Air conditioners! Ah, the other name of comfort!
While the outcome is exquisitely comforting for the users, the mechanism is equally complex inside. There are many parts and processes are in play to provide you cool, comforting air.
Coils are one of the most important components in an air conditioner. They are responsible for extracting heat from the air and expelling it outside.
The cooling efficiency of the air conditioner gradually decreases by the day. You start to notice that your air conditioner isn’t cooling your room the same way it initially used to. Why is that?
Well, many factors contribute to the loss of cooling performance and dirty coils are one of them. Clogged coils prevent heat from being extracted which in turn doesn’t provide adequate cooling performance. To restore your AC’s cooling efficiency to its original state, you need coil cleaners.
The best AC coil cleaner will effectively remove the dirt from coils. It also eliminates any contaminants that cause allergies and gets rid of foul odor.
Since there are tons of them in the market, you need to heed caution when purchasing one as some of them may contain hazardous constituents. In this article, we will go through the most effective and safe coil cleaning solutions for your AC coils.
Enjoy!
TOP 5 Selection For A Quick Decision
Top 10 Best AC Coil Cleaner Reviews
1. Nu-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse Evaporator Coil Cleaner
Cleaning your AC coil can be a difficult task, especially if you don’t have the right product. With Nu-Calgon’s no-rinse central air coil cleaner, the tedious process of cleaning AC coils will be much easier.
The formula works most on evaporator cooling units. It is a heavy-duty detergent that turns to foam once it contacts with dirt particles on the cooling filters. The spray bottle is very easy to use.
It is also biodegradable and can be recycled once emptied. The non-hazardous formula instantly dissolves any type of residues such as grease, oil, and dirt. The foam will slowly evaporate after the dirt is removed.
Although the product doesn’t need any rinsing after the residue has been removed, it is better to give your coil a quick rinse after the product dissolves.
The Nu-Calgon is the best ac coil cleaner for those who are obsessive about smell. Unlike most liquid detergents, it doesn’t smell soapy as you might have expected.
The product has a lemony smell, which is quite noticeable. The smell is not strong enough to cause discomfort.
You can spray the product directly on your evaporator coil. It doesn’t need to be diluted with water. The spray is NSF registered, so it’s completely safe to use even in areas where good is present.
The aerosol spray is incredibly versatile. Apart from using AC evaporator units, you can also apply it on your refrigerator cooling unit and remove any dirt and grime.
As the aerosol consists of corrosion inhibitors, it won’t damage the metal or any other surface.
Highlighted Features:
- Quickly removes any type of dirt and grime.
- Can be used to clean refrigerator coils.
- Completely safe to use as it doesn’t contain hazardous elements.
- Product has a subtle lemony smell.
- Consists of corrosion inhibitors that don’t damage the metal surface.
2. Frost King ACF19 Air Conditioner Coil Foam Cleaner
The coil cleaning solution from Frost King is an effective dirt removing agent that not only leaves your AC cooling units spotless but motors and vehicle radiators as well.
The detergent comes in the form of a spray bottle that is easy to use. It can be applied from any angle so that the formula covers as much surface as possible. The water-based formula forms a foam when it contacts the surface. It instantly dissolves any dirt or stains making it incredibly effective.
You don’t need to clean it with water after the product dries off as it is a no-rinse formula. The product comes with a scrubbing cap which makes it easy to remove stubborn stains. Apart from AC coils, the liquid can be applied to fan blades and air filters. It is also very effective against clogged pipes.
The formula consists of corrosion inhibitors that don’t harm metal surfaces. Also, since the formula is alkaline based, you don’t have to worry about metal corrosion.
The AC cleaning agent leaves a lemony smell when applied. The subtle fragrance causes the room to smell fresh. It also removes foul odor from standing water in drain pans. The product contains no harmful solvents or CFC and is perfectly safe to use.
The cleaning agent is one of the most popular dirt removing solutions available on the market. The product will not only get rid of grime but also increase the cooling performance of your air conditioner.
Highlighted Features:
- Instantly removes dirt and grime.
- Doesn’t contain any harmful solvents.
- Clean coils, blades, filters, and more.
- Contains a scrubbing brush to remove stubborn stains.
- Neutralizes foul odor and leaves a subtle lemony fragrance.
3. ComStar 90-100 Coil King Professional Grade Concentrated Alkaline External Condenser Coil Cleaner
ComStar 90-100 is a powerful cleaning agent that can remove stubborn dirt and grime from AC condenser, filters, blades, and virtually any metal surfaces. It is an alkaline-based solution that doesn’t foam as much as other popular cleaning agents.
