Before you try to learn how to clean mold from air conditioner coils, you should know how mold starts to grow. The evaporator coil inside your air conditioning system draws the heat out of the air. As the air passes through the duct and over the coil, the circulating refrigerant absorbs heat and transfers it to the outside condenser. This process also strips humidity from circulating air. The water droplets then fall through the condensate drain. Air circulating through the ducts inevitably contains dust and dirt and the debris settles on the coils. The moist environment combined with the dusty layer invites mold to grow. Keeping your air conditioner coils clean will make it much harder for mold to develop.
A dirty coil will impede airflow and force the A/C system to work harder. In addition to decreasing efficiency, a dirty air conditioner coil with mold impacts indoor air quality. Molds release spores to reproduce. The tiny spores will circulate through your air and irritate your respiratory system and can even worsen allergies.
Preventing dirt buildup and unhealthy mold growth are top reasons to keep up with seasonal air conditioner maintenance. If you live in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware an air conditioning maintenance plan from Oliver will prevent you from forgetting about this invisible problem. Reach out to us today for more information!
Tools Necessary
- Spray bottle
- Soft brush or shop vacuum
- Screwdriver or power screwdriver
- Alkaline coil cleaner
- Biocide
How to Clean Mold From Air Conditioner Coils Step by Step
- Turn off air conditioner at the thermostat.
- Turn off the power to the indoor unit or furnace.
- Open the access panel in the duct work to reveal the air conditioner evaporator coil. It will be near the furnace or blower motor housing.
- Screws may be holding the panel. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws if necessary.
- Use the brush attachment on a shop vacuum to remove the layer of dirt covering the coils.
- If you don’t have a vacuum with a hose attachment, use a soft brush to gently brush away any dirt.
- Work slowly to avoid causing damage to the sensitive fins and coils.
- Spray alkaline coil cleaner over the fins and coils. Be sure to read the manufacturers instructions on how to do this safely.
- Let the cleaner set and drip for the time specified in the manufacturer’s directions.
- Spray off the cleaner with water in a spray bottle. Drippings will go through the condensate drain.
- Give the coils and fins some time to dry.
- Apply a mold inhibiting product called biocide that kills microorganisms like mold and mildew.
- Re-install the access panel cover on the duct work.
- Turn the air conditioning unit back on at the thermostat and test the system for cooling function.
Experienced Air Conditioning Technicians Servicing the Delaware Valley & Jersey Shore
The technicians at Oliver know how to clean mold from air conditioner coils. Additionally, our team knows how to check refrigerant levels, calibrate the thermostat, clean filters, and much more. Failing to clean and maintain your air conditioner will shorten the service life of the equipment. Contact Oliver today to ensure your air conditioner remains in peak condition.
