How to Clean AC Coils Without Causing Damage in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale’s summers aren’t just scorchers; they also become uncomfortably muggy. So, if your air conditioner quits working, you want it fixed right away.

Often, cooling systems stop working because their coils are dirty and need cleaning. Can you clean the coils yourself? If you’re comfortable opening up your unit, yes.

Below, learn how to clean a coil on an AC unit without damaging your system. Prefer to let an expert do the job? Call us for AC maintenance in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Understanding the Role of Air Conditioner Coils

Your air conditioner contains two coils: a condenser and an evaporator coil. When your system kicks on, the fan draws warm air and moisture into the unit. It then pushes it over the evaporator coil, which cools the air with refrigerant and turns it into gas. 

Next, the compressor in the system pressurizes the gas and ferries it to the condenser coil, which releases the heat. The refrigerant transforms back into a liquid, and the fan blows the cool air out of the system and through your vents.

These coils play a critical role in the cooling cycle, and if they become dirty, your system will struggle to cool your Fort Lauderdale home. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to give your AC coils a good cleaning:

• Your unit’s fan runs all the time.
• The air conditioner runs for hours but never seems to cool your home to the desired temperature.
• Your energy bills are suddenly much higher than usual.

How to Clean a Coil on an AC Unit for Your Fort Lauderdale Cooling System

Can you clean your own air conditioner coils? With the right tools, yes. Before you begin, gather these items:

• Flashlight
• Gloves
• Coil cleaner
• Soap
• Scrub brush
• Fin comb
• Shop vacuum with a wand attachment
• Hose with a spray attachment

Now that you’ve gathered your tools and equipment, you’re ready to learn how to clean a coil on an AC unit the right way.

Evaporator Coil Cleaning

The evaporator coil is located inside your indoor cooling unit. Let’s look at our AC maintenance tips for cleaning evaporator coils:

1. Turn off the power to the unit to prevent electrical shock while working.
2. Remove the access panel and locate the evaporator coil. It’s shaped like the letter “A” and is relatively flat.
3. Working from top to bottom, clean any dirt from the coil with a scrub brush.
4. If the coil has become flattened, use a fin brush to re-straighten it.
5. Spray the coil cleaner on the coil and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove any remaining dirt with the scrub brush.
6. Carefully rinse the coil with water. Don’t use a hose on your indoor unit, which can damage it.
7. Allow the coil to dry, and then replace the access panel.

Condenser Coil Cleaning

For cleaning the condenser coil, you’ll need to head outdoors.

1. Turn off the power to the outdoor unit and disable the breaker.
2. Remove the covers from the sides and top of the unit. Place the screws in a safe spot so you can find them easily when you’re done.
3. Use a screwdriver or drill to remove the screws holding the fan in place. Put these screws in a separate container.
4. Remove sticks, leaves, and other debris from around the unit. Use a shop vacuum to suck up hard-to-reach debris.
5. Inspect the coil. If it looks bent, straighten it with a fin comb.
6. Moisten the coil with water, then spray it with coil cleaner. Apply a bit of liquid soap to the coil.
7. Let the soap sit for a few minutes, then rinse the coil with a hose.
8. Replace the fan and covers, then power the unit back on.