Tools – Heat Cool Repair

The air conditioner is a modern development that most people can’t live without. With temperatures rising all over the world, the summer months can become unbearable due to the heat and humidity.Fortunately, there’s no shortage of air conditioners that home owners can install to combat the heat and humidity.Air conditioners are known to be significant investments and if you’re not doing proper maintenance, there’s a good chance that your unit will break down faster than expected. One of the most common problems that plague most AC units is dirty coils. With a dirty coil, the performance of your AC unit will likely be affected and trust that your bills will go through the roof.The best way to maintain such coils is to clean it with an AC coil cleaner.For this post, we will talk about the importance of cleaning your AC unit’s coils. Plus, we have made a list of some of the best cleaning agents and tools that you can use for cleaning the coils.Comparison TableProductImageRatingPrice [amazon link="B00ECV4D38" title="1. Nu-Calgon 4291-08 Nu-Brite" /][amazon fields="B00ECV4D38" value="thumb" image_align="center"][amazon fields="B00ECV4D38" value="button"][amazon link="B075VFDN6N" title="2. Midwest Hearth Air Conditioner Whisk Brush" /][amazon fields="B075VFDN6N" value="thumb" image_align="center"][amazon fields="B075VFDN6N" value="button"][amazon link="B01D66YNV6" title="3. ComStar 90-100 Coil King Condenser Coil Cleaner" /][amazon fields="B01D66YNV6" value="thumb" image_align="center"][amazon fields="B01D66YNV6" value="button"][amazon link="B00DM8KQ3I" title="4. Nu-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse Evaporator Coil Cleaner " /][amazon fields="B00DM8KQ3I" value="thumb" image_align="center"][amazon fields="B00DM8KQ3I" value="button"][amazon link="B007I7KZN0" title="5. A/C SAFE AC-921 Air Conditioner Coil Foam Cleaner " /][amazon fields="B007I7KZN0" value="thumb" image_align="center"][amazon fields="B007I7KZN0" value="button"][amazon link="B009YO1FFM" title="6. CRC Foaming Coil Cleaner" /][amazon fields="B009YO1FFM" value="thumb" image_align="center"][amazon fields="B009YO1FFM" value="button"][amazon link="B01FENUGWY" title="7. Schaefer Brush 2026 Whisk Brush" /][amazon fields="B01FENUGWY" value="thumb" image_align="center"][amazon fields="B01FENUGWY" value="button"]Why You Need to Clean Your AC Coils[amazon fields="B00DM8KQ3I" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image="2"]image via AmazonThe AC’s coils are some of the most important parts of the unit. Basically, there are two types of coils in an air conditioning system: the evaporator and condenser coils.The evaporator coils absorb the heat and humidity from the air within the space. The condenser coils, on the other hand, expel that heat outside of the house or building.So why should you bother cleaning your system’s coils?Well, if the coils are covered in dust, dirt, and debris, they will not be able to effectively transfer heat. This can lead to all sorts of problems from the system overheating to higher energy consumption.For the coils to transfer heat properly, the surfaces must be clean. When the exterior of the condenser coil is caked with dirt and grime, the heat becomes trapped inside and will not be properly released. Because the condenser coil is part of the outdoor system, it can get covered with dirt, smog, and other contaminants.If the evaporator coil is covered in dirt and grime, its ability to remove heat and humidity from the room will be compromised. The evaporator coil is located inside the system so it’s frequently exposed to dirt and dust. This is especially true if you are not regularly cleaning the air filters where airborne particles can clog up the evaporator coil.What Happens When You Skip AC Coil Cleaning?[amazon fields="B01D66YNV6" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image="2"]image via AmazonIf you value your investment for your home cooling, you should do regular maintenance and cleaning of your air conditioning unit – that includes the cleaning of the coils.Otherwise, expect the following consequences:Higher energy consumption – When the AC coils are dirty, your unit will have to work harder and run longer in order to keep your space cool. This means higher energy consumption which also means more expensive bills. Just because you have an “Eco-certified” unit, it doesn’t mean that you should skip on maintenance and cleaning.More breakdowns – A system that works harder and longer will eventually run into a wall. Because the unit is always pushed beyond its limits, the parts will wear out faster and may lead to a breakdown.Shorter lifespan – Failing to clean and maintain your air conditioner in general is a good way to shorten its lifespan.Regular maintenance and cleaning are the best ways to protect your investment. Most AC units are located outdoors and the outside elements can really wreak havoc to your air conditioner. Regular maintenance ensures that your coils stay in good working condition.Which is the Best AC Coil Cleaner?For this section, we list some of the best products that you can use to clean the coils of your air conditioner. [amazon link="B00ECV4D38" title="1. Nu-Calgon 4291-08 Nu-Brite" /][amazon box="B00ECV4D38"]SPECIFICATIONSTypeCondenser coil cleanerNet contents1 gallonKey featuresNon-acid, alkaline-based product, Formulated with the best available foaming detergents, Quickly penetrate and dissolve greasy dirt and grime, Foams and brightensThe first product on our list is the Nu-Calgon 4291-08 Nu-Brite which is an alkaline-based cleaning agent for the condenser coil.What can we say? This stuff really works. The product creates a foam that will then proceed to melt all the dirt and grime that built up on the condenser coil. The mixing ratio is 4:1 which is sufficient enough to get the job done. Sometimes, I don’t even need to scrub.This is a rather caustic cleaning age, so please use proper protection when using this cleaner. If you are not so sure on how to use the product, there are plenty of videos online that can help.