Signs That the AC's Evaporator Coil Needs Cleaning

When Should a Homeowner Consult an AC Cleaning Service? 

When homeowners imagine keeping a clean house, they think of wiping down surfaces, vacuuming the floors, and washing windows. They usually don’t consider cleaning the AC unit’s evaporator coils––crucial to its operation. But when should a homeowner think about cleaning these components, and what if they don’t know where to start? Luckily, homeowners can rely on evaporator coil cleaning services to get the job done.

Loss of Cooling Function 

If the AC system doesn’t work, this could point to a dirty coil. An evaporator coil needs to be regularly cleaned because: 

• If a layer of dust coats the evaporator coil, this inhibits heat transfer. This makes the AC unit work overtime to reach the desired temperature. It could also cause the system to overheat, posing a fire hazard. 
• Without proper maintenance, the evaporator coil could get frost on it. This can also cause the AC to work overtime while never getting to the right temperature. 

In addition to losing cooling function, dust and debris could transfer from the evaporator coils and into the home’s air ducts. This can compromise the home’s indoor air quality, leading to respiratory problems in residents. 

Frost 

As noted, frost indicates that an evaporator coil needs cleaning. Frost could form for several reasons, but it usually results from poor airflow. When a coil gets coated in dust or debris, this prevents the system from “breathing” and properly conditioning the air. In turn, a home can feel hot in the middle of the day, all while driving up the home’s energy bills. 

When aiming to remove frost from an AC system’s evaporator coil, an HVAC specialist will: 

• Turn off the AC system. This will prevent frost from continuing to grow on the coil during cleaning. 
• Wait for the unit to thaw. How long it takes an AC unit to thaw depends on the size of the unit, along with the degree of the frost. 
• Inspect the airflow. The HVAC specialist will clean the system’s air filters and evaporator coils. They’ll likely do this using a rag and fluid. During their inspection, they may find other issues contributing to poor performance. 

The AC Runs for Long Periods 

The AC system should only run for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Running longer than that could mean that the unit is working overtime to cool the house. When an evaporator coil is dirty, it prevents the unit from working effectively. Without being addressed, a homeowner could see their energy bills (and home’s indoor temperature) increase. 

On the other hand, if the AC system turns on and quickly shuts off, this is known as “short-cycling.” Here, the AC system is overheating and turns off to avoid catching fire. Too much dust or debris clogged in the air filter or vents could be the culprit and warrant cleaning. 

About Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning 

Homeowners in Boston, MA, no longer have to worry about frozen or dirty AC coils. Instead, they can call the professionals at Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning. There’s nothing these professionals can’t handle, whether it’s a dirty coil or a new appliance installation. Call today to learn more!

Contact Information:

Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning

116 Cypress St
Brookline, MA 02445
United States

Jon Lorio
(617) 566-6990
https://www.atlantic-heat.com/