Get Clean A/C Coils for a Better Functioning System
Regular maintenance is vital to keep a home’s cooling system functioning properly and efficiently, and keeping the A/C coils clean is an essential part of annual preventative care. A central A/C employs two coils to perform the task of cooling:
- The evaporator coil – The air handler’s fan draws warm air from a home’s interior across this indoor coil that’s filled with low-pressure liquid refrigerant. As the liquid coolant flows through the coil, it absorbs heat and moisture from the air as it converts into a gas.
- The condenser coil – The heat-laden, gaseous refrigerant flows to the outdoor unit where the compressor pressurizes it and pushes it through the condenser coil. As it travels through the coil, it converts back to a liquid and releases the heat energy captured indoors.
Why Clean A/C Coils Are Essential for Better Cooling
When dirt builds up on the coils, it creates an insulating barrier that prevents heat transfer and erodes the system’s efficiency. This can increase energy consumption by up to 30 percent. Dirty coils lead to other serious problems too, such as:
- Higher utility costs – If the A/C can’t operate efficiently due to dirty coils, you’ll pay bigger energy bills.
- Lost cooling capacity – When an air conditioner has to compensate for dirt on the coils, the system’s internal pressure and temperature increase. This can erode its cooling capabilities by up to 30 percent.
- Compressor failure – If high internal temperature and pressure issues aren’t corrected, the compressor’s lubricant can deteriorate, leading to an expensive equipment replacement.
- Humidity issues – Dirty coils also restrict vital system airflow, which decreases the A/C’s ability to dehumidify effectively.
How to Keep Your A/C Coils Clean
A yearly professional tune-up that includes cleaning the coils is the best way to ensure a better functioning cooling system. In between tune-ups, hose down the outdoor condenser coil and change the system’s air filter monthly during cooling season.
For more information on how clean A/C coils enhance cooling system performance, contact us today at NisAir Air Conditioning and Heating. We’ve served Martin, Palm Beach and Indian River counties since 1973.
