DIY Projects – Home Improvement – DIYfuse.com

Summer is a terrific time to enjoy outdoor activities, but air conditioning is a favored luxury when the day is done. A common problem experienced by many homeowners is a central AC that struggles to cool the home. The unit seems to run for hours on end, yet barely keeps the temperature in a tolerable range.

Both indoor and outdoor AC units need to be cleaned once or twice a year in order to run efficiently. Not only do dirty coils drive up your energy bills, but they lead to major breakdowns of the home cooling system.

Cleaning the Coil on an Indoor Unit

• Shut off the air conditioner and remove the vent door on the front. Each model varies slightly, but many doors are held in place with two small screws at the top of the door. Twist them counterclockwise with a screwdriver to loosen them. Pull the door and set it to the side.
• Remove the air filter by pulling it free with both hands. Discard it if it is dirty. The coil is located directly behind the air filter.
• Run a coil fin comb along the fins to straighten any that are bent. You can purchase a coil fin at most home improvement centers.
• Vacuum the area of the coil, evaporator and any area inside the AC that you can reach. Place a towel beneath the coil.
• Spray an even layer of coil cleaner on the surface. Use gloves and safety glasses when using this product. It is acid based and can cause burns and irritation to the skin. Carefully scrub with a wire brush and let the unit sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Wipe down the coil using a damp cotton rag. Pull the towel out from beneath the coil, replace the air filter and vent door. Let the unit dry and then turn it back on.

Cleaning the Coil on an Outdoor Unit

• Shut off the air conditioner. Outside units normally have the vent door located on the back. Remove it to gain access to the coil. Straighten any bent fins with a fin comb.
• Vacuum the inside area to remove loose dirt and debris.
• Spray the coil fins with coil cleaner and scrub with a wire brush. Allow the cleaner to soak into the built on dirt for 30 minutes. Rinse well using a garden hose.
• Reinstall the vent door and turn the unit back on once it has completely dried.
• Keep weeds and grass trimmed up to two feet away from the unit. This will ensure adequate ventilation.