Understanding the anatomy of your air conditioner might not be at the top of your priority list, but maintaining your system should be. After all, air conditioning systems aren’t cheap, and skipping the maintenance could be the difference between a system that requires frequent, costly repairs, and one that runs smoothly for years to come.
One of the most important components of an air conditioning system are the condenser coils. Located within the outdoor component of your AC, the condenser coils work in conjunction with the evaporator coil to remove heat from your home. But like every home investment, the condenser coils need to be cleaned on a regular basis to function efficiently. Why? Put simply, clean condenser coils increase the lifespan of your system and can help lower utilities. Even better, whether you’re an AC pro or a novice, cleaning the condenser coils is something you can do your quickly and efficiently in just five easy steps.
Step 1. Inspect the Coils
Start by visually inspecting the coils for any noticeable damage. If you see significant damage, we recommend placing a call to your local air conditioning professional for help.
Step 2. Remove Debris With a Coil Brush
Once you’ve inspected the coils, remove any large pieces of debris with a coil brush. This includes things like tall grass and excessive leaves, which can hinder your air conditioner’s functionality.
Step 3. Straighten the Coil Fins With a Fin Comb
Over time (thanks to hail, outdoor furniture, toys and the like) the coil fins within the condenser can bend. If your notice your coil fins are bent, use an adjustable fin comb to straighten them out. The small, malleable prongs make it a perfect and inexpensive tool for straightening fins and removing hard-to-reach debris in between tight crevices.
Step 4. Wet the Coils and Coat With Coil Cleaner
Take your hose and gently wet the coils to further remove excess debris. Next, spray a generous amount of foaming coil cleaner onto the coils in a back and forth motion. The coil cleaner will begin to foam and start collecting dust and debris. Let sit for five to 10 minutes. Coil cleaner is inexpensive and can be purchased online or at your local hardware store.
Step 5. Wash Away the Coil Cleaner With Water
Once the coil cleaner has sat for five to 10 minutes, gently rinse away the cleaner with water. Be sure to hit the fins straight on in a slow back and forth motion to avoid bending the fins.
Learn More DIY Projects and AC Hacks at Sansone
Maintaining your air conditioning system doesn’t have to be a daunting task, which is why we’re on a mission to demystify the system that keeps you cool. For more DIY maintenance projects and AC hacks like this, check out our blog — and when you’d rather leave tasks, like air conditioning maintenance, to the professionals, contact Sansone for all of your AC needs.