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What Are AC Evaporator Coils?

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ac evaporator coils

During the heat of summer, it is crucial that your air conditioning unit functions properly. The evaporator coils and condenser coils are essential to every AC’s proper functioning. Furnaces produce heat, but air conditioners do not produce cold air. Instead, they utilize refrigerant or coolant to absorb the air’s heat. After absorbing heat from the air, the unit releases warm air into the outdoors. During this process, refrigerant circulates in a constant motion, removing more heat.

What Are Evaporator Coils?

The air conditioner’s evaporator coils are also called the evaporator core. This component is where the refrigerant absorbs heat, which is the source of cool air. In most AC units, the coils are located near the air handler or inside. In addition, there is a blower fan that is somewhere nearby. Most of the time, the coils will be composed of aluminum, steel, or copper. Since these metals conduct heat well, they are the most popular choice. If you look closely at a residential unit’s coils, they will be bent into a u-shaped configuration. These are then set into panels, and these panels are in an A-shape.

Each panel has a liner of thin metallic pieces called fins. These fins direct the air closer to the coil, maximizing their effect. When air comes into the system, the fins push it toward the coils naturally. Then, when you turn on the AC, the compressor starts working. The compressor’s effect is to pull cold, low-pressure refrigerant through the tubing. Before the refrigerant enters the evaporator coil, it circulates through the expansion valve.

An expansion valve is designed to relieve pressure from the liquid refrigerant. This process results in it losing thermal energy and becoming cooler. This cooling effect happens at a rapid pace, and the refrigerant can become quite cold. Since it has lost so much thermal energy, it can absorb more heat from the air when it contacts it.

Another purpose of the expansion valve is to control the flow of refrigerant. In some cases, air conditioners have advanced thermostatic expansion valves. These components give the AC precise control over the refrigerant’s flow rate. As a result, the system’s overall efficiency is improved.

While the refrigerant flows, a blower fan sucks in hot air and blows it on the coil. When the passing air comes into contact with the coil, the refrigerant absorbs heat. Consequently, the refrigerant begins to warm up, expand, and evaporate.

At the same time, water vapor from the household air starts to condense. It reaches a critical point and converts into liquid water. This water is collected in the condensate pan, directing the fluid outdoors. Therefore, the coils also function to reduce the humidity of your house.

How to Clean Evaporator Coils?

Sometimes, the coils on an AC will become dirty and covered in grime. As this happens, the coil begins to operate at a lower efficiency. If you want to keep the coil working in tip-top shape, it must be cleaned. Otherwise, your system will not operate as well as it should, costing you money. Proper air conditioner maintenance can reduce your energy usage and reduce frost build-up. Additionally, it can eliminate impairments to heat absorption and improve pressure.

Even if the coil is relatively new, a layer of dust will impair its function. Dust behaves like an insulator, preventing heat from penetrating the system. Since the air is kept away, the coil cannot do its job. Thus, your system will need to run longer to produce the same cooling effect. If you lower the temperature, it will take longer for the adjustment to complete too.

A dirty coil leads to inefficient heat absorption by the refrigerant passing through. As a consequence, it does not heat up as much as it should. Then, the colder refrigerant will cause the water vapor in the air to freeze instead of condense. If you let an evaporator go long enough, the entire component can freeze over.

If you inspect the coils and notice frost formation, that is not normal. Continuing to run the system could lead to significant damage. Eventually, the entire equipment can fail, and you must buy a replacement.

Always check your coils for frost accumulation, and look at the outdoor condenser unit. In some cases, a dirty air filter or a refrigerant leak can cause evaporators to freeze. If you suspect your system has a problem, you should contact a professional.

Sometimes, corrosion can cause tiny pinhole leaks in the coils. This occurs because chemicals in the household air mix with the condensation. You can look at the evaporator for oily residue in or around the drain pan. If you find some, this is a sign that your coil is leaky and needs to be replaced. Contact our professional technicians if you need help maintaining your air conditioning unit or need repairs.

Monster Vac Announces New Services to Colorado Springs Community!

