--- title: "How to Clean Air Conditioner Coils" description: "Learning how to clean your air conditioner's coils and save money on energy costs, and lengthen the lifespan of the appliance." date: "2016-08-23" modified: "2024-10-16" authors: - name: "Theresa Clement" job_title: "Contributing Writer & Editor" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/theresa-clement/" - name: "Bob Vila" job_title: "Founder" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-vila/" - name: "Jason Brick" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jason-brick/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-ac-coils/" categories: - "Cleaning & Organizing" - "Cooling" - "DIY" - "Heating" - "Heating & Cooling" - "Interior" tags: - "How To" --- # How to Clean Air Conditioner Coils ![Woman uses garden hose to rinse debris from air conditioner compressor.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* During the hottest days of the year, it’s likely that you rely heavily on [an air conditioning unit](), be it targeting your room from a windowsill or cooling off the whole-home, without considering what makes it tick. The magic happens because of the AC condenser coils. Here, the refrigerator unit in your go-to seasonal appliance absorbs heat to make the air cooler. As air passes over the cool refrigerant, it wicks the heat out in a process that’s essentially the reverse of how your [forced air furnace]() operates. Now, the [cleaner the surface area]() of those coils is, the more efficiently the machine works. Dust and oil that accumulate over time can create a blanket over the coils—one that, just like the blanket on your bed, impedes heat transfer and makes your AC less efficient and [more expensive](). Fortunately, the hardest part to cleaning air conditioner coils is remembering to set aside the time at least once a year. The coil cleaning process usually takes less than half an hour, but better schedule a full hour so you don’t feel like you’re rushing through the job. The steps below will guide you through how to clean ac coils to maximize the [efficiency]() and lifetime of your machine. ### Tools & Materials Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links. - [Screwdriver]() - [Coil brush]() - [Fin brush (optional)]() - [Garden hose]() - [Foaming coil cleaner]() ### Step 1: Locate the AC coils on your unit. When cleaning window [AC units](), you’ll 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. Check your operator’s manual if you’re unclear—the specs diagram will identify exactly where the coils are and the process to remove the cover. Trust the manufacturer's advice. They built it the machine, and they know how to take it apart. ### Step 2: Inspect the dirty condenser coils. Visually inspect the coils for any large debris like leaves, spider webs, or clods of dirt. Remove these by hand, then dust off the coils using a coil brush. Available at most big box hardware stores and AC shops, this specialty cleaning tool (also known as a soil brush) has bristles with stiffness about halfway between a hand broom and a wire brush. Lightly guide the brush parallel to the fins on the coils in order to avoid bending them. This isn’t a deep scrub. You’re simply knocking off loose dust and hair. ### Step 3: Correct bent fins with a fin brush. Did you notice many bent fins on your coils in Step 2? (Hint: Bent fins will reflect light and often put a bright sheen to parts of the coils.) If so, running a fin brush slowly and parallel to the line of the fins could straighten them out. This will improve the performance of your [AC unit]() by increasing the exposed surface area for the coils. If you don’t want to invest in a piece of specialized equipment like the fin brush, skip this step. Correcting bent fins goes above and beyond the task at hand—cleaning the coils—from which your machine will already receive an efficiency boost. ### Step 4: Rinse the AC coils with water (optional). ![Woman uses a garden hose to rinse AC coils.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* As AC coils are typically made from copper or aluminum, they can be cleaned with water. Rinse the coils on any outdoor central AC unit by spraying with water from your [garden hose]() on a low setting. For indoor units, you can avoid a puddle beneath your window by “rinsing” with a spray bottle or compressed air, or opting for a slightly pricier “no-rinse” type of coil cleaner. ### Step 5: Apply the AC coil cleaner. ![Woman sprays foam coil cleaner onto AC coils.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* Many coil cleaners are safe to use on both aluminum and copper coils, but check the packaging before applying a cleaner to the coils. If the coils are made from copper, avoid using acidic cleaners because they can cause corrosion. For aluminum coils, a soapy mix of household detergent is also safe to use. To use a foaming [HVAC coil cleaner](), shake the can and spray it directly into your coils so they are completely covered. The cleaner should foam immediately, filling the air between coils where grime accumulates. The foaming lifts off all the unreachable dirt and grime embedded in between the fins. Let the cleaner soak for 5 to 10 minutes, according to the instructions on the can. ### Step 6: Rinse the A/C coil cleaner (if specified). If the cleanser label says to do so, rinse off the foaming cleaner using your hose. You will need good water pressure and slow, back-and-forth motions to thoroughly rinse the cleanser off. Indoor units cleaned using rinse-free cleaner simply need to start up; the condensate will rinse off the cleaner on its own. Though some of the more unscrupulous [air conditioner]() service companies will say you need service two or three times per year, most experts agree that once a year is enough for cleaning your AC coils. For best results during the warm months, [do it in the spring](), immediately before the summer heat starts to demand your air conditioning perform at peak potential. Don't want to do it yourself? Hire for AC coil cleaning today. Get free, no-commitment estimates from pros near you. [Find Pros Now]() [+]() ## Final Thoughts Knowing how to clean AC coils is an important part of making sure the air conditioner runs efficiently and effectively. Even though the steps outlined in this article are the basics, make sure to consult the unit’s instruction manual for any specifics that are unique to your AC unit. While it takes under an hour to clean coils, make sure to have all of the tools on hand and complete the cleaning before the warmer temperatures are expected. ## FAQs ## Author Theresa Coleman Clement is a freelance editor, writer, and home designer who specializes in home improvement, aging in place, sustainability, lifestyle, and home design. She has been writing and editing for BobVila.com since 2021. Her work has also appeared in [Remodeling Magazine](), [Architect Magazine](), [Builder Magazine](), Professional Deck Builder Magazine, [DIYNetwork.com](), and [Habitat.org](). ### Author social links [LinkedIn]() [Instagram]() [Twitter]()