When it comes to keeping your air conditioner running efficiently, few tasks are as important, and often overlooked, as cleaning the AC coils. Your system relies on two sets of coils: the evaporator coils (inside your home) and the condenser coils (outside your home). Over time, both can collect dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris that interfere with performance.
Today, we at Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning would like to explore why cleaning your AC coils matters and how it impacts your comfort, energy bills, and overall system health.
1) Improved Efficiency
Dirty coils act as insulation between your system and the air it’s trying to cool or release heat into. When debris builds up, it prevents the coils from transferring heat effectively. This forces your air conditioner to work harder and run longer to reach the set temperature. Clean coils allow for better airflow and heat exchange, meaning your system can cool your home faster and with less energy, improving its efficiency and lowering your utility bills.
2) Lower Energy Costs
A clogged coil can increase your system’s energy usage by as much as 30%. If your AC runs more often and for longer periods, your electric bill will reflect it. Regular coil cleaning ensures your air conditioner operates at peak performance, which translates into real monthly savings. For homeowners in hot climates, where the AC runs much of the year, this can add up to hundreds of dollars in annual savings.
3) Extended System Lifespan
Like any mechanical system, your air conditioner experiences wear and tear over time. When it has to work harder because of dirty coils that wear and tear happens faster. The strain can lead to overheating, system breakdowns, or even compressor failure, one of the most expensive repairs in an HVAC system. Keeping the coils clean reduces that stress and helps your system last longer. In many cases, regular maintenance can add years to the life of your air conditioner.
4) Better Indoor Air Quality
Your evaporator coils sit inside the air handler and are in direct contact with the air that circulates through your home. When coils are dirty, they can harbor mold, mildew, and bacteria. These contaminants can get pushed into your ducts and out through your vents, polluting the air you breathe.
Clean coils help ensure your system isn’t spreading allergens or harmful particles throughout your home.
5) Fewer Repairs and Breakdowns
Dirt on the coils doesn’t just reduce efficiency, it can cause parts of the system to overheat or freeze. Ice buildup on dirty evaporator coils is a common issue that can lead to system shutdowns. Preventative cleaning is a small step that can help you avoid inconvenient (and costly) emergency repairs.
Keep Your Coils Clean to Stay Comfortable
Coil cleaning is a simple task with major benefits. Whether it’s part of a professional AC tune-up or a routine homeowner maintenance check, keeping your coils clean is one of the best ways to ensure your system runs smoothly and efficiently all year long. Call Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning for air conditioning services in the Greater Hampshire and Hamden County, Massachusetts area.