However, it is a solution that is popular due to its effectiveness and affordable price tag. The solution isn’t corrosive, which makes it safe to use on metals.
It needs to be diluted with 3 to 10 parts of water before using it. Also, you need to be cautious when using the product as it may cause chemical stings if it gets on you.
The strength of the solution depends on the ratio of the solution and water. For cleaning stubborn grease and dirt, use the solution with less water.
After diluting, simply transfer the mix into a spray bottle. The solution doesn’t contain harmful additives, which makes it environmentally safe.
The Comstar 90-100 has all the qualities of the best evaporator coil cleaner. It contains inhibitors that prevent metal degradation. You can use it on any aluminum or copper surfaces.
What makes the condenser coil cleaner more appealing than other cleaning solutions on the market is the amount of liquid you get for the investment.
Diluting the solution with water increases the volume of the cleaning solution and is still very effective. This is perfect if you have multiple air conditioning units at your home that needs cleaning.
Using this product will remove the dirt on the surface and in between the aluminum fins. You can easily restore your air conditioner’s cooling performance to that of a factory-new unit.
Highlighted Features:
- Power cleaning agent gets rid of dirt from coils.
- It contains inhibitors that don’t degrade metals.
- Solution can be diluted with water before use.
- Doesn’t cause harm to the environment.
- Gets rid of stubborn dirt.
4. CRC Foaming Coil Cleaner, 18 oz Aerosol Can
CRC’s cleaning agent is an effective solution that is effective at getting rid of thick coats of dirt and grease.
The solution comes in an aerosol can that makes it convenient to use and can be used from a distance. You don’t have to dilute the detergent to use it. Simply point and spray the detergent on dirty metal surfaces.
CRC’s foaming solution will remove any foul odor on the metal surface it is being sprayed on. The foam will dissolve the toughest grime in a matter of minutes. It is strong enough to remove thick coats of dirt without having to brush the area.
It doesn’t contain any constituents that are harmful to humans or pets. It is perfectly safe to use. Furthermore, it is a green product does not have Class 1 or class 2 depleting elements that have been notoriously known to deplete the ozone layer.
The product is quite reasonably priced. For a small investment, you can easily increase the cooling efficiency of your air conditioner.
Apart from condenser and evaporator units, the foam can be used on virtually all metal surfaces for thorough cleaning.
As it is a no-rinse detergent, you don’t have to wash off the foam after the cleaning job. The product doesn’t have a flash or fire point.
This eliminates the danger of any accidental fire that may be caused if the liquid comes in contact with an electrical device or circuit.
The high-performance cleaning agent can be used on condenser and evaporator units, as well as fan blades and blower wheels.
Highlighted Features:
- Effective against dirt and grime.
- Contains no ozone-depleting elements.
- Formula contains no flash or fire point.
- Neutralizes foul odor from the sprayed surface.
- Product comes in an aerosol can that is convenient to use.
5. WEB WCOIL19 19 oz Coil Cleaner For Air Conditioner
Looking to get rid of accumulated dirt from your air conditioner’s condenser and evaporator units? Then WEB WCOIL19 might just be the product you are looking for.
The solution comes in the form of an aerosol spray that makes the application a breeze. The professional-grade solvent help loosen the dirt particles, which then easily comes off. With this product, you don’t have to worry about that age-old grease and the build-up of lint on your AC cooling units.
The 19-ounce spray can is sufficient to clean a large unit. Although the suggested usage is at least twice a year, it is better if you clean the cooling units throughout the year.
This will prevent any build-up of dirt in your coils and ensure that your AC runs at optimum efficiency. The product has a 360-degree spray nozzle for convenience.
It can also be used from any angle, even upside down so that you cover the spaces in between the coils. After the foam is applied, it will start dissolving the dirt. Since this is a no-rinse formula, you have to rinse the coils with water to remove the residue.
If the dirt remains on the cooling units, repeat the process and rinse it again. Make sure the coil is completely dry before installing it to your air conditioning unit.
The product doesn’t discharge any fumes when sprayed. It is also safe to use and does not contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer. The can is completely biodegradable, which makes them environmentally friendly.
Highlighted Features:
- Produces no fumes when sprayed.
- Comes in a biodegradable aerosol can.
- Loosens dirt particles very quickly.
- Can be applied from any angle even upside down.
- The nozzle can be rotated 360 degrees.
