If you’re looking for a way to save money on your energy bills and make sure your air conditioner runs at optimal efficiency, you should look into how much it costs to clean the coils in your AC unit. Cleaning the coils in your AC unit is a simple but important maintenance task that can help you avoid costly repairs, reduce energy bills, and extend the life of your system. Cleaning the coils can be done by a professional or a DIYer, depending on your comfort level with the task. But no matter who does the job, it’s important to understand the cost of cleaning the coils in your AC unit in order to make the best decision for your home and budget.
What are AC coils and why do they need to be cleaned?
AC coils are the part of your air conditioner that collects and removes heat from the indoor air using a refrigerant cycle. When coils are dirty, they are less efficient at removing this heat, and this can cause your AC unit to work harder, use more energy, and be more prone to breaking down. For example, if your AC is working extra hard to cool your home because the coils are dirty, it might be running non-stop, which can cause it to overheat and break down. Dirty AC coils can also lead to more dust and allergens in your home, which can be harmful to your family’s health.
Benefits of cleaning the coils in your AC unit
A clean AC system will provide better air quality, be more energy efficient, and have a longer lifespan than a dirty system. Here are some of the benefits of cleaning the coils in your AC unit: – Improved air quality: Keeping your AC unit clean helps keep indoor pollutants at a minimum, which in turn can result in better air quality for your home. – Extended life: Keeping coils and other parts of your AC unit clean also helps extend the life of your system, which can save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements. – Reduced energy bills: A clean AC system requires less energy to operate and keep your home cool, which can translate to reduced energy bills. – Improved resale value of your home: Keeping your AC system clean and in good condition can help improve the resale value of your home. – Avoid costly repairs: Having your AC coils cleaned and keeping your system in good repair can help prevent costly repairs while maintaining proper operation of your AC system. – Better indoor air quality: Keeping your AC coils clean can help reduce indoor air pollutants, which can help improve indoor air quality in your home.
Factors that affect the cost of cleaning AC coils
The amount you pay for cleaning your AC coils will vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of coils that are present in your system, how accessible they are, and how much work is required to clean them. Here are some factors that can affect the cost of cleaning coils in your AC unit: – Type of coils: The type of coils in your AC system will determine what methods are best for cleaning them. – Accessibility: If coils are not easily accessible, it will cost more to clean them. – Work required: If more work is required to clean the coils, such as removing parts of the system, it will cost more to clean. – Condition of coils: If the coils are already dirty or have heavy buildup on them, it will cost more to clean them.
Professional AC coil cleaning services
Hiring a professional AC coil cleaning service is the best way to make sure your coils are properly cleaned. Professionals have the training and equipment needed to clean your coils thoroughly. Additionally, they can also inspect the rest of your AC system to see if there are any other issues that need to be addressed. However, you should make sure to research your options and choose a company that has positive reviews from past customers. While the upfront cost of hiring a professional AC coil cleaning service may seem more expensive than doing it yourself, the total cost savings over the long run may be more significant if your AC breaks down less often.
DIY AC coil cleaning
Cleaning your AC coils yourself is a great way to save money and still ensure that your coils are properly cleaned. However, you should avoid cleaning your AC coils if they are extremely dirty or have built-up that requires a lot of effort to remove. These situations can damage the AC coils and make them more susceptible to damage and breakage. One method for cleaning your AC coils is to use a shop vacuum and a brush attachment to suck dirt, dust, and debris out of the coils. This can be a cost-effective cleaning method, but it may not remove all the dirt and dust from the coils. Another option is to use a garden hose to spray water into the coils while they are running. This method may be less effective than the shop vacuum, but it is also less expensive.
Safety precautions for cleaning AC coils
Before you begin cleaning your AC coils, make sure to turn off the power source to your system. You should also make sure that the rest of the system and the surrounding area is clean and free of debris. Here are some safety precautions to follow when cleaning your AC coils: – Turn off the power: Make sure to turn off the power to the AC unit before you start cleaning the coils. – Make the area clean: Make sure the area surrounding the AC unit is clean so you don’t accidentally knock dirt into the coils. – Use the proper tools: Make sure to use the proper tools for cleaning the coils, such as shop vacs and brushes designed for cleaning AC coils. – Keep the area dry: Make sure to keep the area dry while cleaning the coils. – Avoid corrosive chemicals: Avoid cleaning the coils with any corrosive chemicals.
How often should AC coils be cleaned?
If you have a system that is used year-round, you may want to consider cleaning your coils once every few years. On the other hand, if your AC system is only used during extreme weather, you may only need to clean the coils once or twice a year. If you have a newer system, it may be best to have the coils cleaned at the beginning of each cooling season to make sure they are clean and ready to run efficiently. Alternatively, if you have an older system, you may want to clean the coils at the end of each cooling season to make sure that they are in good condition for the following year.
Tips for hiring an AC coil cleaning professional
If you decide to hire a professional AC coil cleaning service, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you should determine if your system requires cleaning or just regular maintenance. If your coils are extremely dirty or corroded, it may be best to have them replaced rather than cleaned. Next, you should make sure that the company you hire is appropriately licensed and insured, particularly if they plan on entering your home to clean your coils. You should also ask the company about their cleaning methods. Make sure to avoid companies that use a pressure washer to clean coils because this can damage the system. Finally, you should look for a company that offers a flexible payment schedule and guarantees their work.
Frequently asked questions about AC coil cleaning
– What is the best time to clean my AC coils? The best time to clean your AC coils is just before the beginning of each cooling season. This will help your AC unit run more efficiently and reduce energy costs. – Can AC coils be cleaned while they are still on the system? – What if I see a lot of black dirt or a lot of rust inside the coils? – What should I do if I have rodents in my AC system? – What are the common problems that can cause dirty coils? – Which cleaning method should I use? – What are some signs that my coils need to be replaced? – What are some signs that my coils need to be cleaned? – Which cleaning method is best for me? – Do AC coils ever need replacing? – Is cleaning AC coils enough to keep my system running efficiently?
Conclusion
Cleaning the coils in your AC unit can help keep your indoor air clean, save you money on energy bills, and extend the life of your system. Make sure to clean the coils in your AC unit at least once a year, particularly if you use your AC system year-round, to reduce indoor pollutants and keep your system running efficiently. You can hire a professional AC coil cleaning service or clean the coils yourself using a shop vacuum and brush. Depending on your AC system and the type of