Question:
I am needing to clean both inside and outside air conditioner coils.
I know you can use a little bleach on the inside coils to kill the
scum, but I also know if you don't get all the bleach out it is rough
on the aluminum. What are some good cleaners to use to clean both
coil units that won't hurt the coils, but at the same time, really
clean the coils?
Answer:
Visit an HVAC supply shop and buy the concentrated cleaners formulated for
the evaporator and condenser coils. They are different and NOT
interchangeable! Someone wrote recently that Home Depot sells them. They
will last a homeowner years.
I rarely have to clean condenser coils but I'm a big believer in cleaning
the evaporator coil at least every two years. I mix the cleaner with hot
water in a garden pump-up sprayer and when finished just leave it on. The
condensation will wash it off. Bleach is not good on aluminum.
One more suggestion. Flush out the evaporator from the outside drain at
least once a season, if not more often. Preferably after applying the
cleaner. Algae thrive in water enriched with the dust caught in the
condensate. People are always amazed to see the amount of gunk that comes
out. It is the biggest reason for overflowing evaporator pans. Just force
water to back up into the drain, but not so much it overflows!
