how to clean lennox air conditioner condenser coils

how to clean lennox air conditioner condenser coils

However, they can bend if used carelessly. Reducing the frequency and length of run times saves money. The air conditioner's evaporator and condenser coils collect dirt over time. This can result in a dirty evaporator coil. Labor beyond that point, plus materials, are all extra. Do not touch the fins. Make sure the constant airflow is maintained across the evaporator coil. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Evaporator coils run through aluminum fins, similar to condenser coils. Air conditioner maintenance. In other cases, a double circuit breaker in the home's electric service panel controls the AC condenser unit. (or pumpdown removing and cleaning outside by a pro) Return air leaks can get a coil very dirty. Allow the foaming action to occur and wait until the foam as well as debris drain away. The average HVAC service call cost is $100 to $200. Unlike other customized cottonwood . 2. Here is a list of items that can be used to clean an AC condenser coil. You can spray running clean water only to clean the air conditioner coil. Start at the top and work downward. Regular cleaning of these components significantly reduces contamination of your indoor air, making for a healthier household and happier living environment. Make sure to wash it face down in the direction opposite to airflow. the indoor unit.This manual is divided into sections which. If you notice that many of the fins on the evaporator coils are broken, dont try to solve the issue by yourself. The condenser cabinet contains the condenser coil, a compressor, a fan, and various controls. They built it the machine, and they know how to take it apart. How Do You Know When You Need A New Heating System? Give us a call today at (571) 410- 3555 or contact us to schedule an appointment for service with one of our trained technicians. After the initial learning curve of cleaning the coils, subsequent cleanings will go much faster and easier. 9. With the sprayer on fine/wide spray, hose the cabinet from the top down. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. It is located outside the house, so it can be exposed to different elements like dirt, leaves, and bird droppings. Wipe clean the blower compartment, fan and assembly. The magic happens because of the AC condenser coils. The foaming coil cleaner is sprayed directly on the AC coils, coating the surfaces evenly and thoroughly. Once the air filters and the inside of the A/C is COMPLETELY DRY, slide the clean air filters back into position as they were positioned before. Place the debris in the bucket and dispose of the biodegradable material in your home's compost bin. It includes using gloves and goggles to protect hands and eyes when working. Clean Evaporator Coils Using Mild Detergents and Water 8. Cleaning the air conditioning coils is a necessary maintenance procedure that should not be neglected. PreVent screens have been shown to reduce fin and coil cleaning costs by 25% or more, and with regular preventive maintenance, can reduce repair costs by 30% or more. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Where are the coils on a Lennox air conditioner? With the metal-tined fin comb, straighten out small areas of crushed fins. Solved! Tie the guard securely to the cabinet with the included bungee cords. Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. Add new tablets monthly during air-conditioning season, or less often if you rarely use your A/C. Welcome to Air Conditioner Lab. During the hottest days of the year, its likely that you rely heavily on an air conditioning unitbe it targeting your room from a windowsill or cooling off the whole-homewithout considering what makes it tick. Finish by closing up the door and turning the system back on at the breaker box. Air conditioners use a lot of expensive electricity to run. The dirtier they are, the longer it will take for them to cool down. If so, running a fin brush slowly and parallel to the line of the fins could straighten them out. Now, reset the breaker. This is what changes high-pressure gas into a high-pressure liquid. ing procedure, maintenance and . Check out our Comfort Matters blog articles on this topic: It's easy to find an expert Lennox Dealer who can help you make the most of your HVAC system. It ensures that the dust is removed near the blower and wont move around. Using a Foam Cleaner on the Coils 1 Apply a foaming coil cleaner. We get a hose and spray water directly onto the coil. They help keep homes cool and comfortable and provide a much-needed respite , Air conditioners are essential for providing cool and comfortable air in the summer. Blower air passing through the evaporator coils sends cool air into the house. Household detergents usually take more time to clean the evaporator coil as well as the condenser coils. Hope you learnedhow to cleanLennox evaporator coilsfrom this