Keep Your AC Unit Running Efficiently With the Best AC Coil Cleaners
Are you looking for an easy way to keep your air conditioning system running at its best? If so, investing in a good quality AC coil cleaner is necessary. A good coil cleaner will remove dirt, dust, and other debris from the coils of your AC unit, ensuring that it lasts longer. Each product boasts powerful cleaning solutions that effectively remove bacteria, mold, pollen, dust mites, and other allergens.
In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the finest AC coil cleaners of 2023. We’ve also included a comprehensive buying guide to make an informed decision about which product is right for you.
AC Coil Cleaners: A Buyer’s Guide
Let’s look at this short buying guide to ensure that you make an informed decision while getting an AC coil cleaner.
The Cost of an AC Coil Cleaner
The average cost for a basic coil cleaner ranges from $20 to $100. A professional cleaning will usually cost between $100 and $200, while a specialized chemical cleaning may be anywhere from $250 to $400. Ultimately, investing in a quality AC coil cleaner can reduce energy costs and prolong the life of your AC system, so it’s worth spending on.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing an AC Coil Cleaner
Active ingredients
Look for products containing phosphate cleaners, concentrated acid cleaners, or enzyme-based cleaners for maximum dirt and grime removal.
Safety rating
Read reviews from other buyers to get an idea of safety ratings and cautionary instructions related to product use. Products tested and approved by organizations like Underwriters Laboratory (UL) should be given preference due to their higher safety rating.
Ease of application
Some cleaners require scrubbing, while others need to spray on with a hose or sprayed into the coil opening with a bottle attachment. Make sure you understand how to use each product before purchasing it.
Performance and effectiveness
Read through customer reviews to get an idea of how well each cleaner performs in getting rid of dirt, mold, and other contaminants that can accumulate on air conditioning units over time.
Environmental friendliness
Consider buying eco-friendly or nontoxic options if you want to be sure that your purchase won’t have a detrimental effect on nature or yourself during the application or disposal of the cleaner.
Cleaning time
Look for products that state they are quick-acting or fast drying to save time during application without sacrificing performance, quality, or safety while using them on your AC unit coil system.
Compatibility
Consider carefully researching each brand’s compatibility with different types of units before purchasing any particular coil cleaner to avoid compatibility issues. These issues can lead to performance problems.
Scent
Consider carefully reading customer reviews before purchase to ensure you don’t mind its smell, if applicable, after usage.
The Correct Way to Use an AC Coil Cleaner
To use the cleaner correctly:
- Begin by turning off the power to the unit and removing any debris around the coils.
- Spray down the inside and outside of all coils with the AC coil cleaner.
- Allow at least 15 minutes for the product to penetrate before rinsing off with a garden hose or pressure washer.
- After rinsing, allow all surfaces to dry completely before turning on the power again.
- Remember to read all instructions carefully before applying to guarantee proper usage.
Benefits of Using an AC Coil Cleaner
- An AC coil cleaner will help reduce energy costs by increasing airflow through your system and eliminating any buildup that can restrict airflow.
- It can also help prevent bacteria and mold growth due to damp conditions in the summertime months.
- Regular cleaning of your coils helps improve indoor air quality by removing dust, dirt, pollen, and other pollutants from your home or building.
Detailing the Top AC Coil Cleaner of 2023
Essential Values AC Coil Cleaner
– Best OverallThe AC Coil Cleaner from Essential Values is a powerful tool to help keep any air conditioning unit in top shape. Its non-foamy, heavy-duty formula makes it easy to apply and removes stubborn buildup effectively. This non-acidic cleaner can be used on commercial and residential AC units and is great for cutting through grease and grime.
Its simple application lets users fill up the garden sprayer with the condenser cleaner to spray, soak, and rinse the dirt and grime. The product is designed to penetrate and lift off oils, grime, and other corrosion deposits.
It is cost-effective and fast-acting, making it attractive to consumers who want quick results without breaking the bank. Its cleaning strength, quick results, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness make this AC coil cleaner the top choice.
- Safe to use
- Fast cleaning power
- Works great on heavily gunked-up surfaces
- Leaves behind a bright and shiny surface
- May have a slight odor
NU-Calgon AC Coil Cleaner
– Aroma-FriendlyThe NU-Calgon AC Coil Cleaner easily liquefies dirt, grease, oil, and other residues with its fast-breaking foam. The formula is fortified with corrosion inhibitors, making it safe to use on metals.
The self-rinsing foam quickly washes off emulsified matter while leaving a pleasant lemon scent in the air. Plus, this product is NSF registered for use around food processing areas. This fast-acting formula does not require rinsing after application, so you can have clean coils without worrying about water damage or air contamination.
This option is the ideal solution for homeowners who need to keep their evaporator coils clean and fresh without the hassle of traditional methods. This product is a must-have with its quick and easy application, corrosion inhibitors for safety, and NSF registration for food processing areas.
