1. Introduction
AC systems are crucial in providing a relaxing indoor atmosphere during summer. Nevertheless, like all machines, systems perform best with regular cleaning and upkeep – for this example, cleaning the AC coils. AC coils, while perhaps not getting the attention they deserve, serve a key contribtuion saving your home from sweltering heat.
Dirt and dust are a coils enemies, and if left unchecked they may reduce their ability to absorb and release heat. This phenomena will lead to the coil operating at less than optimal performance, however, simple cleaning can prevent this. In my blog, I hope to explain why AC coil cleaning is important, including how it saves a substantial amount of money, and proactive spending in the future from skipping on this menial yet crucial task.
2. What Are AC Coils and What Do They Do?
In appreciating the value of the AC system, knowing how an AC coil works is helpful. Inside your AC system, there are 2 major types of coils:
Evaporator Coils:
Found within the air handler, usually in the attic or basement, these coils are designed to remove heat from air. The refrigerant that is circulating in the coil draws the heat away from the warm air coming from your house and provides you cool, fresh air to breathe. An evaporator coil is mainly responsible for the cooling effect in an AC system.
Condenser Coils:
These are found outside of the home, usually in a patio or rooftop AC unit. After the evaporator coil captures the heat, the refrigerant containing the heat is transferred to the condenser coils situated outdoors. The shed coils expel heat to the ambient location, thus finishing the cycle. If this step was omitted, heat would remain trapped within your house, making cooling impossible.
Both types of coils are essential in the cooling process, and when they become dirty, their ability to absorb and release heat is diminished, making your AC work harder than necessary.
3. How Dirty Coils Affect Performance and Energy Usage
How Dirty Coils Affect Performance and Energy Usage
Dirty coils create a domino effect that impacts your AC’s performance and drives up energy costs. The presence of dust, dirt, and debris on the coils prevents effective heat exchange. This leads to several issues:
Reduced Heat Transfer:
A layer of dirt on the evaporator coil prevents the refrigerant from absorbing heat as efficiently as it should. Similarly, when the condenser coil is dirty, it struggles to release the absorbed heat effectively. This means your AC has to work much harder to maintain the desired indoor temperature, increasing the workload on the system.
Strain on the System:
The harder your AC works, the more energy it consumes. Dirty coils can cause the system to run for longer periods and at higher power, increasing your electricity bill. On average, dirty coils can increase energy consumption by up to 30%, which could add up to hundreds of extra dollars annually on your utility bill.
Prolonged Cooling Cycles:
In a well-maintained system, the cooling cycle should be quick and efficient. Dirty coils, however, can prolong this cycle, making the system run longer and harder than it needs to. The longer it runs, the more energy it uses.
4. Costly Problems Caused by Neglecting Coil Cleaning
Costly Problems Caused by Neglecting Coil Cleaning
Failing to AC coils cleaning regularly can lead to several serious and costly problems:
Frozen Evaporator Coils:
One common issue caused by dirty coils is frozen evaporator coils. When airflow is restricted due to dirt buildup, the evaporator coils can freeze, resulting in poor cooling performance and possible system shutdown. Frozen coils also force the compressor to overwork, which could lead to expensive repairs.
Compressor Failure:
The compressor is arguably the most important component of your AC system. When the coils are dirty, the compressor has to work harder to cool your home. This overworking can cause the compressor to fail prematurely, and replacing a compressor is extremely costly—often hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Emergency Repairs:
Without proper coil cleaning, your AC could break down unexpectedly. This is especially problematic during the hot months, when the system is in high demand. An emergency breakdown requires urgent repairs, which can cost significantly more than routine maintenance.
Regular coil cleaning helps prevent these issues, extending the life of your AC system and saving you from expensive emergency repairs.
5. How Often Should You Clean Your AC Coils?
The frequency of AC coils cleaning depends on several factors, such as the environment in which your system operates, the size of your home, and how often you use your AC. Here’s a general guide:
Annual Cleaning:
For most homeowners, cleaning the coils once a year is enough to maintain efficiency and prevent excessive dirt buildup. This is particularly useful for homes in less dusty environments with moderate AC use.
More Frequent Cleaning for Special Cases:
If you live in a dusty environment, have pets that shed hair, or use your AC heavily throughout the year, you may need to clean your coils more often—every 6 to 9 months. Pet hair, dander, and dust can build up quickly, so it’s crucial to stay on top of cleaning in these situations.
After Renovations or Construction:
If you’ve recently had a renovation or construction work done in your home, it’s a good idea to clean your AC coils afterward, as these activities can cause a lot of dust and debris to enter your system.
6. DIY vs Professional Coil Cleaning
While there are simple maintenance tasks you can do yourself, cleaning your AC coils thoroughly requires professional expertise. Here’s the breakdown:
What You Can Do Yourself
Replace or Clean Air Filters:
Replacing or cleaning your air filters every 1-3 months helps reduce the amount of dust and dirt that reaches the coils.
Clear Debris Around the Condenser:
You can use a vacuum with a hose attachment or a soft brush to remove debris from the exterior of the condenser coil.
Professional cleaning is required when the coils are difficult to access or when more thorough maintenance is needed. Professionals have the proper tools to clean inside the air handler and condenser unit, and they can check for other issues like refrigerant leaks or mold growth that may affect performance.
Benefits of Hiring a Service Like DubaiClean:
Hiring a professional service like DubaiClean ensures your coils are cleaned thoroughly. Professionals not only clean your coils but also inspect your AC system for any other potential issues that could cause problems in the future. They have the right equipment to clean hard-to-reach places, ensuring a more comprehensive clean than you could do on your own.
7. Conclusion
Maintaining an AC system’s efficiency and prolonging its life span can be achieved through proper and regular coil cleaning. Regular maintenance will save you money on energy and maintenance costs, lower monthly and yearly expenses, and avoid costly repairs.
Achieve optimal temperatures in your house by unclogging the AC coils.Cleaning the coils should be incorporated deeply into annual care activities.
Do you want your AC system operating at peak perfomance? If yes, then contact DubaiClean today for professional coil cleaning services, and revel in the newfound efficiency of your AC system while enjoying its enhanced cooling capacity.