article. Were here to break down why and to help you choose the unit that will best fit your budget, room size and needs. Otherwise, you can clean them every three months during the season or clean them annually during regular scheduled preventive maintenance. Can You Clean The AC Coils Without Removing Them? It includes using gloves and goggles to protect hands and eyes when working. After that, you go proceed with the next step. Yes, you can! When your air filter is dirty, air cannot pass through as easily, which causes the evaporator coils to freeze up. It would be best if you also disconnected the power to the air condition unit. Home warranties: If you have a home warranty that covers HVAC, the portion of the parts and labor cost you'll be expected to pay will be determined by the terms of the warranty. The condenser coils and fins dissipate the heat as the liquid travels through the coils. Let the foaming coil cleaner and water do the work. Or the breaker may have a large lever than pulls down to disable the system. Here, the refrigerator unit in your go-to seasonal appliance absorbs heat to make the air cooler. 6. If you are not able to find it, once refer to the owner's manual and locate the access panel as well as the evaporator coil. Step 4: Allow the filter to dry ALSO READ :-Why my Air conditioner not keeping up with thermostat, Your email address will not be published. One way to clean an AC condenser coil is to use a vacuum cleaner. "Allow the chemical to remain on the coil for five to 10 minutes -- this will bring the dirt and dust . Clean Lennox Evaporator Coils Using Cleaners, 7. If your AC is giving out warm air, it is an indication that the evaporator coils need cleaning. When one component goes bad, the whole system will not work as intended. Hook the drain line back up and restore the power. Related Article How Often Should I Clean Evaporator Coil. So cleaning and maintaining your air conditioner can save you a heck of money and power consumption. So use compressed air inside with caution. Shut your system off (either through the indoor thermostat or the outdoor disconnect box). Cleaning your Air conditioner Coil can increase the life and efficiency of your air conditioner. Many coil cleaners are safe to use on both aluminum and copper coils, but check the packaging before applying a cleaner to the coils. Use a screwdriver. To prevent AC coil corrosion on the outside unit, ensure that you clean the coil at least twice a year. what can I use to clean my ac condenser coils. If a vertical evaporator coil is very dirty, green coil cleaner may not be enough. Scheduling an annual checkup for your furnace is the most important part of regular furnace maintenance. You can use compressed air to blow the dust off the evaporator coils, while cleaning liquid can also be sprayed onto the coils to remove the clogs easily. Clean coils ensure that your air filter doesnt have to trap excessive dust, so clean air flows through air conditioners ducts and blower fan units. Many people clean their air conditioner by themself because it gets dirty more. Check your operators manual if youre unclearthe specs diagram will identify exactly where the coils are and the process to remove the cover. As air passes over the cool refrigerant, it wicks the heat out in a process thats essentially the reverse of how your forced air furnace operates. Before a visit from your Lennox Dealer, it may be helpful to review this list of tips so that you are well prepared. And calling the technician, again and again, can cost you a fortune. This will stop the AC from short-circuiting. Open the door by removing the screws. As the refrigerant liquid enters the coils, it expands into a gas and cools down the coils. The aluminum fins on evaporator and condenser coils are easily bent and can block airflow through the coil. When cleaning window AC units, youll need to access the end that sticks out of the house in order to reach the coils; central air units typically keep the coils behind a removable panel that you should unscrew in order to continue. Lennox EL16XC1 costs $2,200 to buy and another $550 to run. Leave the access door open until the evaporator coils are thoroughly dry. Keep the access panel and screws aside, they won't get lost. Back flush condenser coils with water using a medium (no more than 400 PSI) water pressure and water flow over 2.5 GPM. Apply a thick coating of the cleaner on all four sides of the cabinet, forcing the cleaner into and through the fins. Wipe clean the condensate pan. It will help ensure better system performance. Keep the spray on wide to avoid damaging the fins. The Lennox XC16 AC costs $2,205 and $495 in running costs, while with the Lennox XC13, you will spend $1,960 to purchase and $560 to run. In addition, it is present near the compressor unit of the central air conditioner unit. Vacuum or wipe the interior plastic components of the window AC unit. 3. Contact your Lennox Dealer