- Non-aggressive, safe for seals
- Has no harsh chemicals
- Safe for use on RVs
- Easy to use
- Can require multiple cans
Frost King AC Coil Cleaner
– Best for HVAC CoilsWith its heavy-duty foam formula, the Frost King AC Coil Cleaner quickly breaks up grease, oil, and other dirt deposits, leaving no residue behind. The low VOC formula also neutralizes any odors from standing water in drain pans and leaves a pleasant lemon fragrance. This product does not require rinsing afterward, so usage is quick and easy.
This AC coil foaming detergent cleaner is designed to make stains disappear quickly, even after years. Its powerful foam formula penetrates deep into the coils and fan blades to provide a thorough clean.
Also, its nontoxic properties make it safe to use around family members and pets. The product also contains an antiseptic agent that helps prevent bacteria and fungi’s future growth. This product is a great choice for those who want an easy way to clean their air conditioner thoroughly without chemical buildup or hazardous fumes!
- No need to rinse off
- Thick and foamy
- The smell is rather mild
- Great for routine cleaning
- Very messy and gets slippery
Lundmark AC Coil Cleaner
– Economic ChoiceThe Lundmark AC Coil Cleaner is designed to clean and maintain air conditioning coils, promoting efficient airflow through the fins and prolonging its life. This product is simple to use— spray it on and wait a few moments before rinsing it off.
The bottle allows for multiple applications of the cleaner, ensuring your air conditioner is maintained from season to season. For instructions on how to use it correctly, be sure to read the product labels for complete information.
This option is ideal for anyone looking to get the most out of their air conditioner while maintaining their home or office. By using this product, you are extending the life of your fan motor and maximizing the dollars spent cooling your living space.
- Simple to use
- Effective in cleaning coils, radiators, and engine
- Efficient even with heavily dirtied appliances
- Safe and not bothersome smell
- Difficult to use on some models
QwikProducts AC Coil Cleaner
– Best Cleaning PerformanceQwikProducts AC Coil Cleaner is an industrial-strength cleaner that effectively cleans an AC system’s evaporator and condenser coils without clogging the fins or coils. This no-rinse coil cleaner can be used on refrigerators, whole-house air conditioners, rooftop HVAC units, auto radiators, air-cooled equipment, and more.
It easily breaks down and removes dirt, dust, grease, and oil. The self-rinsing design ensures that all users have to spray it on, and the foaming coil cleaner will do the rest. It also leaves behind a pleasant lemon scent.
This air conditioner coil foam cleaner is manufactured in the USA using cutting-edge technology to ensure its customers get quality products at cost-effective rates. This heavy-duty AC cleaner from QwikProducts is excellent for anyone looking for a reliable no-rinse coil cleaner. It’s effective yet safe to use on various surfaces, ensuring lasting cleanliness.
- Can be used to clean many surfaces
- Gets rid of sticky substances without scrubbing
- Leaves surface sparkling clean
- Not suitable for all air conditioning units
People Also Asked
A: An AC coil cleaner is a specialized cleaning product designed to effectively remove dirt, dust, debris, and other contaminants from the coils of an air conditioning system. It works by using a combination of active ingredients that help break down and loosen tough dirt and grime while protecting the coils from damage caused by oxidation. Using this product to maintain proper airflow through the unit and keep it running at peak efficiency is significant.
A: If your air conditioner is not producing cool air as efficiently as it once did, or if you see visible dust on the outside of your unit, it's likely time for a coil cleaning. Also, if you have recently had work done on your HVAC system or any major changes in temperature or humidity levels inside your home, cleaning your coils can help restore optimal performance.
A: The answer to this question depends on where you live and how much wear and tear your AC unit experiences due to environmental factors such as wind, rain, snow, and dust storms. Generally speaking, though, it’s recommended that you clean your AC coils once per year to ensure optimal system performance over its lifetime.
A: Yes! Most AC coil cleaners are made with non-toxic ingredients that will not harm humans or pets when used correctly according to package instructions. But it's still essential to wear protective gear such as gloves and eyewear when handling these products to prevent accidental skin contact or inhalation of fumes which can be harmful if exposed too frequently.
A: When applying an AC coil cleaner, you must follow all manufacturer instructions carefully so as not to damage any components of the system during the process. Also, it’s best practice to begin by spraying a small amount of cleaner onto a cloth before wiping down the affected area so as not to oversaturate any part of the machine, which can lead to corrosion over time if left unattended. Lastly, make sure that after application, all excess liquid is wiped away after the drying time frames specified by the manufacturer instructions are met for optimal results from using the product.
A: Absolutely! Make sure you read all manufacturer instructions carefully before beginning usage to understand proper application techniques to save yourself against accidental skin contact with chemicals used within the product and breathe in any fumes emitted during the process. Also, always wear protective gear, such as gloves, eyewear, and face masks when handling chemical-based products to be extra cautious.
