The coils in your air conditioning system circulate refrigerant that absorbs and releases heat, allowing the unit to cool your home. There’s a condenser coil in the outdoor unit and an evaporator coil in the indoor unit. We’ll explain briefly how they work and why you should schedule air conditioner coil cleaning in Greenville, SC.
How AC Coils Work
As the refrigerant absorbs heat from indoors, it becomes a gas, but once it loses heat to the atmosphere, it returns to a liquid state. A fan blows air over the evaporator coil so the coolant can absorb heat; a condenser fan helps cool the refrigerant and expel this heat. The process repeats in a constant cycle while your AC is running.
Dirt and dust can accumulate on these coils. This is not ideal for your AC system. While it’s not impossible to clean the coils yourself, we recommend hiring a professional to do so during a routine maintenance visit. Here are some reasons not to wait:
Prevent Costly Breakdowns and Repairs
When debris or grime coats the coils, your air conditioner must work harder to keep your home cool. The extra work can strain the system and parts can break. Therefore, cleaning the coils can prevent a mid-summer AC breakdown and avoid replacing a coil or other major component, potentially saving you thousands of dollars.
Decreased Operating Costs
Just as air conditioner coil cleaning in Greenville can save you in repairs, it can also save on your electric bill. An AC won’t work as efficiently with dirty coils. Properly maintaining the coils can reduce energy usage by up to 20% in summer.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
The dust, dirt, pollen, and other debris that builds up on AC coils can make their way into your home, reducing indoor air quality. Allergy symptoms and respiratory issues can result. Bacteria, mold, and fungi can grow in the conditions caused by dirty AC coils and increase the risk of mold damage and illnesses.
Better Dehumidification Performance
Dirt on the evaporator coil can interfere with your AC’s ability to dehumidify the air in your home. Increased indoor humidity can make your home feel warm and stuffy. It can also allow for mold and bacteria to grow. Clean coils can help maintain indoor humidity levels within the recommended 30% to 50% range.
Your AC May Have a Longer Lifespan
Dirty coils can cause vital components, such as the condenser, to wear out more quickly and fail. Repairs may be so costly that you have to replace the system. But a well-maintained air conditioner can last 10 to 15 years. Air conditioner coil cleaning in Greenville may help achieve that longevity goal.
How Do I Know I Have Dirty AC Coils?
Condenser and evaporator coils can become dirty no matter how often you clean them. Pets can release dander which contributes to the problem. Construction and renovation work or weather conditions can cause AC coils to become dirtier more quickly.
You may suspect the system has dirty coils if it’s not providing effective cooling. It might blow warm air from the vents, and the AC may start running longer than usual. Other signs of trouble include unusual noises from the unit, visible frost, or excess condensation on the coils.
Do I Need a Professional to Clean the AC Coils?
At Waldrop, we strongly recommend hiring a professional. Cleaning air conditioner coils yourself risks damaging them, possibly causing a refrigerant leak, or damaging the unit or an internal part or component. Attempting a DIY coil cleaning can lead to high repair costs. At the very least, it’ll take longer than necessary to complete the task. A professional knows the proper procedures to follow, can avoid damage, and works quickly; plus, the work is likely covered under your maintenance plan or warranty.
Call Waldrop To Schedule Air Conditioner Coil Cleaning in Greenville
Our NATE-certified HVAC professionals provide all types of AC maintenance in Greenville and Spartanburg. Condenser and evaporator coils are cleaned as part of our comprehensive AC tune-up. We suggest scheduling maintenance at least once a year, at the start of the cooling season, to maximize efficiency. To schedule AC maintenance and a coil cleaning, contact us online or call (864) 536-0887.
