At Comfort Squad Heating & Cooling, we proudly serve the Houston metropolitan area with expert indoor comfort services.
In this post, we’d like to explain the importance of evaporator coils in HVAC performance — and how you can safely clean them.
Why Regular Evaporator Coil Maintenance Matters
Cleaning your evaporator coils is essential for maintaining both heating and cooling efficiency. Dirty coils force your system to work harder, leading to higher utility bills and reduced cooling capacity.
Routine maintenance helps reduce unnecessary wear and tear, protecting your system from costly breakdowns.
Signs Your Evaporator Coils Need Cleaning
The leading indicators that it is time for evaporator coil maintenance include:
- Reduced cooling performance: Dirty coils restrict airflow, directly impacting cooling performance.
- Higher energy bills: When your AC has to work harder due to restricted airflow, you’ll often notice an increase in energy consumption.
- Frozen coils: Ice or frost on the coils can act as an insulator, limiting airflow. This usually occurs over a buildup of dirt and grime.
- Inconsistent airflow: Blocked airflow due to clogged coils result in weaker airflow from your vents.
Tools and Equipment Needed
Before you begin, gather the following items:
- A soft brush
- A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
- Coil cleaning solution, or a mix of mild detergent and water
- A fin comb to straighten bent fins
- Protective gloves and safety goggles
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Follow these steps to clean your evaporator coils:
1. Turn Off the Power
For safety, disconnect power to the unit at the circuit breaker.
2. Access the Evaporator Coils
Open the access panel on your indoor air handler to locate the coils, usually found behind the panel.
3. Remove Loose Debris
Use a soft brush or vacuum with a brush attachment to gently clear off surface dirt and dust. Be careful not to bend the coil fins.
4. Apply a Coil Cleaning Solution
Spray a coil cleaner over the coils. If you don’t have a suitable commercial cleaner, a mild detergent mixed with water works well. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to break down the grime.
5. Rinse and Dry
Rinse the coils with water and gently wipe them down. Follow any instructions provided with the cleaning solution. Make sure the coils are completely dry before moving on.
6. Straighten Bent Fins
Carefully use a fin comb to straighten any bent fins. Proper fin alignment helps ensure smooth airflow that preserves efficient HVAC system performance.
7. Reassemble and Restore Power
Reattach the access panel and turn the circuit breaker back on.
Contact Comfort Squad Heating & Cooling for Comprehensive HVAC Services
If you have any doubts about the process of cleaning evaporator coils or need professional assistance, Comfort Squad is here to help.
Call us at (281) 908-2100 for expert coil cleaning and all other HVAC services – get the help you need, today!