How HVAC Condenser Coils Work and How to Clean Them

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When it comes to central AC maintenance, you’ll want to ensure that the condenser coils are regularly checked. You can find the coils on the outdoor AC unit, otherwise known as the condenser, located directly below the grating/grooves on the unit’s sides.

How HVAC Condenser Coils Work

The condenser coils play an integral role in the system’s performance. The coils compress refrigerant, changing it into liquid form and removing heat that’s then pushed out through the fan on top. This occurs after the compressor pressurizes the refrigerant, which is the reason it enters the condenser coils in its heated state.   

Dirty Condenser Coils & How They Affect Your AC

Condenser coils are prone to getting clogged by dirt, which can significantly reduce AC efficiency. This makes it not only harder to cool your home’s interior, but also means your utility bill is likely higher due to running the system more often than necessary.

How often should I clean my condenser coils?

The answer is really whenever they’re dirty, but to be safe, it’s recommended that you clean them once a year, while inspecting them throughout the course of the year. A good time to check is in the spring, giving yourself wiggle room to perform maintenance before it’s time to run your AC full blast.

How to Clean HVAC Condenser Coils

Cleaning the condenser coils is relatively easy and can spare you from more problematic issues down the road. You can use a simple water hose and apply a moderate amount of pressure to effectively remove debris from the condenser grating. You can also purchase spray-on coil cleaner from your local hardware store or online and use a brush to clear the debris. (In this situation, you’ll also want to spray down the condenser coils with water once you’re finished.)

Cleaning your unit’s condenser coils can save you from running your AC more than you have to, cut down on costs, and increase the overall lifespan of your system. Have more questions on your system’s condenser coils? Contact the experts at Sedgwick Heating & Cooling for more information.

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