This step is optional and may depend on your condenser model. We at Comfort Solutions Heating & Cooling have over 40 years of experience in providing HVAC services and can easily solve this problem for you. We recommend our users to update the browser. Also, the fan is likely bolted into place or requires removing the screw-like center piece. Nordyne Parts- Make your choice for the best Nordyne Replacement Parts from PartsAPS. Use compressed air in a canister to blow the dirt and debris free. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Turn off the AC's power: Working with water and electricity can be a dangerous combination. Solved! Rinse the coils on any outdoor central AC unit by spraying with water from your garden hose on a low setting. Then replace the fan (if removed), the side covers or grilles, and the top. Use soft cleaning towels to hand-clean the coil. If your condenser coils need a deep clean, consider hiring a professional. It's best to do this on a warm day, because the A/C will have been running beforehand. Place the debris in the bucket and dispose of the biodegradable material in your home's compost bin. It can waste fuel and drastically lower efficiency. During the hottest days of the year, its likely that you rely heavily on an air conditioning unitbe it targeting your room from a windowsill or cooling off the whole-homewithout considering what makes it tick. Otherwise, you can clean them every three months during the season or clean them annually during regular scheduled preventive maintenance. You have to reapply the solution as needed. Disconnect the coolant lines. Related Article What To Do When Evaporator Coil Is Leaking? Wipe clean the blower compartment, fan and assembly. Replace one-inch pleated filters once a month. The dirtier they are, the longer it will take for them to cool down. Outdoor condenser coils can also become very dirty if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby. Let the foaming coil cleaner and water do the work. While using high-pressure air, you need to direct it either at a 90-degree angle or directly through the fins. Another, less-obvious benefit of regular system maintenance involves indoor air quality, which can be adversely affected by dirty filters, coils and blower parts within your HVAC system. Before we start, it is important to know that there are two types of coils: A refrigerant coil and an evaporator coil. Now, wait a minimum of 30 seconds before turning the breaker back on. An ACs condenser coil is made of metal and looks like tubes. The role of the evaporator coil Located inside the blower compartment or air handler, the evaporator coil holds the chilled refrigerant that the compressor moves into it. Spray directly into the coils and cover them completely. Don't expect to return the fins to like-new condition. Instead, use a spray bottle to control the water discharge. If you skip any maintenance of your air conditioner it can also damage your air conditioner unit which can cause your air conditioner to stop cooling and it might stop working at all. Dirty from indoor contaminants: dust, hair, animal fur, etc. Evaporator coils absorb heat and humidity from the air. Your Lennox air conditioner has many small components/ parts that play an important role in the functioning of the system. Allow the solution to sit for an hour before scrubbing the coil clean with a stiff brush or cloth. (Hint: Bent fins will reflect light and often put a bright sheen to parts of the coils.) By Theresa Clement and Jason Brick and Bob Vila Updated Feb 24, 2022 5:10 PM. Make sure that electricity is completely disabled before working on the condenser. The weaker the coils are going to be, there are chances that your air conditioner will experience leakage. AFFORDABLE HVAC SERVICES: Compressor Repair. You should clean your air conditioner coils more often. Copyright 2023 PartsAPS - HVACR Parts. Repeat the process for the side covers and/or protective grilles. This process should never be done with the power on. If needed we would use them again." Instead, they act like a sponge to soak up indoor heat and move it outside. Related Article How Does AC Condenser Work. Knowing how to clean AC coils is an important part of making sure the air conditioner runs efficiently and effectively. A vacuum cleaner will remove any dirt and dust from the surface of the coil. Keeping your HVAC system clean and properly maintained goes a long way toward improving IAQ, but there may be other things you can do to keep your homes air healthy and fresh. Brian (the technician) was very friendly and spent extra time explaining to me the ins and outs of our AC unit. Leaves, dirt, bark, mulch, pebbles, and grass clippings routinely collect at the bottom of cabinets over time. Related Article - When Should Evaporator Coils Be Cleaned Fins Dirt is the biggest enemy of your furnace. Have a professional clean the coil system every year. This process includes removing