When a client’s AC breaks down, HVAC contractors are the first people they call after trying to troubleshoot the issue themselves. Sometimes it could have to do with the compressor or air filter, which are important parts of an HVAC.
But another essential part that may need your expertise is the evaporator coil. We’ll discuss what it is, its importance to an HVAC unit, and how to clean it during your next maintenance call.
What Is an Evaporator Coil?
An evaporator coil is a component in an AC system that absorbs heat and moisture from inside a residential or commercial property. It’s usually attached to the furnace or inside an air handler and works with the condenser coil to create cool air, completing the heat exchange cycle.
Here’s a brief outline of how it works:
- Refrigerant runs through the coils while they absorb heat
- The absorbed heat moves from the evaporator coil and other parts of the AC until it’s released outside through the condenser coil
Why Is It So Important?
The evaporator coil is essential to air conditioner functionality because it helps it maintain efficiency. When coils are dirty, they can cause your system to work harder, increasing energy bills and decreasing its lifespan, which would also increase its carbon footprint.
Furthermore, poorly maintained coils can have other issues such as:
- Coils freezing over
- An overheating compressor
- Reduction in heat transfer
How Do You Clean an Evaporator Coil?
While customers may try to handle this task themselves, it is best for contractors to complete it. That’s because you’re more aware of the ins and outs of an air conditioning unit and wouldn’t cause issues during maintenance. But before you begin, you’ll need a few items that include:
- Protective eyewear
- A mask
- A soft bristle brush
- Coil cleaner
- Screwdriver, socket wrench, or nut driver
Here’s how you start cleaning evaporator coils:
- Switch off the air conditioner and air handling unit to avoid a hazardous situation
- Next, remove the access panel with your tools to gain access to the evaporator coil
- As you remove parts, try keeping them together to ensure you don’t lose anything
- Inspect the coil to see where debris has accumulated
- Use a soft bristle brush to clear dirt that remains on the coils; apply some pressure, but try to avoid using too much, so you don’t damage the fins
- Before using the brush, place a piece of cardboard underneath to catch the debris taken off the fins
- Spray the cleaner and let it sit for a small period; professional applications are highly recommended
- After the cleaner has done its job, you can rinse the coils with water
- Sometimes the debris may not come off after the first try; apply the cleaner until the coils meet your standards
- Finally, reattach the access panel and switch the unit back on
Sometimes the AC fins may get bent as you’re cleaning. Don’t worry; if you have a fin comb in your toolbox, you can fix them without any issues. Once they’re straightened, you’ve successfully finished cleaning the evaporator coils.
However, you can also provide residential and business owners with preventative maintenance tips regarding evaporator coils, such as:
- Changing the air filter regularly
- Scheduling HVAC maintenance annually
- Clearing debris around the condenser unit
HVAC Contractors Technology & Motili HVAC Solutions
It’s simple for facility managers to connect with contractors when they use Motili, and HVAC contractors no longer need to scramble to find steady work year-round. As a result, it’s now easier than ever to grow an HVAC contractor business with the Motili app.
Technology allows HVAC contractors to accept jobs from the app and clear communication with details about new jobs, service calls, and work orders. In addition, contractors using the Motili app can view and accept jobs as they become available for ongoing, consistent work. Since Motili averages more than 50,000 new system installs and more than 90,000 service work orders each year, there is plenty of work to go around.
How Does it Work?
Motili notifies contractors when a client needs service. Contractors choose which jobs to accept, but there’s no competition with other contractors once a position is taken. Motili provides the equipment, saving the contractor time and energy.
