Your air conditioner’s evaporator coils play an important role in cooling your home. These coils absorb heat from the air, allowing your air conditioner to lower indoor temperatures efficiently. However, when dirt, dust, and debris accumulate on the coils, they can’t function properly, leading to reduced cooling performance, higher energy bills, and potential system breakdowns. Regular evaporator coil cleaning is essential for maintaining an efficient HVAC system. Agape Air Conditioner, Heating & Plumbing will cover the common signs that your evaporator coils need cleaning and why keeping them clean is so important.
What Are Evaporator Coils & Why Do They Get Dirty
The evaporator coils are located in your indoor air handler and work with the refrigerant to absorb heat from the air inside your home. Over time, these coils can become coated with dust, pet dander, mold, and even bacteria, reducing their ability to transfer heat effectively. Dirty evaporator coils force your air conditioner to work harder, which can lead to system strain, higher energy costs, and even premature failure if left unaddressed.
Top Signs Your Evaporator Coils Need Cleaning
Reduced Cooling Efficiency: When your evaporator coils are covered in dirt, they can’t absorb heat properly, which means your air conditioner won’t cool your home as efficiently as it should. If you notice poor cooling performance, check the air filter first. If the problem persists, have a professional inspect and clean your evaporator coils.
Higher Energy Bills: Dirty evaporator coils force your air conditioner to use more energy to maintain the same level of cooling. The longer the system runs, the more power it consumes, leading to higher utility bills. If your energy costs are rising without explanation, dirty evaporator coils could be the culprit. Regular HVAC maintenance can keep your system running efficiently and lower your bills.
Ice Buildup on the Coils: If dirt and debris build up on the evaporator coils, they can’t absorb heat efficiently. This can cause condensation to freeze on the coils, leading to major operational issues. Turn off the air conditioner immediately and allow the ice to thaw before calling an HVAC professional. Running your air conditioner with frozen coils can cause serious damage to your system.
Musty or Moldy Smells from Your Vents: Because evaporator coils remove moisture from the air, a dirty coil can create a damp, humid environment where mold and bacteria thrive. This often leads to unpleasant musty odors spreading through your home when the air conditioner is running. If you notice persistent odors, schedule a coil cleaning immediately to prevent mold from spreading further.
Frequent Air Conditioner Breakdowns and Repairs: Dirty coils cause your air conditioner to overwork, leading to excessive strain on components like the compressor, blower motor, and refrigerant lines. If your air conditioner keeps breaking down, dirty evaporator coils could be a major contributing factor. Preventative maintenance, including regular coil cleaning, can extend the lifespan of your HVAC system and reduce expensive repair bills.
Unusual Noises from Your Air Conditioner Unit: When airflow is blocked due to dirt buildup on the evaporator coils, your air conditioner may struggle to function properly, leading to unusual sounds like hissing, bubbling, whistling, rattling, grinding or buzzing. If your air conditioner starts making strange noises, have it inspected to determine whether dirty coils, refrigerant leaks, or airflow blockages are to blame.
Air Conditioning Inspections, Preventive Maintenance Tune Ups & More in Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York
Keeping your evaporator coils clean is essential for maintaining an efficient cooling system and to prevent premature air conditioner breakdowns. If you notice any of these signs, contact Agape Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing today!
