One of the reasons for this is because your system can get dirty over time, and certain components of your air conditioner will actually impede its overall operation if they are not kept clean. These include your evaporator and your condenser coils.
Now, we know that there are a lot of DIY enthusiasts out there, and that many people read these types of blogs because they want tips for how they can service their systems on their own. While it is true that cleaning your AC coils may not be the most complex task when it comes to AC maintenance, it is still something that you should have a trained professional complete. This will ensure that the job is done as thoroughly as it is properly. We’re happy to handle your AC services in Prosperity, SC.
Why Are Clean Coils So Important?
In order to understand why it is that your AC coils must be kept clean, you must first understand something about how your air conditioner works. Remember, it is the air conditioner’s job not to somehow create cool air, but to remove heat from the air that is already in your home. This is accomplished via the evaporation and condensation of refrigerant that takes place in the system, referred to as the refrigerant cycle.
The refrigerant in your system evaporates in the evaporator coil, which is the coil that lives inside your home. The outdoor coil is the condenser coil, and this is where the refrigerant condenses. In doing so, it sheds its heat and then makes its way back inside for another cycle. If your coils are compromised, then the operation of the system is put at risk.
Icing, Overheating, and Other Problems
Dirty coils still may not sound like that big of a deal to you, but consider this. If your evaporator coil is dirty, it is not going to allow for sufficient heat absorption. The condensation on the coil can freeze up, and that layer of ice is only going to further insulate the coil. This puts strain on the system, driving up energy costs even as your comfort falters and the risk of damages to your system grows.
If the outdoor condenser coil is very dirty, or if its fins are bent out of shape, the system is not going to be able to bleed off heat the way that it should. This can lead to overheating, and eventually to serious compressor problems. Hiring a trained professional to clean your coils keeps your air conditioner running properly. You can brush off your outdoor coil, and even hose it down yourself, but a deeper clean really is recommended. Because the evaporator coil will be cleaned best when removed, professional skills are definitely beneficial.
Contact Fulmer Heating & Cooling for any AC services that you may need this summer.