Do Your AC Coils Need to Be Cleaned?
At Total Air and Heat, we’ve seen plenty of AC systems go sideways—all because of dirty AC coils. It’s one of those things most folks don’t think about until something feels off. But if you’re sweating through what should be cool air or watching your energy bills climb faster than a Texas thermometer, your coils might be the culprit.
So, how do you know if your AC coils need to be cleaned? You don’t need a magnifying glass or a degree in HVAC science to spot the warning signs. You just need to know what to look for, and that’s where we come in.
First Off—What Are AC Coils?
There are two main coils in your air conditioner: the evaporator and the condenser coils.
- Evaporator coil: Located inside your home, usually near the blower. It’s responsible for absorbing heat from the indoor air.
- Condenser coil: Sits in the outdoor unit and dumps the heat outside.
Both work together like the push and pull of a seesaw. If either one gets coated with grime, dust, or yard debris, your whole system loses its edge.
Signs Your AC Coils Might Be Gunked Up
You don’t have to take the unit apart to figure out something’s wrong. If you notice one or more of the following symptoms, your AC coils are likely overdue for a cleaning:
1. Weak or Warm Airflow
Put your hand up to a vent. Does it feel like a tired sigh instead of a strong breeze? That could mean your evaporator coil is clogged and not pulling enough heat from the air.
2. Rising Energy Bills
If your system has to run longer to cool the same space, it’s going to burn more power. Dirty AC coils act like clogged arteries, making the system work harder for less payoff.
3. Frost or Ice on the Coils
This one’s tricky because it seems backward. But when the evaporator coil gets coated with dust, it can actually freeze over. If you see ice buildup, shut the system off and call us.
4. Unpleasant Smells
A musty or burnt smell coming from your vents may mean mold or grime has built up on the coil. That can spread through your ductwork and into the rooms you breathe in.
5. Short Cycling
If your AC turns on and off quickly, it could be overheating from blocked AC coils. This can wear out your compressor quickly—and that’s no cheap fix.
6. Outdoor Unit Sounds Strange
Condenser coils can get coated with grass clippings, leaves, or even pet hair. When airflow is restricted, you might hear humming, clicking, or the fan straining.
Our Cleaning Process at Total Air and Heat
We don’t just give it a once-over and call it good. Our approach to coil cleaning? Our only way is all the way. Here’s how we do it:
1. Initial System Inspection
We start by checking airflow, temperature drop across the coil, refrigerant pressures, and visual signs of buildup. We don’t just clean to clean—we clean because your system needs it.
2. Indoor Coil Access
We carefully open the cabinet around the evaporator coil, protect surrounding areas, and identify buildup on the fins or drain pan.
3. Outdoor AC Coil Rinse and Clear
On the condenser coil, we remove the top of the unit (fan and all), spray out debris with low-pressure water, and clean each fin with a specialized brush.
4. Coil-Safe Cleaner Application
For deeper grime, we apply a no-rinse, coil-safe cleaner that breaks down grease, smoke film, and stuck-on dirt without damaging the metal.
5. Drain Line Flush
A dirty coil often leads to a clogged drain line. We flush the line to stop water from backing up or flooding your attic or closet.
6. System Recheck and Calibration
Once clean, we reassemble everything, run the system, and measure output. You’ll feel the difference before we walk out the door.
If your system needs more than just coil cleaning, we may recommend a Tip Top Tuneup to catch other performance hiccups while we’re there.
When to Call for Professional Help
Some homeowners like to do a little maintenance on their own—and that’s great. But coil cleaning isn’t the easiest DIY. Here’s when you should hand over the wrench and call us instead:
- You see frost or ice anywhere on the lines or coil
- The system runs but barely cools the space
- Your breaker trips when the AC kicks on
- You smell moldy or burnt odors when the system runs
- You don’t feel confident removing panels or handling refrigerant components
- You’ve cleaned filters but airflow still feels weak
- Your outdoor unit looks like it just lost a battle with a weed whacker
We’ve been your trusted next-door neighbor for 65 years, and we’ve helped thousands of folks across North Texas bring their systems back from the brink.
FAQs
How often should AC coils be cleaned?
For most homes, once a year does the trick. If you’ve got pets, heavy tree cover, or live near construction, you may need more frequent cleanings.
Can I clean the coils myself?
You can rinse off the outdoor coils with a garden hose if you’re careful, but indoor coils are harder to reach and clean safely. We recommend leaving that part to the pros.
Does a dirty AC coil damage my AC?
Yes. Over time, dirt buildup causes higher pressures and strain on your compressor, which can lead to early failure and expensive repairs.
Will a dirty coil affect air quality?
Absolutely. Mold and mildew love moist, dusty AC coils. That gunk can then blow into your home and mess with your lungs, especially if you’ve got allergies or asthma.
Why does my AC coils keep getting dirty so fast?
It might be due to poor filter choices, duct leaks, or excessive dust inside your home. We can help track down the root cause.
Don’t Wait for the System to Sputter
Dirty ACcoils can sneak up on you. At first, you just feel a little warm. Then your energy bill rises. Before long, you’ve got ice, smells, or worse—total shutdown. And the whole time, your AC’s been waving a white flag.
At Total Air and Heat, we’re not comfortable until you are. That means honest answers, fast action, and long-term fixes.
Think your coils might be overdue for a cleaning? Give us a call. Let’s take care of the gunk so your home can breathe easy again. And hey—don’t be surprised if your AC sounds happier when we’re done. It probably will be.
