DEFECT: Dirty Air Conditioner Evaporative Coil
In Phoenix we find allot of dirty or clogged air conditioner or heat pump coils due to removed air filters. Many of these are bank owned homes where the filter was removed because it was totally clogged. Anytime we find a missing filter during our Phoenix Home Inspections we recommend that you have the coil cleaned by a licensed HVAC contractor.
A dirty or clogged air conditioner evaporative coil (cooling coil) can severely decrease the efficiency of your air conditioner due to decreased airflow over the coil. For the air conditioner to operate properly and efficiently it requires unobstructed flow across this coil. If the airflow across this coil is decreased due to dirt buildup the system must work harder and run longer to cool the home. This can cost allot of money in extra electricity and repairs to the system.
The evaporative coil is made up of copper tubes covered in thin metal cooling fins that are spaced closely together. Once dirt begins to build up on these fins it starts to clog the spaces between them which reduces the airflow.
The typical cause of a dirty coil is running the air conditioner without a filter installed or with an improperly fit filter. The filters job is to remove this dirt and dust before it enters the coil.
If you have a dirty or clogged evaporative coil on your air conditioner or heat pump, you should have it professionally cleaned by a licensed heating and cooling contractor. The difficulty of this job depends on the configuration of your air conditioner. Some systems are designed with access to both sides of the coil and on some systems it can be very difficult.
This information was provided courtesy of Southwest Premier Home Inspection, LLC. Reproduction in any form is not permitted without consent. Copyright 2008-2010 Southwest Premier Home Inspection, LLC.
Southwest Premier Home Inspection is the Phoenix Arizona Home Inspection leader. To find out more visit our Phoenix Home Inspection website www.swpHomeInspect.com