6. Nu-Calgon 4291-08 Condenser Coil Cleaner
Nu-Brite is an alkaline-based cleaning solution designed to tackle the toughest dirt on air conditioner cooling units or similar surfaces.
The formula is strong enough to disintegrate dirt particles from cooling units making it spotless. It forms a foam on the applied surface, which needs to be rinsed with water after the dirt particles are removed. Apart from AC evaporator and condenser units, the detergent can also be used on radiators as well.
Since it is a concentrated product, it has to be diluted with water before use. To use the product, simply dilute it with 4 parts of water and pour it in a spray bottle. It is incredibly effective against all types of dirt and leaves the coil loops looking bright.
The product is ideal for cleaning indoor units. It works best on evaporator units. Make sure you leave the solution in contact with the cooling units for at least 5-10 minutes for optimum effectiveness. The longer the solution stays in contact with the dirt, the easier it is to remove the dirt.
The strong alkaline solution doesn’t corrode the metal surface. It is completely safe to use and doesn’t pose a health threat. The non-corrosive liquid is also biodegradable, so using it doesn’t have negative effects on the environment.
1 gallon of this cleaning solution will last long. If you use it sparingly, it might even last the entire year if you are using it for a single air conditioning unit. The solution is meant to be used by HVAC professionals. However, it is also perfect for use in a DIY cleaning project.
Highlighted Features:
- Excellent for cleaning dirt from condenser and evaporator coils.
- Doesn’t corrode the surface of the cooling units.
- It can be used on condenser and evaporator coils.
- 1 gallon of the solution lasts a long time.
- Makes coils look spotless and bright.
7. Dometic D1227001 Advanced A/C Coil Cleaner Aerosol
The US-made foaming solution that has phenomenal dirt removing capabilities. The foaming solution works its magic by penetrating the evaporator and condenser units.
It disintegrates dirt particles which easily removes them. The solution needs to be on the coil for some time. After that, a quick rinse will remove the residue. It is an effective formula that will make your coils spotless.
Removing the dirt build-up with this detergent will increase the cooling efficiency of your air conditioner. Thick coats of dirt can decrease the performance of the coil as it won’t be able to extract the heat out of the air.
As a result, your air conditioner won’t be able to provide the same level of cooling as a factory-new unit. One of the benefits of this product is that it requires no rinsing.
The solution will dry off eventually without leaving any residue. Although not mandatory, a quick rinse will wash away any remaining residue which will completely clean the coil.
The solution comes in an aerosol can which makes application easy. Simply give the can shake, and spray the formula on the coil and let it dry off. If the dirt remains, repeat the procedure.
The Domestic D1227001 is the best coil cleaner for AC that can unclog your condenser and evaporator coils. Domestic’s coil cleaning formula is completely odorless.
It is also a hydrocarbon-based solution that is completely safe to use and safe for the environment.
Highlighted Features:
- Effectively penetrates dirt in between coils.
- Odorless and made from hydrocarbons.
- Comes in a compact spray can.
- Rinsing is not required after usage.
- Coils become spotless after use.
8. Lundmark Coil Cleen, Air Conditioning Fin & Coil Cleaner For AC
Lundmark is a family-owned business that has been favored by a lot of consumers. Lundmark’s products have been in the market for quite a while and are known for their superior quality.
The solution is incredibly effective against dirt and grime. The product doesn’t need to be diluted with water before using it. Simply pour the solution in a spray bottle and apply it to the dirty coil. The solution can be applied to both condenser and evaporator cooling units.
By using this solution, you can easily bring your electrical cost by approximately 40%. As dirt builds up on the cooling units, its ability to extract heat from the coil decreases considerably.
This results in the air cons working harder to provide cooler air and in turn cause your utility bills to increase.
Lundmark Coil Cleen has been thoroughly tested for optimal effectiveness. The product is used both by professionals and regular consumers. It turns your dirty cooling unit into a clean one in a flash.
The solution is ecologically formulated. It doesn’t contain additives that damage the environment. It is not hazardous, so is completely safe to use. After applying the detergent on the cooling units, you need to thoroughly rinse it to remove the residue.
With 1 gallon of this solution, you can keep your cooling units clean throughout the year. Apart from coils, you can also use it to clean your air con’s fan blades.
The Lundmark Coil Cleen is an effective solution that helps cooling units provide efficient airflow and increase the longevity of your air conditioner.
Highlighted Features:
- Excellent coil cleaning solution.
- Increases condenser and evaporator coil’s cooling efficiency.
