Air Conditioner Coil Cleaning: Why Do It?

Especially in states like Texas and New Mexico, we rely on our air conditioners. These cooling contraptions help keep our homes at a livable temperature even in the blistering heat. According to the United States Energy Department, “two-thirds of all homes in the United States have air conditioners…[which] use about 5 percent of the electricity produced in the United States, at an annual cost of more than $11 billion to homeowners.” To save money, make your home more environmentally friendly, and help ensure that your home stays sufficiently chilly through every season, the U.S. Energy Department recommends paying attention to “regular maintenance,” which can “keep your air conditioning running efficiently.” The John Moore Services team is here to assist you with every aspect of your house. We regularly help homeowners repair, replace, and tune up their air conditioners. Read on to learn about air conditioning coil cleaning and why you need to perform this simple but effective maintenance task.

What Does the Condenser Coil Do?

The condenser coil is an absolutely integral element of your air conditioner. Basically, this little corkscrew-shaped device ensures that heat stays out of your home. Special compounds and formulas called refrigerants cool off the balmy air through a series of complex mechanisms. How Stuff Works explains: “When hot air flows over the cold, low-pressure evaporator coils, the refrigerant inside absorbs heat as it changes from a liquid to a gaseous state. To keep cooling efficiently, the air conditioner has to convert the refrigerant back to a liquid again. Ironically, this process of condensation “creates unwanted heat.” Fortunately, condenser coils are there to save the day. With the help of a fan, these special spirals send warm air outdoors and keep liquid refrigerant cycling through the machine.

Why Coil Cleaning is Key

Since their entire purpose is evacuating warm air out of your home, condenser coils are typically located outside, which makes them vulnerable. The U.S. Energy Department notes: “outdoor condenser coils can…become very dirty if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby…Your dryer vents, falling leaves, and lawn mower are all potential sources of dirt and debris.” These dregs could interfere with the structure of the unit or even become lodged within the coil’s curls. Basically, contaminated condenser coils can’t do their job properly, which could cause your air conditioner to malfunction or make its other components work too hard.

Of course, to keep your coils clean, you can trim back foliage, avoid dropping debris near your air conditioner unit, and check them regularly. However, in the great outdoors, dust and dirt are virtually unavoidable. We recommend cleaning your condenser coils at least once a year to avoid costly repairs, lower your energy bill, and keep your air conditioner working well. Washing away this filth can also enhance your indoor air quality by killing off bacteria or fungi and preventing particulate matter from blowing into your home through the unit.

How to Clean Your Condenser Coil

This process is easy with our Maximizr® AC Coil Cleaner and Performance Booster, an advanced formula that scrubs and sanitizes your system. To use it, all you have to do is shut off your air conditioner, give the can a strong shake, and spray it over the coil from approximately six to eight inches away. Once you’ve covered the surface of the spirals, you’ll need to let it sit for a few minutes (five should take care of more stubborn grime). Next, you’ll need to rinse the external portions of the coils with tap water (you shouldn’t get any within the spirals themselves). You can then turn your purified, more powerful air conditioner back on and enjoy the benefits of clean condenser coils.
Maximize Your Air Conditioner with John Moore

Taking simple steps to maintain your air conditioner can ensure that it cools your home for many years. You can help your unit operate optimally with our Maximizr® AC Coil Cleaner and Performance Booster. Contact John Moore Services today to learn more about this product or our other air conditioner services.