Dirt is one of your air conditioner’s biggest enemies. When it builds upon the different components of your system, it can lead to all kinds of performance and efficiency problems. One component that is most susceptible to dirt buildup that will require thorough cleaning is your air conditioner’s evaporator coil. So how do you know if your evaporator coil needs cleaning and what can you do to prevent dirt buildup on your coil?

How do you know when you need evaporator coil cleaning?

Your evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat from your home’s air. If there is even a small amount of dirt that builds upon the coil, it will hinder your air conditioner’s performance. Some of the most common symptoms that your evaporator coil needs cleaning include:

  • Insufficient cooling. Does it seem like no matter how long your air conditioner runs, your home just can’t get cool enough? Have you felt warm air coming out of your air registers? If your evaporator coil is dirty, it won’t be able to remove as much heat from your home and your air conditioner will have a hard time keeping your home cool.
  • Overworked air conditioner. Your air conditioner runs in cycles. When your home’s temperature exceeds your thermostat setting, your air conditioner kicks on until the temperature goes back to your desired level. If your evaporator coil is dirty, those cycles will last much longer and it might seem like your air conditioner is constantly running.
  • Frozen evaporator coil. If dirt buildup is restricting your evaporator coil’s ability to absorb heat, condensation can freeze up on the coil and cause your air conditioner to break down.

Why is evaporator coil cleaning best left to a professional?

Unlike your condenser coil, your evaporator coil is located on the indoor portion of your air conditioner. This makes the coil difficult to both access and clean. By trusting Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning with your evaporator coil cleaning, you can ensure that the job is done right and that the coil is properly accessed and sealed back up.

How can you prevent a dirty evaporator coil?

  • Keep up with your air filter changes
  • Install a higher efficiency filter or an air cleaner
  • Have annual maintenance performed by Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning

If you have any questions about evaporator coil cleaning, or if you’d like a cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning, your St. Louis area air conditioning company. We service the St. Louis area, including towns like Ballwin, Chesterfield, and Clarkson Valley.

photo credit: DayLove via photopin cc

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