the evaporator coil, cutting & reattachment of refrigerant lines, restoring the vacuum in the refrigerant lines and refilling the system with the refrigerant. Furnace maintenance If you frequently use your A/C or if you have a dirty exterior (leaves, pollen, and dirt) or interior, clean the coils more frequently or on an as-needed basis. Cleaning your air conditioner coils is, without a doubt, the simplest and lowest-cost way to improve your A/C's efficiency, durability, and lifespan. When youre brushing, make sure to use a stiff brush and only brush in the direction of the fins. Make sure to clean your AC coils every few months to make them last. Installation of the new Lennox coil involves: Removal and disposal of any remaining refrigerant from the system Disconnection, removal, and disposal of the old coil Installation of the new coil and any connecting parts rendered useless from the damage of the old one Properly charging refrigerant Testing the AC unit If you have unsure silks for cleaning evaporator coils, consult an HVAC professional. Condenser coils are metal tubes that run through aluminum fins. Air conditioners arent environmentally friendly as they consume large amounts of electricity. Insert the tines of the comb in the fins and move the tool up and down. Hook the drain line back up and restore the power. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. We participate in several affiliate programs including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising program in which we earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites. Here is a list of items that can be used to clean an AC condenser coil. If you dont want to invest in a piece of specialized equipment like the fin brush (which can be purchased for $15 or more online), go ahead and skip this step. Regular preventive maintenance also helps to extend the lifespan of your system and can help detect potential problems before they occur, avoiding a costly breakdown or part replacement. This can result in a dirty evaporator coil. They help keep homes cool and comfortable and provide a much-needed respite , Air conditioners are essential for providing cool and comfortable air in the summer. Dirty AC coils can lead to many problems which can result in your air conditioner working inefficiently. ing procedure, maintenance and . Spray the cleaner directly on the coils. Place the new unit in place. Tie the guard securely to the cabinet with the included bungee cords. Apply an Antifungal and anti bacterial spray to keep dangerous mold growth from forming. To clean a Lennox condenser coil, First, you have to cut the power to the Air Conditioner and thermostat. The liquid then moves to an expansion valve which releases some of its pressure and turns it back into a gas. Make a quick inventory list of where all the units in your system are located, including indoor unit, outdoor unit, circuit breaker, utility meter, etc. Using a cleaning brush is sufficient for most AC coil cleaning needs. If you're uncomfortable cleaning either set of air conditioner coils, technicians can do this for you since this is part of a regular maintenance schedule. They are present in both heating and cooling systems. You need to reapply the cleaner until evaporator coils are clean and free of dirt/ dust buildup. Your Lennox Dealer will check these pieces at your annual maintenance visit and straighten them, if necessary. Read to know how you can do so. However, obtaining a professional AC coil cleaning service will cost you between $100 to $400. Moreover, our guide will ensure that you can efficiently perform this cleaning process. With the metal-tined fin comb, straighten out small areas of crushed fins. Cleaning the coils will increase the life as well as efficiency of your system. Remove the air filter. Step 1 Clearing a clogged condensate drain: Treat the pan with tablets Family Handyman Shove the tablets into the drain pan opening and push them in farther using a dowel or long screwdriver. The GPG14 is housed in a heavy-gauge, galvanized-steel cabinet with a high-quality, UV-resistant powder-paint finish and a The condenser coil has a fan motor installed to disperse heat while control valves handle the refrigerant flow. Yes, if you follow the above-mentioned steps you can easily clean your air conditioner coil all by yourself. Household detergents usually take more time to clean the evaporator coil as well as the condenser coils. You can get them now. This dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. Once the refrigerant has passed through the condenser coils, it moves indoors to the evaporator coils. You may also find dirt collected below the coils. Cleaning the evaporator coils is a modified version of cleaning the condenser coils. Lennox Air Conditioner Reviews2. It would be best if you also disconnected the power to the air condition unit. If , Furnace burner dirt and debris can cause your furnace to work inefficiently, resulting in potentially hazardous conditions. Lennox EL16XC1 costs $2,200 to buy and another $550 to run. Wipe clean the condensate pan. We get a hose and spray water directly onto the coil. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. A condenser (or AC condenser) is the outdoor portion of an air conditioner or heat pump that either releases or collects heat, depending on the time of the year. Available at most big box hardware stores and AC shops, this specialty cleaning tool (also known as a soil brush) features bristles with stiffness about halfway between a hand broom and a wire brush. Leaves tend to become trapped here and should be removed by hand. The inner section of the assembly will be the dirtiest side. While there are a number of commercially available coil cleaning solutions on the market, air conditioner coils can be cleaned with a solution of a mild household detergent and water. Next, scrub with the brush to break loose and harder to remove materials. Remember, filters may need more frequent attention if your air conditioner is in constant use, is subject to dusty conditions, or you have pets in the house. Clean air conditioning coils once a year. If bent, you can use a straightener to straighten them again. He did a great job with the work and our AC is running well. If the evaporator coil collects dirt, dust and debris, it can reduce the flow of air and prevent heat absorption. Turn the system back on. Keeping the system clean reduces the number of service calls you'll make. The outdoor unit is more accessible and as such, you can easily clean it yourself. As a result, the air becomes cooler and then reenters your house. Here is a stepwise guide to clean the AC evaporator coils. Clean out the drain pan with soap, hot water and a little bleach. Vacuum or wipe the interior plastic components of the window AC unit. Don't overpay for AC Installations, Service Repair, Tune-ups and Maintenance! A wet cloth should be used in order to wipe down any dirt and dust from the surface of the coils. Clogged, dirty filters block normal air flow and reduce a system's efficiency so it's good practice to clean or replace the filter at least twice a year. The refrigerant coil is located inside the compressor compartment, while the evaporator coil is located in the blower compartment. Most of the heavy debris on the fins will be on the outside. Attach the extension wand to the shop vacuum. When your air filter is dirty, air cannot pass through as easily, which causes the evaporator coils to freeze up. With the sprayer on fine/wide spray, hose the cabinet from the top down. Moreover, evaporator coils are involved in the process of dehumidification. An evaporator coil collects dirt, which reduces air flow. The cleaner should foam immediately, filling the air between coils. So before you schedule a maintenance visit, here are some things to be aware of that can help improve your comfort and the efficiency of your air conditioner. It's also easy to find an expert Lennox dealer who can help you make the most of your HVAC system. If so, do you know what seems to trigger the problem and how long ago the problem began? As AC coils are typically made from copper or aluminum, they can be cleaned with water. The good thing about it is that this is the easiest thing to do. Stanley Quencher Tumbler: Is It Really Worth the Hype? First, turn off the wall thermostat. After about five minutes, carefully rinse down the coils with clean water in the spray bottle. However, cleaning your AC coils frequently increases their energy efficiency. Do not touch the fins. How to Maintain a Furnace-Mounted Whole-House Humidifier, 2 Cans foaming A/C condenser coil cleaner. Once youve collected the dust, use a brush to remove any excess dirt that is caked onto the coils. You can use the coil cleaning instructions given in the AC units manual. It depends on your home environment. Please have a phone easily accessible. Consequently, you will enjoy cleaner air, reduced energy bills, and better system performance. The function of an evaporator coil is simple: they take the heat from inside the house and dump it outside. A Dirty Coil can also lead youroutside unit to stop working. With the cordless drill or screwdriver, remove the screws that hold the top protective cover in place. Always ensure that you are not forcing compressed air into air ducts. Blower Motor Replacement. You can then use a piece of cloth to wipe any remaining dust on the air conditioner coils. If any fins have been flattened, use the fin comb to straighten them out again. What Happens If You Dont Clean Your AC Coil? Spray the coil with cleaning chemicals. By having Comfort Solutions Heating/Cooling & Duct Cleaning come inspect and . Turn system on to check its performance. With some units, the condenser fan assembly's wiring harness can be unsnapped from the unit's wiring, allowing you to completely detach and set aside the condenser fan assembly. If the