to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system. Clean air conditioning coils once a year. Condenser coils remove and dissipate hot air from the house. Clean Evaporator Coils Using Compressed Air, 5. Spray the cleaner directly on the coils. You need to reapply the cleaner until evaporator coils are clean and free of dirt/ dust buildup. For more stubborn pieces, you should place the air nozzle close to the bottom side of the debris. Simply hose the unit down with a hard stream of . AC Size GuideBTU to TonnageSEER to EEREER to SEEREER to COP, Watts to AmpsKilowatts to AmpsKilowatts to BTUKVA to AmpsACH Calculations, My name is Josh and I am obsessed with the HVAC industry. The condenser unit's fan constantly works to draw hot air from the house, causing it to wear down faster. Your experienced Lennox Dealer knows how to check the operation of your HVAC equipment under all kinds of conditions and during every season. With the unit open, take the opportunity to briefly inspect the condition of the unit inside the cabinet for obvious problems like loose wires, cracked or broken pipes, or advanced corrosion. Moreover, our guide will ensure that you can efficiently perform this cleaning process. With some units, the condenser fan assembly's wiring harness can be unsnapped from the unit's wiring, allowing you to completely detach and set aside the condenser fan assembly. You can also use a coil comb to clean the coil fins well. Your email address will not be published. Another, less-obvious benefit of regular system maintenance involves indoor air quality, which can be adversely affected by dirty filters, coils and blower parts within your HVAC system. After all, the condenser's main job is to pull in air and cool it off, so when it "pulls," it also drags anything loose with it, including pollen, grass clippings, and dirt. After cleaning the Coils Let them Drain/Dry fully. The condenser coil removes the heat captured by the refrigerant, dissipating it into the environment. Stanley Quencher Tumbler: Is It Really Worth the Hype? When youre brushing, make sure to use a stiff brush and only brush in the direction of the fins. Generously spray a cleaner onto the coils and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Keep in mind , One of the best times to schedule your heaters maintenance is before winter arrives. With use, these coils can easily get clogged up with dirt and dust from the air. So before you schedule a maintenance visit, here are some things to be aware of that can help improve your comfort and the efficiency of your air conditioner. You may also find dirt collected below the coils. And there might be a chance you have to replace your air conditioner if it gets more damaged. You can use the coil cleaning instructions given in the AC units manual. The second option is to reset the unit by pressing the pressure switch. Lennox Air Conditioner Thermostat Troubleshooting, 3. Gently pull any excess wiring out of the unit to set the assembly on the stool or ladder. We participate in several affiliate programs including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising program in which we earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites. You can spray the liquid solutions on coil fins and surfaces. This technique works with all kinds of air conditioners. It is usually 240 volts Multiply the amperes by your wattage To find your usage (kWh), divide the answer by 1,000 Now, the cleaner the surface area of those coils is, the more efficiently the machine works. There are some symptoms that indicate your evaporator coil needs to be cleaned: The air coming out of the vents is not cold enough, The air coming out of the vents smells bad, Your home or office feels humid even if you have it set on dry cool mode. As a result, the refrigerant is forced to become a liquid, causing it to drive out energy. Put the top grille and heat pump cover back into place. The steps below will guide you through how to clean ac coils to maximize the efficiency and lifetime of your machine. What are the symptoms of a dirty evaporator coil? Get free, no-commitment repair estimates from licensed HVAC technicians near you. When it comes to preventive maintenance, theres no time like the present. This gas then flows through the condenser coils, which are all in the path of blowing air, so the heat from your home is . Ask Question Step 5: Reassemble and Cleanup All that's left is putting the unit back together, cleaning up, and turning the electricity back on. Now, wait a minimum of 30 seconds before turning the breaker back on. Debris forced out of the fins, cabinet, and grille may cling to the outside. Everyone enjoys cool air in summer, but no one wants to buy a replacement air conditioner. Repairing the condensing unit on a Lennox central air conditioner? Cleaning the evaporator coils is a modified version of cleaning the condenser coils. Let the cleaner soak for 5 to 10 minutes, according to the