- 1 gallon of the solution can last a year.
- Decreases your electricity bills by getting rid of dirt.
- Helps air cons provide efficient air flow.
9. QwikClean® Foaming Coil Cleaner
QwikClean foaming hvac coil cleaner is an all-purpose heavy-duty detergent that is incredibly effective at getting rid of the dirt from your AC coil. It is an industrial cleaner in a spray can!
The AC unit coil cleaner comes in a convenient spray which makes application easy. As it is a foam-based solution, it can cover the surface of the coils properly and also get in tight spaces.
After applying, simply let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Since this is a no-rinse product, you don’t have to wash the cooling unit with water after usage.
It can be used on most metal surfaces. Aside from evaporator and condenser units, you can also clean the fan blades with ease making it an ideal all-purpose cleaner. It can also be used to clean other hard surfaces apart from metals.
Since the solution is alkaline-based, it is not aggressive on the metallic surface of the coil. Unlike most acid-based counterparts, the solution will not damage or corrode the cooling units.
The product has a subtle lemony fragrance. The smell helps to neutralize any foul odor from the cooling units. The pleasant smell it leaves behind after cleaning makes the coil feel like a brand new unit.
QwikClean foaming a/c coil cleaner is formulated by professionals. The foam does not contain harmful constituents that may potentially harm the environment. You can safely use the product for both evaporator and condenser unit of your air conditioner.
Highlighted Features:
- Free of constituents that harm the environment.
- It doesn’t corrode or damage the coils.
- Solution doesn’t have to be rinsed with water after use.
- Leaves a fresh lemony fragrance.
- Effective against any type of dirt.
10. DWD2 Clean AIR Premium Automotive Foaming AC Evaporator Coil Cleaner
The DWD2 coil cleaner spray is a powerful detergent that can clean, disinfect, and disintegrate stubborn dirt and grime. If you are looking for an effective a/c coil cleaner, then this may just be the one.
The formula is designed to be used on automotive ac coils but can be used on your home air conditioner as well. It is a foaming detergent that clings on to coils and penetrates the spaces in between for effective cleaning.
The solution comes in a spray can that allows for easy application. Furthermore, the 8-ounce aerosol can come with a 12-inch tube that can cover tight spaces on the coil. This product is ideal for your car’s air conditioning unit.
Applying the solution will not corrode the aluminum surface. The spray contains non-toxic constituents that make it perfectly safe to use. Also, it does not harm the environment in any way.
It is a self-rinsing formula that doesn’t require water to be removed. Since the product can be used directly from the spray can, you don’t have to go through the process of diluting the solution.
The DWD2 is the best coil cleaner that has been rigorously tested and proven by professionals. Apart from removing dirt and grime, it also removes odor-causing contaminants and leaves a subtle lemony smell. It is also very effective at removing contaminants that cause allergies.
Within 25 minutes, you get a cooling unit that is clean, odorless, and free of any allergens. This multipurpose solution will fulfill all your coil cleaning needs.
Highlighted Features:
- Great for car and home AC coils.
- Leaves a subtle lemony fragrance.
- Removes foul odor from cooling units.
- It comes with a 12-inch tube that can cover tight spaces.
- Gets rid of dirt and allergens in 25 minutes.
AC Coil Cleaner Buying Guide
Alkaline-based
The formulation of coil cleaners varies from brand to brand. Some coil cleaners are acid-based whereas others are alkaline. The problem with acid-based coil cleaners is that they are very aggressive. They are usually very rough on the surface they are applied to. Acid-based cleaners will slowly damage the coils.
Alkaline-based cleaners are preferred by most consumers these days. They are meant to be used on condenser and evaporator cooling units. They do an excellent job of cleaning the coils and do not damage the surface.
Harmful Additives-Free
The issue with cleaning products such as A/C coil cleaners is that it contains harmful additives. Some manufacturers continue to use them as using safer alternatives increases the cost. Pick the ones that do not contain hazardous constituents.
Solutions that contain additives such as chlorinated solvents are harmful to the environment. They are one of the major causes of ozone layer depletion. They may also pose a health risk in general. Look out for the dangerous elements when purchasing a coil cleaner.
Multi-Purpose
It is not necessary to clean your coils every month or so. Cleaning them a couple of times a year would suffice. There are evaporator cleaners that can be used for other materials as well.
Since they are effective in removing dirt and grime, you can use them to clean the grease from other machines as well.
This way you can use the product in various situations without having to purchase other cleaning solutions.
