Keep Your Air Conditioning Running Efficiently with Clean Coils!

Here’s What You Need to Know to Keep Your AC Running at its Best

Your air conditioning system is one of the most important parts of keeping your home comfortable during hot North Carolina summers. But even the best AC units can lose efficiency if the coils aren’t clean.

The Importance of Clean A/C Coils

It is estimated that dirty evaporator and condenser coils can increase the energy usage of your air conditioning system by over 30 percent. Additionally, reduced heat transfer efficiency can cause other problems, such as poor cooling performance, frozen evaporator coils, and compressor overheating.

Many homeowners don’t realize that dirty coils are a common reason for higher energy bills, uneven cooling, and costly repairs.

What Are AC Coils and Why They Matter

Your AC has two main types of coils: evaporator coils and condenser coils.

• Evaporator coils are inside your home, usually in the air handler or furnace. They absorb heat from the indoor air, cooling your home.

• Condenser coils are outside in the unit that sits on your yard or roof. They release the heat your AC removed from inside your home.

When these coils get dirty, covered in dust, pollen, or debris, they can’t transfer heat effectively. This forces your AC to work harder, which increases energy bills and can shorten the lifespan of your system.

Signs Your Coils Might Be Dirty

You don’t always need a professional to notice a problem. Some warning signs include:

• Your AC isn’t cooling as well as it used to.

• Airflow seems weaker in certain rooms.

• Energy bills are rising unexpectedly.

• You notice ice forming on the evaporator coil (a serious issue).

How Dirty Coils Affect Efficiency

Dirty coils create a chain reaction:

1. Reduced airflow – Dust and grime block air from moving freely.

2. Decreased heat transfer – Your AC can’t remove heat effectively.

3. Longer run times – The system works harder to cool your home.

4. Higher energy bills – Extra energy usage adds up quickly.

5. Potential damage – Overworked compressors and fans can wear out faster.

Keeping coils clean prevents all of these issues, helping your system last longer and save you money.

How to Keep Coils Clean

There are steps you can take yourself, but some tasks require a professional:

• Replace air filters regularly – Clean filters reduce the amount of dust reaching your coils.

• Clear debris around your outdoor unit – Leaves, dirt, and grass can accumulate on condenser coils.

• Gently clean coils if accessible – Light dusting or using a soft brush can help, but be careful not to damage the fins.

• Schedule professional maintenance – HVAC technicians can deep-clean both evaporator and condenser coils, check refrigerant levels, and ensure your system is running efficiently.

Benefits of Clean Coils

Regular coil maintenance comes with clear advantages:

• Better cooling performance – Your home stays comfortable even on the hottest days.

• Lower energy bills – A clean system uses less electricity to achieve the same cooling.

• Longer system lifespan – Reduces wear on the compressor and other components.

• Improved air quality – Less dust and debris circulating inside your home.

When to Call a Professional

Clean coils are essential for a healthy, efficient air conditioning system. A little regular maintenance like hanging filters, keeping the outdoor unit clear, and scheduling professional service can save you money, improve comfort, and extend the life of your AC. Don’t wait until your system struggles on the hottest day of the year. Take action now and keep your AC running smoothly all summer long.

If your system is over 5–7 years old, hasn’t been serviced recently, or is showing signs of poor performance, it’s time to call a licensed HVAC contractor. Professionals have the right tools and chemicals to safely clean coils without damaging your AC. They can also spot early signs of trouble before it becomes an expensive repair.

Call Air Comfort Heaeting & Air 910-695-8241 now for service on your air conditioner or contact us online with additional questions about your AC coils.

Our service areas include the following, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Pinebluff, Ft. Bragg, Raeford, Laurinburg, Vass, Seven Lakes, West End, Rockingham, Cameron, Biscoe, Fayetteville, Sanford, Raleigh, NC and all the surrounding areas.