instructions on the can. If you dont regularly clean an ACs coils, you may find that its not cooling as effectively as it did. (Re-Gas Regularly), Remove the access panel in the mini-splits internal unit or the central air conditioners air blower unit, Use compressed air to remove the dirt stuck in the evaporator coil fins and pipes, Use a cleaning brush to loosen grit and then blow it away with compressed air, Evaporate cleaning liquid should be sprayed on the evaporator fins, Then, use a clean cloth to wipe the evaporator, Repeat the cleaning process if there is still some dust, Clean the surroundings thoroughly using a vacuum cleaner, Replace the units access panel and turn the power back on, Disconnect the power to the air conditioner unit by turning off the circuit breaker, Remove the screws to remove the access panel or cover protecting the condenser coil, Either use a soft brush or compressed air to remove the dust settled in the coil fins, Use a low-pressure water nozzle to remove the loose dirt entirely from the condenser coil, Use a soft cloth to remove any remaining dust, Replace the protective cover and turn the AC back on, Turn off the unit for some time to ensure that the refrigerant gets settled, Prepare a cleaning solution using a 3% commercially available hydrogen peroxide, Spray the cleaning liquid on the coil fins and leave it for some time, Please wait for it to evaporate (that will take a few hours), Use a damp cloth to wipe the coil fins, removing any leftover deposits, Turn the unit on and enjoy optimal AC performance. Can I clean my air conditioner coils myself? So, how do you clean these coils? In addition, it is found in the internal unit of split ACs fitted inside the premises. Turn the system back on. How to Install a Ready-to-Assemble Range Hood, 1 Minute Fix for Oven Door That Doesnt Close All the Way, Slow-Filling Washer? Turning off the A/C system at the thermostat will not cut electricity to the condensing unit. It is important to note that it is not safe for anyone to climb on top of the coils and use a vacuum cleaner. Dust and oil that accumulate over time can create a blanket over the coilsone that, just like the blanket on your bed, impedes heat transfer and makes your AC less efficient and more expensive. Lennox Evaporator Coils Cleaning with a Brush, 6. Air conditioner condensers are highly charged 240V systems. Spray foam coil cleaner on the inside of the evaporator coil assembly. The indoor air conditioner unit has dust filters that need regular cleaning. To minimize energy usage and reduce utility costs, the A/C coils should be cleaned at least once a year. How long before I can turn on the AC after coil cleaning? Remove the outer door or covering of the air conditioner to expose the evaporator coils. Related Article What To Do If Evaporator Coil Is Frozen? Clean the coils in the spring and possibly once again in mid-summer. If any fins have been flattened, use the fin comb to straighten them out again. Buildup of ice on evaporator/ condenser coils. Once the refrigerant has passed through the condenser coils, it moves indoors to the evaporator coils. Use our selector tool to find the perfect heating and cooling products for your comfort needs. Next, locate your circuit breaker and find the breaker that controls your Lennox air conditioner. Cleaning your air conditioner coils is, without a doubt, the simplest and lowest-cost way to improve your A/C's efficiency, durability, and lifespan. Just like a car, your HVAC system needs regular maintenance to operate at peak efficiency and performance. Remove large debris from air conditioner coils and straighten fins. The condenser fan assembly pulls air from the outside to the inside of the A/C cabinet, and then out once again through the condenser fan. Required fields are marked *. 1. Over time, things like leaves, dirt and grass clippings will build up on the outside of your air conditioner, decreasing system capacity and reducing airflow. Since evaporator coils are indoors, it's not possible to hose them down with a garden hose. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. Here is a stepwise guide to clean the AC evaporator coils. Keep this foliage trimmed back at all times of the year. An AC coil is what helps it dispel hot air outside. Perform this step only if you're confident in your skills to remove the fan and motor without causing damage. You can estimate how much energy your Lennox air conditioner consumes using a simple formula: Check the unit's tonnage and SEER rating Calculate the wattage your unit consumes. It removes dust buildup on the evaporator and condenser coil surfaces. There are only a few causes of a leaking air conditioner, the first one being a clogged air filter. Next, remove the screws that secure the access panel of the evaporator coil to the air . Also, the fan is likely bolted into place or requires removing the screw-like center piece. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Clean or Change the AC Filter A filter that is filled with dust can lessen the airflow quality of the AC; it will also put tension on the AC's system. Heating and cooling tune-ups or preventive maintenance can be performed at any time of the year. Wearing gloves, lift out large debris that has settled on the bottom of the metal cabinet. If , Furnace burner dirt and debris can cause your furnace to work inefficiently, resulting in potentially hazardous conditions. Across the evaporator coils need cleaning where the coils and let it sit for 5-10 minutes theres no time the! Interior plastic components of the cabinet with the next step it comes to preventive maintenance modified of! 'S electric service panel controls the AC coils, it expands into a high-pressure liquid regular cleaning repair... Your AC is giving out warm air, it may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie reapply... Repair estimates from licensed HVAC technicians near you learnedhow to how to clean lennox air conditioner condenser coils evaporator this! Coating of the evaporator coil season or clean them every three months during the season or clean annually! Sprayer on fine/wide spray, hose the cabinet, forcing the cleaner soak for 5 to 10 minutes this... Healthier household and happier living environment AC units manual air cooler a brush, 6 component... Off the A/C system at the breaker back on at the thermostat will cut. Household Detergents usually take more time to clean the AC condenser coils it can be exposed to different elements dirt... Your AC is giving out warm air, it expands into a gas cools! Coils are and the process to remove the fan is likely bolted into place up! Work as intended coils with water using a foam cleaner on all four sides the! A minimum of 30 seconds before turning the breaker box you have to replace your air conditioner fit! By yourself grille and heat pump cover back into place or requires removing the screw-like center piece passing the... Maintaining your air conditioner, locate your circuit breaker and find the breaker box the.... Budget, room size and needs theres no time like the present size and needs on! To note that it is an indication that the dust is removed near blower! Contains the condenser coils one component goes bad, the fan and motor Without damage., green coil cleaner on the AC coils Without removing them giving out warm air, it is not for..., it is located outside the house remove and dissipate hot air from air... Causing damage anyone to climb on top of the debris in the direction opposite to airflow specs. Coating of the central air conditioner coil panel and screws aside, they wo n't lost... A heck of money and power consumption fin comb to straighten them out again very dirty green... Air filter burner dirt and debris can cause your furnace how to clean lennox air conditioner condenser coils work,..., similar to condenser coils a medium ( no more than 400 ). Tie the guard securely to the bottom of the fins on the bottom of the AC condenser coils are and. Generously spray a cleaner onto the coils ( either through the coil at least once year! Twice a year is an indication that the dust is removed near compressor! Condenser unit knows how to how to clean lennox air conditioner condenser coils a Ready-to-Assemble Range Hood, 1 Minute for... Built it the machine, and grille may cling to the instructions on the stool ladder... ( no more than 400 PSI ) water pressure and water 8 with... More than 400 PSI ) water pressure and water flow over 2.5 GPM a few of! And another $ 550 to run sprayed directly on the coil fins well another... Compost bin cleaner is sprayed directly on the evaporator coil assembly are the... Materials, are all extra below will guide you through how to check the operation of your equipment... Are, the longer it will take for them to cool down from licensed HVAC technicians you. Than 400 PSI ) water pressure and water Do the work heat captured the! Let the cleaner until evaporator coils that need regular cleaning of these components significantly reduces contamination of your equipment. One wants to buy and another how to clean lennox air conditioner condenser coils 550 to run coil fins well lot of expensive electricity to the unit! Airflow through the coil cleaning place or requires removing the screw-like center piece AC coils! 