How dirty evaporator coils can affect an air conditioner

Not many people are in the habit of inspection whether their air conditioners are in good shape or not. This is because most units are usually installed in inaccessible spots, which can only be accessed by technicians. However, if the air conditioning unit is in an accessible area, a person should take time to inspect the evaporator coils. Typically, an evaporator coil is a long tube, which is usually coiled and covered with metal fins on the exterior. For a person who has not had his or her air conditioning unit cleaned, it is usually a nasty site, particularly if a person now understands that the air conditioning unit affects the air he or she breathes.

Apart from the fact that a dirty air conditioner cannot effectively cool a place, dirty coils usually come with other disadvantages which include:

• Increased energy bills – when the AHU coils are not clean, the air conditioning unit is forced to work harder and to operate for longer hours for it to cool a place. As a result, the air conditioner uses a lot of energy, which translates to high energy bills. However, the energy bills can be reduced through regular cleaning of the air conditioning coil.
• Regular breakdowns – if an air conditioning system runs for long hours and works harder to cool an area, the AC system is usually strained, which causes its parts to wear out more quickly, and this can lead to a complete breakdown if it is unchecked.
• Shorter air conditioning system life – if the coils of an air conditioning unit are not cleaned regularly, the increased wear shortens the air conditioner's expected lifespan. A person can be forced to replace his or her air conditioner sooner than they expected.

How can someone know that the AC coil needs to be cleaned?

The answer to this is relative. But, in general, a person should clean the air conditioning coil at least two times per year, and this should be part of the regular maintenances. However, there are other factors which might force someone to clean his or her air conditioning coil frequently. These factors include:

• The condition and age of the air conditioner – old air conditioners are susceptible to collecting dirt faster.
• How the person uses the air conditioner – for how long does the air conditioner run per day and how many people occupy the area where it cools? If the air conditioner runs for long hours and the area is occupied by many people, then it will accumulate dirt more often. As a result, the air conditioner coil will demand to be cleaned on a regular basis.
• The location of the air conditioner – is the air conditioner located close to the street level where pollution is higher? Is there construction activity going on close to the building which is emitting debris and dirt into the air? It the air conditioning unit close to exhausting fumes from factories and kitchens nearby? If that's the case, then the coil will require being cleaned more regularly. 

However never allow anyone without air conditioning experience to clean the AC coils since they are very sensitive, and can be damaged easily. Also, cleaning AC coils require specialized handling since there is a risk of electric shock and handling of possibly harmful chemicals.

Aluminum V/S Copper condenser coil

Modern times and technological advancements have made it easy for people to successfully exploit the outstanding properties of copper and use it in ways that were practically out of our imagination. From the manufacturing of tubes and pipe products for household use such as use in water porters in houses and buildings to becoming the largest used metal of its category, copper has much to give. Copper tubes, today, are utilized in the refrigerating and air conditioning system as condenser coils and mostly used for plumbing owing to its below-mentioned properties:-

• Resistant to corrosion  
• Good conductor of heat and electricity 
• Malleability and ductility 
• Consumption of less refrigerant

These inherent properties of copper meet the demands of the air conditioner industry. A shift to copper tubes took place as a result of the responsive features showcased by it. Though it has been one of the top choices since time immortal when it comes to AHU coils, its popularity is still a new in its contemporary form – light-weighted, strong and corrosion-resistant. Today, it’s used in every type of heat exchanger systems.

Why copper instead of aluminum?

Almost a decade ago, aluminum coils dominated the condenser coil market. It offered a plethora of benefits to the manufacturers since it was comparatively cheaper and had a better heat transfer property. Lately, the scenario changed, and manufacturers turned their heads to copper condenser coils and copper tubes. To give you a rough comparison, the thermal conductivity of copper is nearly eight times that of aluminum tubes. Additionally, repairing aluminum is more costly than copper, and even the latter’s superior strength opened exit gates for aluminum.

Copper smartly replaced aluminum as better condenser coils due to the following reasons:-

• Strength
• Reliability
• Easy to maintain and repair
• Excellent heat transferring ability
• Resistance to external and mechanical damage

Copper coils, especially chilled water coils can be easily cleaned and even saves high on time, money and maintenance efforts. Small sized or micro copper tubes instantly transfer heat outside in order to boost the indoor cooling system and also withstands corrosion in an effective and efficient manner. The newly developed copper condenser coils also overcome the disadvantage of galvanic action.

Additionally, small copper tubes offer more advantages that its regular sized counterparts:-

• Featuring a more compact design
• Promise higher efficiency in the arena of heat exchanger coils

To conclude, though copper has been in use since ages, its actual properties are unveiling now and serving as a significant advantage to the manufacturing tube and coil industry.

4 Resolutions to Maintaining the Health of your HVAC Systems!

Many petty things in life actually deserve equal importance than your personal self. No, I’m not talking about going to the gym or keep a check on your diet (though they make for essential day-to-day activities), but I’m talking about taking care of your home and its appliances. This year, take a resolution to maintain the health of your HVAC system, especially condenser coils for condensing units and make way for an easy, comfort driven life.

Check and Change Filter

Air filter makes for an essential part of the HVAC system and also of your home’s air quality. If the air filter is not cleaned on a regular basis, dirt accumulated in it that demeans the quality of the air, which in turn, affects the air that we breathe in. Furthermore, a dirty air filter also makes the HVAC system work harder increasing the risk of the system’s failure. It is, therefore, strongly advised that you must clean the air filter at least once a month.

Schedule Two Tune-ups

Opt for a system tune-up at least once in six months – typically once at the start of the spring season and next before the end of the autumn. During these checks make sure the technicians checks the working of the AHU coils, maps the efficiency of the entire unit and even repairs damages if any. If the technician suggests a replacement of the coils, ensure to opt for condenser coils manufacturers as that of the original coils. Replacing with a different make not always serves as a benefit.

Use the thermostat in a More Efficient Manner

Are you in need for a programmable thermostat? Now is the time to get one installed! A programmable thermostat aids in using it in a much more effective and efficient manner, maintain the health of the appliance and even cut that extra electricity cost you’ve been paying for months now. Set the thermostat in a way that you get a comfortable home and save money.

Duct Cleaning is Necessary

Similar to air filters, a duct cleaning is also essential. Dust mites, molds, and mildew, all can live inside the duct and cause the appliance to dysfunction. This, in turn, can cause a problem for you and your family. Hence, when you call in a technician to clean the air filter and the hydrophobic coated coils, make sure to ask him to clean the ducts as well. Also, look for any kind of damage or leaks and get them repaired right away.

The health of your HVAC appliance indirectly defines the health of your family. Take a resolution to keep your home appliances in check and live a leisure life.