HVAC Troubleshooting
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How to Clean Air Handler/Coils Are Dirty
If your air handler cabinet has dirt, dust, and debris like cobwebs on it, you can wipe it down with a damp, soft cloth. When the coils are dirty, that’s another matter.
Your air handler contains the evaporator coil, which works together with the outdoor condenser coil in the refrigeration cycle that cools (and heats if you have a heat pump) your home. Over time, dust, grime, and other debris can build up on the coils. This can negatively impact system performance, resulting in higher energy costs and repair bills.
For your safety and the health of your HVAC system, leave evaporator coil cleaning to the HVAC pros. Your HVAC system has some high-voltage components, and an untrained person can easily damage the system rather than fix a problem. In addition, if your system is under warranty, DIY maintenance can invalidate the warranty.
Why is it important to clean a dirty evaporator coil?
If the evaporator coil is covered with too much dust and grime, it reduces airflow. This can cause a frozen evaporator coil, which is a much bigger problem.
When to clean the evaporator coil
We recommend an AC or heat pump tune-up every spring before the weather starts heating up. For a heat pump, we also recommend a fall heating tune-up. During the HVAC maintenance visit, the HVAC technician will inspect your system and complete a checklist of tasks, including cleaning the evaporator coil. Cleaning the coil once a year should be enough.
Evaporator coil cleaning procedure
Remember, this is a job for an HVAC professional. These are the steps your Trane HVAC technician will take.
- Turn off the HVAC system at the circuit breaker box.
- Remove the access panel.
- Inspect the evaporator coil for dust and debris.
- Use a soft brush or shop vac with a bristle brush attachment to gently loosen and remove as much surface grime as possible.
- If there is accumulated oil or grease on the evaporator coil, they will use an approved chemical coil cleaner safe for use on evaporator coils and gently rinse and clean them.
- Inspect the clean coil for refrigerant leaks.
- Inspect the condensate drain pan and drain line and clean/clear clogs as needed.
- Replace the drain pan if it’s rusted or cracked.
- Replace the access panel.
- Turn the HVAC system back on.
How can I keep the evaporator coil clean after maintenance?
In addition to scheduling yearly AC maintenance, get in the habit of regularly replacing your HVAC filter. A dirty or clogged filter can lead to a dirty evaporator coil. Change the air filter every 30-90 days, depending on the quality of the filter. Refer to our HVAC filter maintenance guide for some tips.
How long does an evaporator coil last?
With regular maintenance, the evaporator coil can last the life of your AC unit or heat pump – about 15 years. If you live in a mild climate and don’t run your system nonstop, it may last longer.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer at Trane Technologies
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Erica Harrison, Product Manager, Air Handlers
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