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monster vac colorado springs

For more than three decades, our teams at Monster Vac have been servicing northern Colorado
with all the air duct cleaning and service needs for homes and commercial buildings. Now, we
are joining the community of Colorado Springs to bring our professional and highly experienced
services! Because we are now stepping through the front door of Colorado Springs, we want to
explain what air duct cleaning is and why it is important for your home and commercial
buildings. There are also benefits for Colorado Springs air duct cleaning. Follow along in our
blog to learn the about air duct and HVAC cleaning services and what is offered by our teams at
Monster Vac:

1. Air Duct Cleaning Improves Indoor Air

As residents of Colorado, we are familiar with the poor air quality that comes with wildfire
seasons, heat waves, and the dry climate. Do you find yourself dusting your shelves and tables
too often? Air ducts and HVAC systems in Colorado Springs are continually exposed to dust, lint,
dirt, bacteria, and allergens. These contaminates build-up throughout the year, leading to more
dust inside your home or building and poorer indoor air quality.

Not only does the air become polluted when HVAC systems and air ducts are dirty, the
contaminates and their accumulation can lead to inefficient operation. By getting your air ducts
and HVAC systems cleaned regularly, you can rest assured your home will remain warm in the
winter and cool in the summer with a system running at its best. Clean air ducts and HVAC
systems can better filter the air that passes through them as this equipment runs day-to-day,
leading to healthier indoor air for everyone in your family or commercial space.

2. Monster Vac Services: Air Duct and HVAC Systems Cleaning

Because of our extensive knowledge of working with HVAC systems in a drier climate like
Colorado, we are confident in providing you with the best services, now including Colorado
Springs! Rather than quickly finishing such a service by inserting only a vacuum hose down the
air duct, we utilize our trucks equipped with our massive vacuums that suck out everything! Our
teams work extra hard in cleaning your air ducts with air-powered scrubber brushes throughout
the length of the air duct. Then, we work to clean the coils of the cooling and heating system in
homes and commercial buildings. You will see the major benefits of servicing and cleaning your
home’s or building’s system, including more efficiency and durability.

3. Air Flow vs. HVAC System Services

We often hear from clients that there isn’t much hot or cool air blowing from their HVAC unit as
expected. Rather than servicing the unit itself, sometimes it is simply dirty and clogged air ducts
that are the issue! Our Air Flow Optimization Services can help you save money in the long run
with a more efficient system. Air Flow Optimization is relatively simple but we always work to
provide thorough and attentive services! First, we deep clean the air ducts. Then, we assess the
system for any leaks in the air duct system and assess any areas for resealing as needed. The
results of Air Flow Optimization are better, cleaner air in your home or commercial building.

4. Lower Energy Costs with Colorado Springs Air Duct Cleaning

Does proper HVAC cleaning really reduce energy costs? Yes! The U.S. Department of Energy
reports residential homeowners can reduce their energy costs by as much as 30% simply by
scheduling proper equipment maintenance with professionals such as our teams at Monster
Vac. Air duct cleaning is a great way to save money on utility bills. This type of home
maintenance relieves energy costs by removing blockages that is restricting air flow into your
home. As dust and other particles build up in ducts and HVAC systems, it can lead to your
system running harder than it should. Blockages are one of the main causes for reduced air
from your HVAC unit, causes the system to lose efficiency.

5. The Monster Vac Trucks for HVAC Cleaning Services in Colorado Springs

One of the best advantages of hiring our team of professionals for air duct cleaning and HVAC
maintenance in Colorado Springs and beyond is our use of our custom-built Monster Vac
Trucks! These trucks are fully equipped with powerful air duct cleaning systems. Because each
home and building have a unique size, we built our trucks to be adjusted when in use. The
suction pressure of our cleaning equipment can be changed by adjusting the engine speed, so
we are able to treat each project efficiently and precisely. Our hoses can stretch up the sides of
buildings and clean multiple stories. The stronger the suction power, the better we can clean
the air ducts in buildings and homes in Colorado Springs and northern Colorado.

6. What Can I expect with an Air Duct Cleaning from Monster Vac?

Now that you have decided to get your home’s air ducts cleaned, what can you expect from
Monster Vac services? First, we will conduct a pre-project assessment to inspect your HVAC
system and develop a plan. Our strategies are always in consideration with the maximum
effectiveness of cleaning the system along with the impact to your home and occupants. Then,
we take several protective measures while we work inside your home. These measures include
drop cloths, corner protectors, and booties. We conduct a full-length cleaning service, from the
register to the system. Finally, we offer a guarantee for your complete satisfaction.

If you are not getting the most from your HVAC system, give us a call to schedule with our
professional teams to see what’s going on inside your home’s system. HVAC cleaning in
Colorado Springs is now available from us at Monster Vac! We are ready to show the Colorado
Springs community the better quality of indoor air, more efficient HVAC systems, and more
through our air duct cleaning and HVAC cleaning services.

