The coils are some of the most important parts of an air conditioner. An air conditioner has two types of coils: evaporator coils absorb heat and humidity from the air in the building, and condenser coils expel heat outside the building.

In order for heat to be transferred effectively, the AC coils need to be clean. If the outside of the condenser coil is covered with dirt and grime, heat can get trapped inside and cannot be released. The condenser coil is part of the outdoor unit, so it is exposed to environmental pollution. Even if the condenser coil is located indoors, it is in a mechanical room that is ventilated and is still exposed to pollution.

If the evaporator coil gets dirty, it cannot remove heat and humidity effectively. The evaporator coil is located indoors, but it is still exposed to dust in the building and can become clogged, especially if you do not change the filters regularly.

Dirty AC coils can lead to higher energy bills. If the coils are dirty, the system has to work harder and run longer to keep the building cool, which uses more electricity. Regular AC coil cleaning can lower your energy bills. Running longer and working harder can also cause parts to wear out faster and shorten the life of the system.

In general, you should get your AC coils cleaned twice a year. You may need to have it done more frequently if you have older equipment, use it a lot, or live near street level or in an area with construction or pollution from a nearby kitchen or factory.

Spring Is the Perfect Time for AC Coil Cleaning in Connecticut (But Any Time is Fine)

Connecticut may be in the northern part of the United States, but it still gets hot here in the summer. You will most likely be running your air conditioner quite a bit to keep cool in the coming months. If your AC coils are dirty, your system will run less efficiently and will need to work harder to keep your home cool. Cleaning the coils can make your air conditioner work better and save you money. Spring is the best time to get your AC coils cleaned so your system will perform well in the summer.

When your air conditioner is on, heat exchange occurs in the condenser unit coils and the evaporator coils. If the coils are covered with dirt, dust, grease, or other foreign materials, these things can act as insulators and prevent air from flowing freely through the coils. This can decrease the rate of heat transfer between the coils and the air.

When AC coils are dirty, the compressors need to run longer and work harder to keep a building cool. This increases the amount of energy used and raises utility bills. According to the Department of Energy, dirty AC condenser coils can make compressors use up to 30 percent more energy. They can reduce the lifespan of your air conditioner and make your home less comfortable than it would be if the coils were clean. A dirty evaporator coil can reduce airflow and heat transfer and can also interfere with the dehumidification process. This can reduce air quality and cause your AC system to fail.

Both old and new HVAC systems can benefit from having the AC coils cleaned. If you have a new and efficient HVAC system, it is more likely to benefit from having the coils cleaned because newer systems use higher pressure and are less able to tolerate a rise in static pressure. Highly efficient AC units need to be able to transfer heat efficiently across large coils. New air conditioners with high SEER ratings may have variable-speed motors with adjustable fan speeds, but they are less effective if the condenser vanes are dirty and they need to run harder.

Cleaning your AC coils every year can make your HVAC system operate more efficiently. If you have not had your AC coils cleaned yet, spring is the perfect time to do so. This can help you prepare for summer in Connecticut so you will be able to stay cool and comfortable when the days turn hot. Contact Preferred Hood & Duct today to schedule an AC coil cleaning appointment.