12 Problems Caused By Dirty Air Conditioner Coils

Air conditioners are becoming an increasingly common appliance in households across the world. But have you ever wondered what air conditioner coils are and what they do? The coil is a vital component of any air conditioning Sydney system and understanding how it works can help ensure your air conditioner runs smoothly for years to come. 

An air conditioner coil is a metal-coated heat exchanger that circulates the cooler refrigerant through its small, tightly wound tubes. This refrigerant absorbs the heat from inside your home and carries it outside — where it’s released into the atmosphere. Inside the coil, two separate sets of fins help expand this surface area even further so more heat can be exchanged between the refrigerant and surrounding air. 

As the refrigerant passes through the coil, it absorbs heat from your home and is then drawn into a compressor, where it’s compressed into a high-pressure gas. This gas is then cooled in an outdoor condenser coil and released back into your home as a liquid refrigerant. The liquid absorbs even more heat and returns to the indoor coil to start the cycle over again.

While these components play an important role in the functioning of air conditioning systems, dirty coils can cause several problems, ranging from inefficient cooling to costly repairs.

The following list explains the issues caused by dirty air conditioner coils.

Poor Cooling Performance

One of the most common issues caused by dirty air conditioner coils is poor cooling performance. The dirt and dust on the coil interfere with heat transfer, which prevents the unit from efficiently cooling your home or office space. 

Leaking Refrigerant

As dirt accumulates on the surface of your air conditioner’s coils, it creates tiny cracks that allow refrigerant to leak out. This reduces the amount of cool air being produced and also increases the strain on the compressor.

Increased Energy Bills

As your air conditioner works harder to cool your space due to the dirt on its coils, it will consume more electricity. This leads to higher energy bills over time. 

Bad Smells

Dirty coils can cause bad smells in the room where they are located. The dust and dirt that accumulate on the coil can be quite potent in some cases, leading to an unpleasant odour coming from your unit. 

Noisy Operation

Over time, dust accumulation on the coil can lead to system components becoming loose or misaligned, causing increased noise levels during operation. 

Reduced Lifespan of System

As dirt and dust build up on the coil, it can reduce the lifespan of your air conditioner. The debris interferes with many components, from the fan to the compressor, leading to a shorter lifespan. 

Increased Fire Risk

Dirty coils are more prone to overheating and catching fire due to their inability to transfer heat efficiently. This is why it’s important to keep them clean at all times. 

Reduced Air Quality

When dirt accumulates on the coil, it also accumulates in the air that passes through the system. This reduces the quality of air circulating through your home or office space, resulting in poor indoor air quality. 

Damage To Components

The dirt and debris on your coil can also damage other components in the system, leading to costly repairs. 

Clogged System

The dirt and dust on the coil can get into other parts of your air conditioner, clogging various systems and preventing them from functioning at peak efficiency.

Reduced Efficiency

Dirty coils lead to reduced efficiency of your air conditioning system as a whole, resulting in less cool air being produced with more electricity consumed. 

Increased Maintenance Costs

Finally, dirty coils require more frequent maintenance and repair work than their clean counterparts, leading to higher costs over time. 

It’s important to regularly clean and inspect your air conditioner coils to prevent any of the above issues from occurring. Regular maintenance will also help ensure that your cooling unit is operating as efficiently as possible – saving you money on energy bills and unnecessary repairs or replacements. 

Take the time to make sure your air conditioner coils are clean and free of dirt and debris. Doing so will help ensure a comfortable, energy-efficient home environment.