Schedule an Air Conditioner Cleaning Before Summer

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ac cleaning

As summer approaches, it’s time to start thinking about your ac unit maintenance. Before summer, schedule an air conditioner cleaning to guarantee that your cooling equipment in top shape. A well-maintained cooling system will help you save money on energy while keeping you comfortable throughout the season. So, how do you get your air conditioner ready for summer?

Inspect You Air Conditioner for Any Damage or Leaks

Checking for any damage or leaks is one approach to getting your air conditioner ready for summer. Inspecting any problem now can help you avoid more serious problems later. Start by looking at the unit itself to inspect your air conditioner and look for cracks or holes.

Next, inspect the connections for tightness and leaks. Finally, inspect the unit’s interior for any dirt or debris accumulation. It is essential to consult a professional for repairs if you notice any damage or leaks.

Change the Filter If It’s Dirty or Clogged

Over time, dust, and dirt can build up on the filters, restricting airflow. Besides, dirty filter will force your air conditioner to work harder, resulting in higher energy bills and possibly unit damage. Before the summer heatwave arrives, get your unit professionally cleaned and inspected to ensure that it is in good operating order.

If you’re not sure how to change the filter, consult your owner’s manual or contact a professional AC repair person. Some filters are easy to wash and reuse, while others must get changed monthly or annually. Depending on your filter type, you may need to purchase replacement filters from an HVAC supplier.

Vacuum the Coils to Remove Any Debris

Vacuuming the coils to remove debris is a good method to get your air conditioner ready for summer. This can cause your air conditioner to work less efficiently and even lead to problems like ice build-up. Vacuuming the coils will help remove any build-up and keep your air conditioner running at its best. You can avoid costly repairs or replacements in the future by taking this precautionary measure.

Turn off the air conditioner and clean the coils with a vacuum with a brush attachment. While cleaning the coils, be careful not to harm them. Follow by reconnecting the power and testing the item. If you have any worries or questions about cleaning your unit properly, schedule an AC cleaning with a professional.

Upgrade to Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to select different settings for different times of the day, allowing your cooling system to run more efficiently. Most programmable thermostats include a built-in timer, allowing you to schedule when they turn on. If you are only home at particular times, this can be useful.

You can set the temperature higher while away and reduce it when you return to avoid cooling an empty house. If you don’t already have one, now is an excellent time to invest in a programmable thermostat. They are cost-effective and simple to use.

Choose the Correct AC Unit Size

Your home will not get cooled efficiently if your air conditioner is too small. It will waste energy and cost you more money in the long run if it is overly big. A competent HVAC technician can do a load assessment to determine the amount of AC units you require. This is especially crucial if you’ve recently built rooms or made other changes to your home that can affect the amount of cooling necessary.

Resolve the Noisy Air Conditioner

It can be tough to relax or sleep when your air conditioner is excessively loud. There are various things you can do this summer to reduce the noise from your air conditioner and make your home more comfortable. First, make sure your equipment gets mounted and secured correctly. Loose screws or mounts can cause rattling and vibrations.

Second, clean the coils and fans regularly to avoid becoming too dirty and forcing the air conditioner to work harder than necessary. Finally, have a professional HVAC expert examine your unit to determine if any other problems could be producing the noise.

Make Sure the Evaporator Drain Is Clear

Water will back up and cause damage if your air conditioner is not draining properly. You can either clear the drain yourself or hire someone to do it. During the hot summer months, it’s critical to maintain the evaporator drain clear so that your air conditioner can work correctly.

Consider Preventative Maintenance

Summer is approaching, so it’s time to consider air conditioner maintenance. If you consider preventative maintenance, you may avoid costly issues down the line and keep your air conditioner running all summer efficiently long. Preventative maintenance involves having a professional HVAC technician come out and clean your AC unit, check for any potential issues, and make any necessary repairs.

You may prepare your air conditioner for summer by doing a few things. Remove any dirt or debris from the coils and fans first. Second, make sure that the Freon levels are enough. You can maintain your air conditioner functioning efficiently throughout the summer by following these simple procedures.

Test the Unit

Before the summer begins, make sure the unit is in good working order by testing it. Turn on your air conditioner and leave it on for a few minutes to test it. Make sure the air is cool, and the unit is working properly. It’s time to call a professional for an inspection if the unit isn’t chilling the air adequately.

Bottom Line

It’s vital to get your air conditioner cleaned and serviced regularly if you reside in a hotter area. This will keep you cool in the summer, but it will also help you save money on your energy costs by improving the efficiency of your cooling system. Schedule a cleaning and inspection of your cooling system with a professional expert.