How Often Do Your Condenser Coils Need to Be Cleaned?

Your central AC system uses many parts and components that need to be cleaned and serviced each spring by an HVAC technician to make sure it operates at peak efficiency. Though, there are some cleaning tasks you can do yourself to save money. Use this guide for how to clean AC condenser coils to get started.

Condenser Coil Basics

The condenser coil is located in the outdoor unit of your HVAC system. It's job is to release heat energy that was collected by its indoor counterpart: the evaporator coil. This is accomplished by a large fan pulling air across the condenser coil, which instigates heat transfer. The dirtier the condenser coil is, the less efficient heat transfer becomes. This results in higher energy usage.

Step 1: How to Clean AC Condenser Coils

The first step of how to clean AC condenser coils is to shut off the power to the central air system at the thermostat and at the disconnect box located on your home's wall near the outdoor unit.

Step 2: How to Clean AC Condenser Coils

Use a shop vacuum with the brush attachment to remove debris from the fins located on the sides of the outdoor unit. Clear away any weeds and obstructions within two feet of the outdoor unit.

Step 3: How to Clean AC Condenser Coils

Use a fin comb, which you can pick up at a home store or online, to straighten bent fins.

Step 4: How to Clean AC Condenser Coils

Unscrew the screws holding the blower assembly (i.e., the cage guard, fan, and motor) in place, which is located on top of the outdoor unit. Carefully set the blower assembly aside, being mindful of wiring.

Step 5: How to Clean AC Condenser Coils

Spray the condenser coils with a can of coil cleaner. After the coil cleaner has done its job, spray the coil and fins from the inside of the outdoor unit with a garden hose. Reattach the blower assembly and turn power back on.

For professional assistance in your Broken Arrow home, contact the AC professionals at Air Assurance today!

Get Air Conditioning Maintenance Now Before The Heat Hits

As temperatures begin to rise in the Tulsa Metropolian region, it’s important to ensure your air conditioning system can take the heat. The benefits of professional maintenance never shine as brightly as during the dog days of summer. When the heat turns up, the last thing you should worry about is your air conditioner. Regular maintenance can ensure your air conditioning system runs at peak performance all season, keeping you cool and comfortable and saving a bundle in the process.Professional maintenance not only keeps you comfortable, but assures you peace of mind. A trained technician can keep your A/C unit functioning efficiently, and inform you of any issues before they evolve into expensive repairs. Preventive air conditioning care can:

• Tune up your electric connections, measuring for the proper levels of voltage and electric current on the motor. A malfunctioning connection can compromise the integrity and performance of your system.

• Ensure refrigerant is at appropriate levels. Too little refrigerant and the evaporator coils could ice up, or in severe cases, prevent the cooling coil from cooling. High refrigerant levels could harm the compressor. Adding or removing air conditioner refrigerant can be dangerous due in part to the high pressure involved, and is best done by trained professionals.

• Clean your unit’s evaporator and condenser coils, ensuring it runs efficiently for the appropriate amount of time.

• Clean or replace your filters. Air filters should be checked frequently to ensure they’re not clogged, which impedes airflow. Restricted airflow can imbalance your system, affecting its performance and lifespan.

Enrolling in a planned maintenance program takes care of all this and more, ensuring your system functions smoothly and efficiently all year round. Automatic renewal systems mean you won’t have to worry about lapses in coverage, which could affect the warranties and possible repair costs on your equipment.If you have questions about how a regular maintenance plan could preserve your air conditioning system, your comfort and your wallet, call Air Assurance. We’re proud to keep homeowners in the Tulsa Metropolitan region comfortable year-round!Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.