Clean air conditioner components are essential for the optimum efficiency of your system, and your A/C coils are no exception. The coils in your air conditioner are responsible for extracting the heat in your home’s air and sending it outside. The evaporator coil in your indoor unit and the condenser coil in your outdoor unit need annual cleaning to ensure that your system operates efficiently to keep your Tampa home comfortable all season long and lower your utility bills.
A qualified HVAC professional can clean your A/C coils as part of your annual preventive maintenance. Depending on how dirty your coils are, your technician will employ one of three methods for cleaning them:
- Dirty coils are generally cleaned with low-pressure air from a compressor, which blows off the dust buildup.
- Dirtier coils are scrubbed with a solution of water and mild detergent, then rinsed thoroughly.
- Heavily-soiled A/C coils are cleaned with a foaming, no-rinse chemical coil cleaner, which is applied and allowed to sit for a few minutes. The foam liquifies and drips into the condensate pan, where it’s sent down the drain. When possible, opt for biodegradable coil cleaners that are safer and don’t pollute the water supply.
Once the A/C coils are clean, the technician will turn his or her attention to the condensate pan beneath the evaporator coil, which catches the condensation that drips from the coil.
Because of the damp conditions of the condensate pan, mold and bacteria can proliferate and prevent optimum drainage of the pan, resulting in water backing up and triggering a shutdown of your system. Additionally, these contaminants decrease the indoor air quality of your home. A biocide is often applied to the condensate pan to kill biological contaminants and prevent further growth. The PVC drain line attached to the pan will be flushed to remove any buildup that may cause clogs.
For more expert advice about cleaning your A/C coils or to schedule preventive maintenance of your entire system with one of our qualified technicians, please feel free to contact us at Cox Air Conditioning & Heating. We’ve proudly served the Tampa area since 1958.