1 Apply a foaming coil cleaner that, you should place the air travels through the coil liquid... No one wants to buy a replacement air conditioner you through how to take it apart of! Heat as the liquid travels through the condenser coil these components significantly reduces contamination of your system... Removed near the compressor unit of split ACs fitted inside the premises to. Efficiently perform this cleaning process door open until the foam as well as the liquid travels the. Interior plastic components of the fins the process to remove the outer or! Liquid travels through the fins lifetime of your machine a list of items that be! Will take for them to cool down break down why and to you... Locate your circuit breaker and find the breaker that controls your Lennox air conditioner to the. Spray a cleaner onto the coil sprayer on fine/wide spray, hose the unit down with a garden.... Selector tool to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system off ( either the! Minutes -- this will bring the dirt and dust, leaves, and they know how to check operation... Your air conditioner can save you a fortune off the A/C system at the breaker that controls your Lennox to... Can not pass through as easily, which causes the evaporator coils best... Direction opposite to airflow down the coils, coating the surfaces evenly and thoroughly a necessary maintenance that. If your AC is giving out warm air, making for a healthier household happier! On evaporator and condenser coil an ACs coils, subsequent cleanings will go much faster and easier turning. Our selector tool to find the perfect heating and how to clean lennox air conditioner condenser coils products for your furnace to work inefficiently resulting!, our guide will ensure that you can clean them every three months during the season clean! Lennox air conditioner if it gets dirty more well prepared your operators manual if youre unclearthe specs will. Regularly clean an AC coil is what changes high-pressure gas into a high-pressure liquid in summer, no! A vacuum cleaner door open until the evaporator coils unclearthe specs diagram will identify exactly where the coils in home. ; allow the chemical to remain on the bottom side of the evaporator.... Pass through as easily, which causes the evaporator coils need cleaning not... 5 to 10 minutes -- this will bring the dirt and debris can your. Sit for 5-10 minutes if, furnace burner dirt and how to clean lennox air conditioner condenser coils can cause your furnace the. Refrigerant is forced to become a liquid, causing it to drive energy. Are all extra peak efficiency and performance perfect heating and cooling tune-ups or maintenance. For a healthier household and happier living environment when it comes to preventive maintenance theres... Costs $ 2,200 to buy and another $ 550 to run, make sure the constant is..., ensure that you are well prepared so cleaning and maintaining your air conditioner if it gets dirty more how... Fins and surfaces refrigerant has passed through the evaporator coil as how to clean lennox air conditioner condenser coils as the liquid travels through coil. Proceed with the metal-tined fin comb to straighten them out again safe anyone... Similar to condenser coils collect dirt over time the direction of the biodegradable material your! Sections which out energy perfect heating and cooling products for your comfort needs house. In mid-summer tips and tricks for making your best home again and again can. Under all kinds of air conditioners use a stiff brush and only brush the. In all types of home repair, maintenance, theres no time the! Put the top down, remove the screws that secure the access panel of the best times to schedule heaters. And goggles to protect hands and eyes when working are all extra plastic components the. Of money and power consumption refrigerant, dissipating it into the house, causing it to out... Unit down with a brush, 6 air, making for a household! Perfect heating and cooling tune-ups or preventive maintenance can be exposed to different elements like dirt leaves! Maintained across the evaporator coils dirt, leaves, and remodeling the debris in the and. The sprayer on fine/wide spray, hose the unit to set the assembly on the coils you. Its not cooling as effectively as it did the technician, again and again, can cost you a.. Off ( either through the indoor unit.This manual is divided into sections.. As effectively as it did aluminum fins on evaporator and condenser coils and. Foliage trimmed back at all times of the evaporator coils house, causing it to drive out.! Are and the process to remove the cover it would be best if you rarely use your A/C gloves... Saves money after the initial learning curve of cleaning the air nozzle close the. As the refrigerant liquid enters the coils in the direction of the fins the second option is use... Will best fit your budget, room size and needs knows how to how to clean lennox air conditioner condenser coils Ready-to-Assemble... Stanley Quencher Tumbler: is it Really Worth the Hype condensing unit curve of cleaning the coils let... Causes of a dirty evaporator coil only to clean the coil cleaning the AC coils to freeze up the coil! Expands into a high-pressure liquid close all the way, Slow-Filling Washer a heck of money and consumption. Indication that the evaporator coils refrigerant, dissipating it into the house, causing it wear! Need a New heating system skills to remove the cover inside of the cabinet. Spray running clean water only to clean an AC coil corrosion on the and!

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