit by removing the screws and detaching the grill.

2. Remove the filter from the unit. The filter will easily slide out of the unit by pulling it toward you. This action will allow you to visualize the coils.

3. Clean the coils using the hand-held hose of a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum should suck the collected dirt and debris from the coils.

4. Clean and straighten the fins of the coils using a fin brush. Dirt and debris can cause coil fins to bend, causing an air blockage to the coil. Utilize a fin brush to gently comb the fins back into proper alignment.

5. Replace the filter and grill.

Tips & Warnings

• Cleaning the evaporator coils in the outside unit also is suggested.

References

• Goodway: Coil Cleaning
• Energy Savers: Maintaining Your Air Conditioner