Dirty AC Coils Could Harm Your HVAC
Dirty AC coils are bad for your home’s air quality and can restrict the airflow within your air conditioning unit, making it difficult to cool your home. It’s in your best interest to know how to check and how to clean your AC coils.
Check Your AC Coils
Air is pulled through the AC coil to cool off the compressor, and wherever there's moving air, there's dirt and dust sneaking in.
Over time, dirt will build up around the coil (if it's not cleaned frequently). Dirty AC coils will block the cool air from flowing in, making it hard for your AC unit to absorb humidity. As your system struggles to reach the temperature setpoint, you're left with a hot and sticky home.
How to check for dirty AC coils
Look around the unit for a puddle or leaking water.
If you can, find the condensate drain associated with the air conditioning unit. The drain begins at the inside air conditioning unit and ends outside your home. Typically, it will be a white 3/4 inch PVC pipe. Once you've found it, look for a constant flow of water.
Take a look at the exterior of the condenser coil. If it's dirty, it would be difficult to see through the coil. In some cases, the dirt buildup may be to the point where it looks like a layer of felt material on the coil. A clean, healthy coil should be a shiny stainless steel color. If it's a dull, darker color, there's dirt or buildup on the coil that will need to be cleaned.
Not the issue? Here's a list of issues, depending on whether the air is too humid or too hot.
What To Do If You Have Dirty AC Coils
If you have dirty AC coils, an air conditioning professional will remove the access panel to the indoor coil and clean it with specialized commercial cleaners and other tools like brushes and compressed air.
NOTE: This content is for informational purposes only, and HomeX and its affiliates disclaim all liability related to it. If you decide to perform any tasks based on this information, you assume all risks, including the risk of loss or damage to property or personal injury.
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