HVAC coil cleaning

For ANY unit that we do a turn over on- we want the coils clean. For any unit we renovate and do NOT replace the HVAC, we want the coil cleaned. Newly installed units do not need the coils to be cleaned. But they should get new filters, and we should leave a box with 3 extra filters by the furnace.

We need to use the fiberglass ones- they are blue or green. The white ones with ridges are not as good, and cost more money. The Project Manager (PM) should do this, write the current date in Sharpie on the hvac filter upon installation, note the size of the filter in the HVAC, and write in sharpie what size the filter is on the side of the HVAC unit. It should read “Filter size: y” x z” and “Replace MONTHLY."

CLEANING THE INTERIOR HVAC COILS

Cleaning the exterior HVAC coil is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system. Here's a step-by-step process to clean the exterior HVAC coil:

Materials and Tools Needed are:

Soft brush or coil cleaning brush
Vaccuum cleaner with brush attachment
Coil cleaning solution (optional)
Spray bottle
Water source or garden hose
Safety Goggles
Gloves
Screwdriver (if needed to remove protective grilles)

Step-by-Step Process:

Turn Off Power: Before starting any work, turn off the power supply to the HVAC system. This ensures safety and prevents accidental activation of the unit.
Access the Coil: Depending on the HVAC system's design, you may need to remove an access panel or housing to reach the interior coil. Use a screwdriver to remove any screws or fasteners securing the panel.
Inspect the Coil: Take a moment to inspect the coil for any visible dirt, dust, or debris accumulation. Note any areas that appear particularly dirty or clogged.
Brush off Loose Debris: Use a soft brush or a coil cleaning brush to gently remove loose debris, dust, and dirt from the surface of the coil. Be careful not to damage the delicate fins of the coil.

Vacuum Cleaning: Attach the brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner and carefully vacuum the coil surface to remove finer particles and dust. Work methodically to ensure thorough cleaning.
Apply Cleaning Solution (if necessary): If the coil is heavily soiled or has stubborn dirt buildup, you may need to use a coil cleaning solution. Follow the
Spray and Rinse: Fill a spray bottle with water and use it to lightly spray the coil surface. Start from the top and work your way down. This helps rinse away dirt and cleaning solution residues.
Repeat as Necessary: For stubborn dirt or heavy buildup, you may need to repeat the cleaning process multiple times until the coil is clean. Be patient and thorough in your efforts.

Allow to Dry: Once the cleaning process is complete, allow the coil to air dry completely before reassembling the HVAC system. This helps prevent mold and mildew growth.
Reassemble and Test: Reattach the access panel or housing securely. Turn the power supply back on and test the HVAC system to ensure it's functioning properly.
Document Maintenance: Keep a record of the date and details of the coil cleaning process for future reference. This helps track maintenance activities and ensures timely follow-up.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean the interior HVAC coil, promoting better indoor air quality and system efficiency.

CLEANING THE EXTERIOR HVAC COILS

Cleaning the exterior HVAC coil is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system. Here's a step-by-step process to clean the exterior HVAC coil:

Materials and Tools Needed are:

Garden hose with a nozzle attachment
Coil cleaning solution (optional)
Soft brush or coil cleaning brush
Safety Goggles
Gloves
Screwdriver (if needed to remove protective grilles)

Step-by-Step Process:

Turn Off Power: Before starting any work, turn off the power supply to the HVAC system to ensure safety.

Access the Exterior Coil: The exterior coil is typically located in the outdoor condenser unit. Remove any protective grilles or covers that may be obstructing access to the coil. Use a screwdriver if necessary.
Inspect the Coil: Take a moment to visually inspect the exterior coil for any signs of dirt, debris, or vegetation buildup. Note any areas that appear particularly dirty or clogged.
Apply Coil Cleaning Solution (if necessary): If the coil is heavily soiled or has stubborn dirt buildup, you may choose to use a coil cleaning solution. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dilution and application.

Spray with Water: Using a garden hose with a nozzle attachment, spray water onto the exterior coil. Start from the top and work your way down. The water pressure helps dislodge dirt and debris from the coil fins.
Repeat as Necessary: For stubborn dirt or heavy buildup, you may need to repeat the cleaning process multiple times until the coil is clean. Be thorough in your efforts.
Inspect Drainage: While cleaning the coil, also check the drainage system for any signs of blockage or clogging. Ensure that the condensate drain line is clear and free-flowing.
Allow to Dry: Once the cleaning process is complete, allow the exterior coil to air dry completely before reassembling the protective grilles or covers.
Reassemble and Test: Reattach any protective grilles or covers securely. Turn the power supply back on and test the HVAC system to ensure it's functioning properly.
Document Maintenance: Keep a record of the date and details of the coil cleaning process for future reference. This helps track maintenance activities and ensures timely follow-up.

Using Coil cleaner in cleaning the mini split coils

Coil cleaner is a specialized solution designed to remove dirt, dust, grease, and debris from the evaporator or condenser coils of mini-split units.

It restores optimal heat transfer efficiency, improves system performance, and prevents odors caused by microbial buildup.

How to Clean Your Mini Split AC Condenser USING COIL CLEANER

This video shows the whole process on how to use the coil cleaner to clean the mini split condenser.

How to do it?
1. Turn off the unit and disconnect it from power.
2. Access the coils by removing the unit's cover as per the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Apply the coil cleaner:
  - Spray a generous amount of the coil cleaner onto the coils.
  - Use a foaming cleaner for better penetration into the coil fins.
4. Allow dwell time:
  - Let the cleaner sit for 5-10 minutes (refer to the product instructions).
5. Rinse thoroughly:
  - Use a low-pressure sprayer or a hose with gentle water flow to wash away the cleaner and loosened debris.
6. Dry the coils:
  - Allow the coils to air dry or use a clean, lint-free cloth.
7. Reassemble and restart:
  - Reattach the cover, reconnect the unit to power, and test its functionality.

Using coil cleaner regularly is a simple yet effective step to maintain your mini-split system's performance and efficiency.

HELPFUL VIDEOS

This video shows how to properly clean your air conditioning unit and the condenser coils to get it running at peak efficiency.

How To Clean Your AC and Coils Like the Pros Do _ WILL Make Air Blow Colder.mp4

This video shows how to clean the A/C evaporator coils which can help reduce any kind of musty smells, help reduce mold growth and can help your unit work more efficiently.

How to Clean AC Evaporator Coils.mp4

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