Easy To Use
There is nothing worse than buying a cleaning solution and finding it almost impossible to use. Usability is a very important factor to consider when purchasing the best evaporator coil cleaner.
Look for solutions that can easily clean tight spaces between the cooling units. Solutions that come in aerosol cans are the easiest to use as it can cover most of the coil’s surface area.
Also, make sure you get the right cleaning solution for the job. If you have a large unit, it may require a few attempts for dirt-free results.
Tested And Approved For Use.
With a wide range of coil cleaning products on the market, you may stumble across a product that has not been approved by the government.
The finest ac unit coil cleaners are approved by the government and have to go through strict guidelines before they are available for consumers to purchase.
It is essential that you get the cleaning solution that is approved by the government. They not only contain substances that may potentially damage the cooling unit, but they are also safe to use as well as pose no health risk.
Benefits of Using Coil Cleaner For Air Conditioner
1. Restore Cooling Performance
Buildup of dirt particles on evaporator and condenser unit decreases the cooling performance of your air conditioner. This is due to the coils not extracting the heat from the air properly due to dirt build-up.
By using air conditioner coil cleaners, you can easily remove dirt, grime, grease, and lint. This allows the cooling units to operate at peak performance and restore the cooling performance of your air conditioner.
2. Low Electrical Bills
The buildup of dirt particles will force the evaporator and condenser unit to work harder than normal. This will boost your utility bill as more power is consumed to make the air cooler.
By routinely cleaning your cooling units with the cleaning solution, you can cut easily down the increase in electrical costs.
3. Easy Application
You don’t need an HVAC professional to do the coil cleaning. Using the solution is very easy. Some coil cleaning solutions come in a convenient spray bottle.
All you have to do is thoroughly cover the surface of the cooling unit with the solution. By doing it yourself, you are also cutting down costs by not hiring the professionals.
4. Easy On The Coils
Alkaline-based cleaning solutions don’t harm the coils, unlike the acid-based counterparts. The issue with acid-based detergents is that they are very aggressive. AC cooling units are delicate components. They can easily be damaged if handled too roughly.
Alkaline-based solutions are gentle on the coils. They also clean the metallic surface very well without damaging the sensitive component. Since the risk of damage is very low, you can use it on a routine basis.
5. Increase your Air conditioner’s longevity
A clogged coil will not only decrease the cooling performance of your air conditioner but in worse cases damage critical components.
By using an ac condenser cleaner, you can prevent long term problems by keeping the coil clean. You also don’t have to worry about expensive repairs or replacements.
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How To Take Care of Your AC Coil
1. Routinely Clean The Coils
Dirt gradually builds up over time, both in the evaporator and condenser units. This results in poor cooling and may potentially damage the coils.
By using a commercially available coil cleaning solution, you can prevent the build-up of dirt. This allows the cooling units to function normally and also boosts the lifespan of your air conditioner.
2. Repair Any Small Damages
Coils are prone to external forces. They are one of the most delicate components of the AC. The aluminum fins can easily bend which causes the airflow to be blocked. In case the fins are bent, gently straighten it. You can also purchase a fin comb that can restore the fins to their original position.
3. Keep The Area Around The Coils Clean.
Outdoor units like condenser get exposed to dust. This causes the coils to get dirty over time. If left unclean, you can easily see condenser fins gradually accumulating dirt.
Although it is not possible to keep the area around the cooling units dirt-free, you can at least minimize the chances of dirt buildup. The major sources of dirt are dryer vent and lawnmowers. Prevent using them around the cooling units and also keep the area around the unit clean.
4. Refer To The Professionals
HVAC professionals are equipped with advanced tools that can detect any defects in the coil.
They can give you the assurance of the ac being in perfect working order. Also, they can fix any defects that can snowball into a bigger problem such as component failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Words
Coils are delicate components that are prone to dirt build-up. Operating your AC regularly increases the rate at which this build-up occurs. If coils are not cleaned and maintained properly, they can lead to permanent damage.
To ensure that you get the optimum cooling performance, the cooling units must be clear of any dirt and debris. AC coil cleaning solutions are designed to keep the delicate component free of grease, grime, or lint. It also prevents the growth of bacteria and the spread of dangerous allergens.
Purchasing the best ac coil cleaner can be tricky as they all come with essential benefits. In terms of cleaning performance, all the products we reviewed are guaranteed to deliver satisfying results. We hope our reviews helped you pick the perfect product that meets your coil cleaning needs.
