How to Clean Evaporator Coils

Regularly cleaning evaporator coils is critical to cooling your home. Whether you have an air conditioner or a heat pump, the evaporator coils absorb heat from your home’s air so the refrigerant can cool it before the air is circulated back inside. Dirty evaporator coils impair your system’s energy efficiency, making it work harder for less effective cooling. (Take a deeper dive into the ins and outs of air conditioner’s components.)

Learning how to clean evaporator coils can help to keep your system working at peak efficiency, but you must take great care with this process. It is all too easy to cause significant damage to your HVAC equipment when attempting an AC evaporator coil cleaning. That’s why we recommend leaving it to the pros.

Why Cleaning Evaporator Coils is Important

Did you know that dirty evaporator coils are one of the primary causes of the AC blowing hot air? With dirty, iced-over, or clogged evaporator coils, your HVAC works harder but does a poor job of cooling.

In fact, dirty coils can cause your system to use up to 40% more energy while reducing the cooling by up to 30%! Not only does this drive your energy bills higher while compromising your comfort, but it can also damage your equipment and shorten the life of your HVAC system.

That’s why cleaning the evaporator coils is essential to air conditioner maintenance. However, these appliances have delicate parts that are easily damaged, which is why learning how to clean evaporator coils requires professional advice.

Tools and Materials Needed for Cleaning Evaporator Coils

Cleaning evaporator coils is not just know-how—you need the proper tools and materials. Make sure you have the following items on hand:

Fin Comb: Essential for cleaning and straightening the fins without bending them
Soft-Bristled Brush: For gently removing loose dirt and debris without damaging the fins
Vacuum Cleaner with Soft Brush Attachment: To vacuum away dust and debris
Spray Bottle: To apply cleaning solutions
Garden Hose with a Gentle Spray Nozzle: To rinse the coils without damaging the fins
Screwdriver: To remove access panel
Flashlight: To illuminate inside the unit and ensure thorough cleaning
Commercial Coil Cleaner: Foam cleaner suitable for your coils type (check the label)
Protective Gear: Use protective gloves, safety glasses, and a mask to protect you from chemicals
Soft Cloths: For wiping down components

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean AC Evaporator Coils

Follow each step for how to clean AC evaporator coils to avoid damaging your system equipment.

Turn Off the HVAC System: Hit the off switch on your thermostat and breaker.
Access the Coils: A screwdriver can remove the access panel to the evaporator coils. The coils are usually located in the air handler unit.
Straighten Bent Fins: Use the fin comb to gently straighten any bent fins
Remove Loose Debris: Use the vacuum to remove any dirt and debris.
Apply Coil Cleaner: Follow the directions on the label.
Brush the Coils: Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the coils, loosening any stubborn dirt and grime. Be careful not to bend the fins.
Rinse the Coils: Use a garden hose with a gentle spray to rinse off the coils. Ensure the water pressure is low to avoid damaging the fins.
Dry the Coils: Allow the coils to air dry completely before reassembling the unit. Use a soft cloth to wipe down any excess moisture.
Reassemble the Unit: Replace the access panel, securing it with the screws.
Turn on the System: Restore power to the HVAC system and ensure it’s operating correctly.

Remember that the thin metal fins are delicate, easily damaged, and essential to your system's efficient operation.

Maintaining Clean Evaporator Coils

In addition to learning how to clean evaporator coils, it’s critical to learn how to prevent them from getting dirtier than necessary. Create a monthly routine where you check the coils monthly for visible dirt buildup with the following steps:

Vacuum the coils and around them when you find dirt.
Avoid damaging the fins.
Periodically wipe down the accessible coils with a dampened soft cloth.
Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the coils.
Check the condensate drain pan and line for standing water. Clean them as necessary to prevent mold growth and water damage.

Most importantly, replace your air filter regularly to improve your HVAC system’s efficiency and keep the evaporator coils cleaner. This routine maintenance can help prevent the need for A/C repairs.

When to Call a Professional for Evaporator Coil Cleaning

While evaporator coil cleaning is essential to your HVAC system’s efficiency, learning how to clean evaporator coils yourself is not. Professional HVAC service professionals will clean your system’s evaporator coils as part of a service call or an equipment tune-up.

Call the pros to clean the coils when you notice:

Severe dirt or debris buildup
Refrigerant leaks
System inefficiency
Unusual noises or odors
It’s time for routine maintenance

When you call Aire Serv for evaporator coil cleaning or any of our comprehensive HVAC services, you get a partner in your HVAC care. We can even manage your HVAC maintenance with our Aire Serv Advantage Plan, so you don’t have to bother with it. This plan provides many benefits, including discounted pricing, priority service, and two performance tune-ups each year.

You can count on being pleased with Aire Serv because the Neighborly Done Right Promise^™ backs all our work. We do the job right the first time.

Request an appointment today! Breathe easy with Aire Serv.