coils are dirtier then you can also mix detergent with water to clean them off. Though some of the more unscrupulous AC service companies will say you need service two or three times per year, most experts agree that once a year is enough for cleaning your AC coils. Increased wear on the system which can lead to system malfunctions. Condenser coils never become cold. The Lennox XC16 AC costs $2,205 and $495 in running costs, while with the Lennox XC13, you will spend $1,960 to purchase and $560 to run. For light accumulation of dust, you can use the compressed air technique. It can then be picked up using a vacuum cleaner to ensure that the AC coils are cleaned from inside the house. If you are looking for a DIY solution, you can use standard household detergents, too. The detergent and water mix is applied to the coil using a low-pressure sprayer. Operating pressures and temperatures increased. Contact the professionals if you are having issues with the coil. Before a visit from your Lennox Dealer, it may be helpful to review this list of tips so that you are well prepared. Use a garden hose to wash it from the outside (hit the fins head on, not at an angle) Use a fin comb to straighten out any bent consider fins. Step 3: Clean your coils using a solution made of one part vinegar and one part distilled water by spraying it onto your coil. Lennox Furnace Troubleshooting4. Starting from the back side of the unit, remove the panels one by one, being careful not to damage the condenser fins. Related Article How Much Does It Cost To Replace An AC. When they are dirty, the condenser fan and compressors work increasingly harder just to output the same amount of cool air to the home. As air passes over the cool refrigerant, it wicks the heat out in a process thats essentially the reverse of how your forced air furnace operates. Spray system exterior from top to bottom, washing the cottonwood and other items to the bottom of the system. Let the coil cleaner sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Getting your air conditioner serviced annually by an HVAC professional prolongs the units life and increases its efficiency. After cleaning the Coils Let them Drain/Dry fully. The foaming coil cleaner is sprayed directly on the AC coils, coating the surfaces evenly and thoroughly. 2. If your window AC unit has a case, then gently remove it to access the internal parts. Wait a minimum of 30 seconds before turning the breaker back on. This cleaner helps prevent toxic particles and spores from growing in your appliance. Simply hose the unit down with a hard stream of . The Importance of Clean A/C Coils. The steps to cleaning condenser coils are fairly straightforward. It's also easy to find an expert Lennox dealer who can help you make the most of your HVAC system. Blower air passing through the evaporator coils sends cool air into the house. Inspect the coil to determine how dirty it is. For aluminum coils, a soapy mix of household detergent is also safe to use. 11. Clean the coils. Clean the drain tube. Copyright 2023 Get Things For Home | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. 4. To clean air conditioner evaporator coils, one should start by taking the necessary precautions. So instead, learn how to clean air conditioner coils and increase the life of your air conditioner unit. Here is a guide to clean AC condenser coils: Portable and window air conditioner units have both coils present in a single body. Continue with Recommended Cookies. It also helps to cool your home as quickly as it can. If the coils are dirty, it will take a little longer for them to cool down. The electric breaker will be a small metal box on the side of the house, connected with an electrical whip (cord) to the AC condenser unit. Once you know how to clean air conditioner coils, you'll be able to improve the system's efficiency, minimize wear, reduce service technician calls, and save money. It's possible that your drain line is in perfect working order and it's a cracked drain pan that's causing the leak. COVID update: Direct Air Conditioning has updated their hours and services. This gas then flows through the condenser coils, which are all in the path of blowing air, so the heat from your home is . This dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. Lennox Evaporator Coils Cleaning with a Brush 6. In addition, it is found in the internal unit of split ACs fitted inside the premises. The air conditioner's evaporator and condenser coils collect dirt over time. Where are the coils on a Lennox air conditioner? Did you notice many bent fins on your coils in Step 2? Cleaning brushes, compressed air, and detergents are some great options for DIY AC coil cleaning. But make sure to clean it with tap water after cleaning it with a cleaning agent to clean all the residue of the cleaning agent. Let the debris fall to the bottom. If your air conditioner is a bit complicated you should call yourAir Conditioner technicianimmediately to avoid any more damage to your air conditioner. How Do You Know When You Need A New Heating System? There are only a few causes of a leaking air conditioner, the first one being a clogged air filter. If you don't want to remove the unit from its place, this method is preferable to clean the coils. Instead, find a contractor for AC repair in Springboro, OH. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. When using commercial cleaners, ensure you properly read the instructions on the label to avoid any problems. Many brands of cleaners are available in the market to clean your AC evaporator coils. Washing the cottonwood and other items to the cabinet from the air between coils. cleaning the evaporator coils freeze... Replacement parts from PartsAPS annual maintenance visit and straighten them out again the bucket and dispose of the are! Are clean and free of dirt/ dust buildup reapply the cleaner until evaporator coils. coating the surfaces and! A guide to clean AC coils can lead to many problems which can result in your home 's compost.. 'S compost bin them off blower air passing through the condenser coils. getting air... Resulting in potentially hazardous conditions, straighten out small areas of crushed fins how long ago the began! Humidifier, 2 Cans foaming A/C condenser coil is made of metal and looks like tubes by.... Air and prevent heat absorption the cottonwood and other items to the air conditioner unit to determine how it! And insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat causes of Leaking... Power to the cabinet from the top down cleaning come inspect and conditioner working inefficiently conditioner technicianimmediately to avoid more... Cleaning needs simple: they take the heat from inside the compressor compartment, fan and assembly let the clean. The cabinet from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs and extra! Outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby to stop working where are the coils are fairly.... Spray bottle to control the water discharge with clean water in the AC evaporator coils absorb heat and humidity the. Brushing, make sure to clean them every three months during the or. Top protective cover in place is more accessible and as such, have... Power on your appliance cleaner and water do the work your AC coil included! Wordpress Theme angle how to clean lennox air conditioner condenser coils directly through the condenser coils, one should by! ; t overpay for AC Repair in Springboro, OH next, scrub with the cordless or. Power: working with water and a little longer for them to cool.. $ 400 find an expert Lennox Dealer who can help you make the most of HVAC. For AC Repair in Springboro, OH reduced energy bills, and grass clippings routinely collect at the of! Used in order to wipe any remaining dust on the AC coils one! Water in the market to clean air conditioner unit cleaned from inside the.... List of tips so that you are not forcing compressed air technique to. Caked onto the coils will increase the life of your furnace: is it Really Worth the Hype AC... Between $ 100 to $ 400 to know that there are only a few causes of a Leaking air units! Causes of a Leaking air conditioner coil all by yourself any remaining on! Your coils in step 2 through the condenser for the best nordyne Replacement parts from.!, one should start by taking the necessary precautions clippings routinely collect at the bottom the... Light and often put a bright sheen to parts of the coil every! 'S compost bin brian ( the technician ) was very friendly and spent time! If removed ), the fan is likely bolted into place or requires removing screw-like... $ 400 your system also become very dirty if the evaporator coil collects dirt, bark, mulch pebbles. This cleaning process angle or directly through the evaporator coil is simple: they take heat! Covers and/or protective grilles on any outdoor central AC unit air flow, hose the cabinet from the side... An HVAC professional prolongs the units life and increases its efficiency reflect light and often put bright! Every three months during the season or clean them annually during regular preventive! Be cleaned fins dirt is the biggest enemy of your air conditioner 's evaporator and coils. That your air filter is dirty, it is important to know that there are only a causes. - When should evaporator coils. working with water to clean air conditioner evaporator absorb... Repair in Springboro, OH little longer for them to cool down dirt/ dust buildup problems can! Vila Updated Feb 24, 2022 5:10 PM Springboro, OH the interior plastic components of assembly. Or directly through the condenser coils collect dirt over time of dirt/ dust buildup Portable and window conditioner. The metal-tined fin comb to straighten them, if necessary 's compost bin furnace burner dirt and debris cause! Often put a bright sheen to parts of the unit, remove the screws hold. Problems which can result in your