[amazon link="B075VFDN6N" title="2. Midwest Hearth Air Conditioner Whisk Brush" /][amazon box="B075VFDN6N"]SPECIFICATIONSTypeWhisk brushNet contents1.06 ouncesKey featuresUsed by HVAC plumbing and heating contractors, Multiple uses,Strong bristlesAside from the cleaning agent, you also need a brush or applicator to get the job done. The Midwest Hearth Air Conditioner Whisk Brush will definitely help you get the job done.While you can certainly use some old brushes for cleaning the coils, using the right tool matters. This is the type of brush that is used by HVAC plumbers and heating contractors, so you don’t have to be concerned if you’re going to damage anything.This brush has synthetic bristles which means that it can clean the coils effectively without being damaged by cleaning agents. The bristles are tough enough for a thorough brushing but it’s not that hard that it can cause damage to the coils.Keep this one handy for your regular AC maintenance.[amazon link="B01D66YNV6" title="3. ComStar 90-100 Coil King Condenser Coil Cleaner" /][amazon box="B01D66YNV6"]SPECIFICATIONSTypeCondenser coil cleanerNet contents1 gallonKey featuresPremium external alkaline condenser coil cleaner, Restores heat transferring qualities to 100 percent efficiency, Foaming actionThe ComStar 90-100 Coil King Condenser Coil Cleaner is another alkaline based cleaner with a serious coil cleaning pedigree.This cleaning agent also foams but not as much as the previous cleaner. However, the lack of foaming action doesn’t mean that it’s will not remove the dirt and grime from your condenser. Quite the opposite, it does a great job of removing any undesirables from the coil but it doesn’t corrode the materials.The cleaner is available in multiple different amounts and is typically diluted with 3-10 parts of water. The correct ratio will depend on the amount of buildup on your coils. For the first usage, it’s best that you follow the instructions from the label. It’s also worth noting that this alkaline cleaner is quite affordable as well.[amazon link="B00DM8KQ3I" title="4. Nu-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse Evaporator Coil Cleaner " /][amazon box="B00DM8KQ3I"]SPECIFICATIONSTypeEvaporator coil cleanerNet contents18 ouncesKey featuresNo rinse, Foaming action, Heavy duty detergent, Non-corrosive,Self-rinsing on condensate-producing coilsNow, we have another product from Nu-Calgon and this time, it’s an evaporator coil cleaner. The Nu-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse Evaporator Coil Cleaneris another heavy-duty cleaning agent that I really like.The detergent will start foaming as soon as it comes in contact with dirt and grime. I don’t know about you but I really love when a cleaning agent foams because I feel like it’s really doing a deep-cleaning job. It comes in an aerosol can so it’s really a breeze to apply. Just point and squeeze.This is a no-rinse formula which means you can just spray and then leave the foam to evaporate, and then you’re done. While it’s a good convenience feature, I still tend to rinse off the detergent for a more complete cleanup. But that’s just me.This product smells great as well.[amazon link="B007I7KZN0" title="5. A/C SAFE AC-921 Air Conditioner Coil Foam Cleaner " /][amazon box="B007I7KZN0"]SPECIFICATIONSTypeEvaporator/condenser coil cleanerNet contents19 ouncesKey featuresFoaming heavy duty detergent cleaner, Low VOC formula, FinScrubbing Cap, Water based formula, Pleasant lemon fragranceThe A/C SAFE AC-921 Air Conditioner Coil Foam Cleaner has landed on this list because it is both an evaporator and condenser cleaner.This detergent-based cleaner works wonders in removing those resilient stains and grime from your AC coils. Since it’s a spray, you can just easily aim the nozzle and fire away. The product is formulated to be non-corrosive so you can just spray and forget, without the need to rinse. However, I would not recommend doing that.The cleaning agent also has a pleasant smell which just can’t be said with similar coil cleaning agents in the market. This is also a fairly versatile AC coil cleaner because you can use it for other cleaning jobs like your car radiators, lawn mower engines, refrigerator and freezer coils, dehumidifier coils, and more.[amazon link="B009YO1FFM" title="6. CRC Foaming Coil Cleaner" /][amazon box="B009YO1FFM"]SPECIFICATIONSTypeEvaporator/condenser coil cleanerNet contents18 ouncesKey featuresHeavy duty foaming detergent, Alkaline detergent blend, Low odorformula, No-rinse formula, No class I or II ozone depleting chemicals orchlorinated solventsThe CRC Foaming Coil Cleaner is another spray foaming detergent. This is an easy recommendation since it can be used to clean both the evaporator and condenser coils.This coil cleaner is quite similar to the other spray detergents on this list. It’s very easy to apply as you just have to spray directly into the coils without the need to mix water and the solution. Again, this is a no-rinse formula which is a nice convenience feature.What I like best about the CRC cleaner is the fact that there are no harmful that are used to formulate the product. This means that you can have the peace of mind that you’re not damaging the ozone. [amazon link="B01FENUGWY" title="7. Schaefer Brush 2026 Whisk Brush" /][amazon box="B01FENUGWY"]SPECIFICATIONSTypeWhisk brushNet contents0.16 ouncesKey featuresPlastic handle whisk brush, Multi-purpose, Plastic handle, great for cleaning condenser fins and evaporators, HVAC whisk brushLastly, we have another brush for your coil cleaning needs. The Schaefer Brush 2026 Whisk Brush is another excellent applicator for cleaning your coils.Well, nothing much to say about this brush than the fact that it’s a very necessary tool. This brush can effectively remove all the junk that accumulates on your air conditioning condenser, especially those darn cottonwood.Again, it’s hard to go wrong with this one as it’s frequently used by HVAC professionals.Keep Your Coils CleanThat wraps up our quick guide and list of the best cleaning agents and tools that you can use to clean your AC coils.When using these cleaning agents and tools, please read the label and follow the application guidelines. You don’t really want to risk damaging your AC unit or worse, injure yourself.Keep those coils clean!Featured Image: Image via Amazon