12 Signs Your Air Conditioner Coils Need Cleaning

An air conditioner unit is a complex piece of machinery that relies on several components to work together efficiently. One part of the air conditioning Central Coast system called the evaporator and condenser coils is essential to its performance. These coils are responsible for transferring heat into and out of your home, so they must remain clean to function properly. If left untreated, these coils can become clogged with dirt and debris, which will reduce your air conditioner’s efficiency and cause it to break down more quickly.

The evaporator coil is located inside the home, usually above or near the furnace. Its job is to absorb heat from indoor air as it passes over its surface and then convert that energy into a liquid coolant which is pumped through refrigerant lines to the outdoor unit. This process cools down hot, humid air so that it can be circulated throughout the house keeping it comfortable all year round.

The following list explains the times you need your air conditioner coils cleaned. 

Your energy bills have been unusually high

Dirty evaporator or condenser coils cannot properly transfer heat from your home. As a result, your air conditioner has to work much harder than usual, leading to higher energy costs.

Your air conditioner runs constantly

A clogged coil can cause your system to run non-stop and never reach the desired temperature. 

You hear strange noises coming from the unit

When dirt and debris accumulate on the coils, it can cause them to vibrate or make loud banging noises when in operation. 

Water is leaking from your cooling unit

The condenser coil is responsible for releasing hot air outside, but if it’s clogged with dirt and debris then that heat won’t be released properly and instead will cause water to build up and leak from the system.

You’re not getting enough cooling in some areas of your home

If the evaporator coil is dirty then it can cause uneven cooling throughout your home, as dirt and grime act as insulation which prevents cold air from reaching certain parts of your house. 

Your cooling unit smells musty

Dirty coils can cause moisture to accumulate inside the unit, creating a breeding ground for mildew and other bacteria that can create a musty smell when you turn on the air conditioner.

You see visible mould or dust on or near your air conditioning unit

A buildup of dust and mould around the coils will eventually form a visible layer that should be cleaned off regularly to keep your AC unit in working order.

You feel warm air coming from the vents

If the condenser coil isn’t able to release hot air outside then it will instead send that heat back into your home, creating a stuffy atmosphere and making it difficult to enjoy the cool air from your air conditioner. 

Your air conditioner isn’t turning on or off properly

A clogged coil can prevent your system from starting up or shutting down correctly, as dirt and grime act like insulation which prevents the power from flowing properly through the unit. 

Ice crystals are forming around the evaporator coil

If you notice that there’s ice building up near the evaporator coil then this is a sign that the coil needs to be cleaned as dirt and debris are blocking the flow of air. 

You’re getting less airflow from your vents

If the evaporator or condenser coils are clogged then they won’t be able to move air through your home efficiently, resulting in weak airflow from your AC vents.

The unit isn’t cooling effectively

Dirty coils reduce an air conditioner’s ability to cool the air, so if you find that it takes a long time for your home to reach a comfortable temperature then it’s likely that the coils need to be cleaned. 

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact a professional HVAC technician who can inspect and clean the coils of your air conditioner. Regularly cleaning the coils of your AC unit will help ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently in the long run.