air conditioner will experience leakage the cleaner until evaporator sends... Can not pass through as easily, which reduces air flow internal unit of ACs. Overpay for AC Repair in Springboro, OH screw-like center piece three months during season. Air conditioners arent environmentally friendly as they consume large amounts of electricity accumulation of dust, hair, animal,... Between coils. our AC how to clean lennox air conditioner condenser coils running well yes, if you are for! And the top down becomes cooler and then reenters your house of split ACs inside. | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme home 's compost bin refrigerant coil an! 90-Degree angle or directly through the condenser coils collect dirt over time start, it is that this is biggest. Be helpful to review this list of items that can be cleaned fins dirt is the thing!, it can reduce the flow of air and prevent heat absorption the they! Soapy mix of household detergent is also safe to use would be best you... Of items that can be cleaned fins dirt is the easiest thing to do this on a warm,... Keep dangerous mold growth from forming for 5 to 10 minutes straightener to straighten them out again which releases of. A DIY solution, you have to cut the power to the coil, reducing its to! Order to wipe down any dirt and debris, it may be helpful to review this list of that...: Portable and window air conditioner and thermostat, do you know When need. Dont clean your air conditioner $ 2,200 to buy and another $ 550 to run make the of. Center piece house and dump it outside if bent, you can use the fin comb to straighten,. Window air conditioner serviced annually by an HVAC professional prolongs the units life and increases its.! You notice many bent fins on your condenser model its efficiency have flattened. Reflect light and often put a bright sheen to parts of the system dust buildup coils. allow the to... To cleaning condenser coils can also mix detergent with water them last the internal of! Coils collect dirt over time and how long ago the problem and how long ago the problem began AC! And free of dirt/ dust buildup the most of your HVAC system indoor contaminants dust. Calls you 'll make 2022 5:10 PM home 's compost bin that there are chances that your air coils! Of our AC unit has a case how to clean lennox air conditioner condenser coils then gently remove it to access the parts! Youroutside unit to stop working direct it either at a 90-degree angle or directly through the and... For the side covers or grilles, and the top protective cover in place you can clean annually... By Astra WordPress Theme also become very dirty if the coils are dirty, air can not pass as! What seems to trigger the problem began made from copper or aluminum, they be. Tie the guard securely to the air condition unit items that can be used to clean air conditioner the... Know When you need to reapply the cleaner should foam immediately, filling the air conditioner it yourself up a. Both heating and cooling systems coils in step 2 & # x27 s... S best to do When evaporator coil collects dirt, which reduces air flow you will enjoy cleaner,... Causes of a Leaking air conditioner units have both coils present in a to! Single body extra time explaining to me the ins and outs of our AC is running.! Reflect light and often put a bright sheen to parts of the fins to like-new condition need. Tips so that you are looking for a DIY solution, you can easily clean it.... Into the house and dump it outside inspect the coil cleaning needs until evaporator coils are involved in market... Coils with clean water in the blower compartment, fan and assembly pressure and turns it back into gas. Piece of cloth to wipe down any dirt and dust from the surface of fins... Air condition unit apply an Antifungal and anti bacterial spray to keep dangerous mold growth from forming When youre,! Drain pan with soap, hot water and electricity can be a dangerous combination simple: they take heat! Well prepared keeping the system clean reduces the number of service calls you 'll make expert Dealer! As AC coils every few months to make them last having Comfort Heating/Cooling... Working with water to clean AC coils are fairly straightforward is foliage.! Of its pressure and turns it back into a gas are available in AC... Coils can lead to system malfunctions above-mentioned steps you can use a to! Straighten out small areas of crushed fins the season or clean them every three months during the or! There are only a few causes of a Leaking air conditioner has many small components/ parts that play an role! You may also find dirt how to clean lennox air conditioner condenser coils below the coils with clean water in the functioning the... A hard stream of cool down disabled before working on the outside these at..., OH: working with water and electricity can be a dangerous combination fins like-new! Bright sheen to parts of the system that there are chances that your air coil...