How Often Should You Clean Your AC Coils in Hampton, Virginia?

You rarely, if ever, see them, but they play a vital role in your air conditioner’s efficiency, performance, and dependability. Air conditioning coils work hard to remove heat and moisture from conditioned air. So, how often should you clean your AC coils?

Hats Off Heating and Air Conditioning frequently cleans neglected coils when performing AC services in Hampton, VA. We’ll walk you through the importance of regular cleanings and how often you should schedule them below. 

What Do Air Conditioning Coils Do?

First, let’s find out what the coils do within the air conditioning system. You have two coils: The evaporator coils in the indoor air handler remove heat from the refrigerant cycling through them, while the condenser coils, located in the outdoor equipment, release the heat outside.

If one or both coil sets become cloaked in dust and debris, your house will not cool, and the system runs for nothing. Technicians recommend regularly cleaning AC coils for efficiency, system protection and longevity. 

Why Do the Coils Need Occasional Cleanings?

How often should you clean AC coils to achieve optimal performance? Both coil sets gradually gather debris from their surroundings. The evaporator coils gather dust from indoors, while the condenser coils are constantly exposed to organic debris, like grass clippings, dead leaves, and bug carcasses.

These substances cover and prevent the coils from letting off heat causing the evaporator coil to freeze and shut the whole system down. Dirty condenser coils can develop a glistening coat of frost too, and you’ll notice the air entering each room doesn’t feel cool and crisp. 

When the coils get filthy, their inability to perform affects system efficiency and longevity. Air conditioner coil maintenance typically aligns with your regular HVAC tune-ups.

How Often Should You Clean Your AC Coils?

How often should you clean your AC coils in Hampton, Virginia? Well, when would you typically schedule your tune-ups? Many Hampton residents schedule their maintenance visits during early to mid-spring. 

The technician will usually tackle both coils during this appointment, which means annual cleanings. However, your ideal AC coil cleaning frequency may increase if you own an older HVAC system. Aging cooling equipment gathers dust faster and may need more attention to go the extra mile and last a little longer.

How Do You Benefit From Clean Coils?

Adhering to your technician’s residential AC maintenance frequency and keeping both coils clean will save you money and help you avoid stress. You might not think it’s that simple, but comprehensive tune-ups protect many aspects of your home or business in Hampton, Virginia:

• Air quality: If your coils have dusty coatings, guess where else that dust goes? It’s in your home because your HVAC system doesn’t adequately filter particles without sufficient airflow. 
• Installation investments: You can make your cooling system last longer. That means more time to save up and plan for new equipment. 
• Occupant comfort: Since the coils directly impact regulated cooling and airflow, they also play a vital role in your comfort. You’ll notice your system struggles to reach your temperature settings and doesn’t effectively eliminate humidity. 
• Fewer repair demands: How often should you clean your AC coils? As often as needed to prevent unpredictable breakdowns! Once the coils freeze up, they can cause whole-system failures.
• Energy conservation: Keeping the coils clean as a whistle means your air conditioner works harmoniously. You save money on utility bills rather than watching the incremental increases that come from stressed equipment. 

Never Miss Coil Cleanings With HVAC Maintenance Services in Hampton, Virginia

Not only does air conditioner maintenance address your HVAC coil cleaning schedule, but it also keeps other components in check. 

• Refrigerant top-offs: Evaporator coils and refrigerant levels go hand-in-hand since the coils remove heat from this substance. 
• Lubrication: The blower motor houses numerous moving components and fuels the entire cooling process. Lubricant prevents the friction that accelerates wear and tear. 
• Component cleanings: Coils aren’t the only parts that need a wipe-down. Fan blades, outdoor unit fins and drain pans need a thorough cleaning to limit debris buildup. 
• Ductwork inspections: A lot of dust comes from the ductwork. A technician checks for excessively caked dust and cracks that enable outdoor air to infiltrate the system.