Your air conditioner works hard to keep your home cool, but dirty A/C coils can drastically reduce its efficiency. Over time, dust, dirt, and debris accumulate on the evaporator and condenser coils, forcing the system to work harder and use more energy. This leads to higher electricity bills, poor cooling performance, and increased wear on your unit.

Ignoring dirty coils can also cause your A/C to overheat or freeze, potentially leading to expensive repairs. A simple ac cleaning routine can extend your A/C’s lifespan, improve energy efficiency, and ensure consistent cooling throughout your home.

While many homeowners prefer to clean their coils themselves, others opt for professional service to ensure a thorough and damage-free cleaning.

Air conditioners rely on two essential coil types to regulate temperature. These coils facilitate heat exchange, allowing your home to stay cool:

Coil Type	Location	Function	Why It Gets Dirty
Evaporator Coils	Indoor unit (air handler)	Absorb heat from indoor air	Dust, pet dander, and mold buildup
Condenser Coils	Outdoor unit (compressor)	Release heat outside	Dirt, leaves, pollen, and debris

Evaporator coils are responsible for absorbing heat from indoor air, while condenser coils release that heat outdoors. Over time, dirt and debris act as an insulator, preventing effective heat exchange. This forces the system to work harder, consuming more energy and increasing the risk of system failure.

Cleaning your A/C coils is essential, but how often should it be done? A good rule of thumb is to clean your coils at least once a year, ideally before peak cooling season. However, several factors may require more frequent maintenance:

• Homes in dusty areas or with pets may need cleaning every six months.
• If you notice weak airflow, higher energy bills, or poor cooling performance, it’s time for a check-up.
• Outdoor condenser coils can get clogged with leaves and debris, especially after storms.

Regular coil cleaning not only helps maintain efficiency but also prevents costly repairs down the road.

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and cleaning materials. Using the right equipment will prevent coil damage and ensure effective cleaning.

Recommended Supplies

• Coil cleaner – Choose a foaming spray or no-rinse coil cleaner for easy application.
• Soft brush or fin comb – Helps remove loose dirt without damaging delicate fins.
• Garden hose – Needed for rinsing outdoor condenser coils.
• Spray bottle with mild detergent & water – A good alternative to store-bought cleaners.
• Vacuum with a soft brush attachment – Useful for removing surface dust from coils.
• Protective gloves & goggles – Essential for handling chemicals safely.
• Screwdriver – Needed to remove access panels for indoor evaporator coils.

To prevent accidental damage, avoid these common mistakes when cleaning A/C coils:

• Never use a high-pressure hose – It can bend coil fins, reducing airflow.
• Don’t use harsh chemicals – Some cleaners can corrode the metal or damage protective coatings.
• Be gentle when scrubbing – Using a stiff brush can bend or break the delicate fins.
• Always turn off power first – Cleaning coils while the system is running can be dangerous.

By following safe and effective coil cleaning methods, you’ll extend the life of your A/C unit without causing damage.

Your outdoor condenser unit is constantly exposed to dirt, debris, and the elements. Regular cleaning helps maintain airflow and cooling efficiency.

Before you begin, turn off power at the A/C disconnect switch located near the outdoor unit.

Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove leaves, grass, and dust from the condenser coils.

Spray a foaming coil cleaner generously onto the coils. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to break down grime.

Use low-pressure water to rinse the coils from the inside out.

Use a fin comb to realign bent fins and restore airflow.

Once the coils are clean and dry, replace the covers and turn the power back on.

Evaporator coils are inside the air handler or furnace unit and can develop dust, mold, and grime, affecting cooling performance.

Turn off power at the breaker panel before opening the unit.

Remove the access panel to expose the evaporator coil.

Vacuum the coils using a soft brush attachment.

Spray a no-rinse coil cleaner and wipe off any excess grime.

Secure the access panel and turn the power back on.

If DIY cleaning doesn’t improve cooling performance or if you notice frozen coils, refrigerant leaks, or excessive buildup, professional service is recommended.

For a thorough, expert cleaning, Pure Airways’ HVAC specialists can restore your system’s efficiency. Book a Service Today

Regular cleaning helps reduce energy costs, prevent breakdowns, and improve cooling efficiency.

Our HVAC experts use safe, professional-grade cleaning solutions.