Remove/clean/reinstall HVAC evaporator coil?

[jeromedawg]

Hey guys,

Was wondering if it's worthwhile to DIY clean the evaporator coil on my HVAC system. I had someone clean it out previously and I think it was around $70-80 or so. Watching some Youtube vids, it doesn't seem like it's a very simple thing to do. Unless I just have misconceptions about the whole thing.... would it be more worth it just to have someone come out again to clean it?

[jeromedawg]

Actually, I don't recall if they even cleaned the evaporator coils last time (that may not have been part of the package). I remember he cleaned out the fan/blower and that was super dirty, and I also recall him cleaning out the condenser coils (for the condenser unit outside). I did have issues with the evaporator coil overflow clogging up and leaking from the sides because of a clogged up drain pipe and we had our old neighbor help fix that (he's an AC guy and he helped us fix that back then but we sorta just lost all contact with him after that)

[jeromedawg]

I was just quoted around $225 from one contractor to come do a thorough inspection of both the AC and Furnace as well as to clean everything out (including the evaporator coils).

The last company I used charged me $144 for furnace and AC cleaning but this did not include cleaning the evaporator coils. Still, they did a pretty thorough job.

[jeromedawg]

Anyone?

So I have one contractor who wants to open up everything including inspecting the evap coils and probably cleaning. This is the contractor charging $225.

The other contractor (actually the office admin, on behalf of the technician) called back and said the tech would want to avoid having to clean the evap coils and said that cleaning them doesn't guarantee the "wet sock" smell will go away either. Obviously opposing opinions here. Their standard pricing for AC/furnace cleaning is $125 but they haven't gotten me a quote on the evap coils as the technician was avoiding throwing numbers out... that's not a good sign, as I'm venturing to guess that means it's going to be quite expensive.

The more I ask around to get quotes, and the more I hear back from the guy wanting $225, the more comfortable I'm feeling just going with him - he's lightning fast on his replies and seems pretty honest and upfront about things.

After doing a little more research and youtubing, I don't think ripping apart the cabinet and trying to clean the evap coils myself is a very good idea - I should probably leave all this to the pros.

[acroy]

You should be able to see the evap coil. If there's a thick carpet of dust on there, it's an issue.

The coil is protected by the filter. If it's doing it's job, the coil should be clean.

Suggest take a peek at it. If clean looking, 'do no harm' and leave it alone.

I was able to clean one dirty coil in place quite well with a shop vac. PO of the house had left the filter in so long it had essentially collapsed and the system was running dirty air. Cleaned it all up and good to go.

[rulesofacquisition]

I work for an HVAC company (mid-Atlantic region) and we charge $185 for a service contract that gets you one full-blown cleaning and one inspection. So the $225 doesn't sound bad. If you have "dirty sock" the smell may not go away. It's not very common in my area, have only seen (smelled) it once in 9 years. Depending on how the system is set up (air handler vs. gas furnace w/AC coil, upflow/downflow/horizontal) some coils are a pain to reach to really clean. Also, condensate issues can still happen after the coil is cleaned if the coil is deteriorated (picture a pan only under the edges of an "A" coil with airflow blowing thru the center, the water drops can get blown off the coil), usually it's just a clogged line, though. You can always watch them clean things to see if it's something you want to attempt (that is, if they don't charge extra for an audience :)

[jeromedawg]

So the second company called back and told me that they wouldn't "clean" the coils but that they would add some sort of solution inside (but this wouldn't guarantee that the smell would go away). I have no idea what they meant by that and the girl didn't know either in terms of how it's applied or what not. The first contractor told me he would open up the cabinet, clean it out on the spot (I"m assuming with the foaming coil cleaner stuff) and would also add a tablet or two to the drain pan which would help with keeping the drain line clean and preventing algae from growing, etc.

When the second company says they're just going to add "solution" does that sound like the first guy adding tablets (to prevent algae and to keep the drain lines clean) but just a different form of delivering the same thing? Either way, it doesn't sound like they would actually clean anything at all. And they did say that if the coils are that dirty they would end up recommending that I replace the coils completely instead of getting them cleaned. Seems a little strange that they might recommend that. Maybe they don't want to deal with the hassle of cleaning it out?

As far as the first contractor cleaning the coils on the spot, is that typically OK? I would think it's better to remove the coil and clean it out but that also costs a lot more money too.

[jeromedawg]

You should be able to see the evap coil. If there's a thick carpet of dust on there, it's an issue.

The coil is protected by the filter. If it's doing it's job, the coil should be clean.

Suggest take a peek at it. If clean looking, 'do no harm' and leave it alone.

I was able to clean one dirty coil in place quite well with a shop vac. PO of the house had left the filter in so long it had essentially collapsed and the system was running dirty air. Cleaned it all up and good to go.

There's all this foil tape surrounding where I think the panel would come off. Not to mention pipes going in and out. I'm just not exactly sure how I would begin to open up the top panel to inspect the coils.

EDIT: Sorry for the pic - it's showing up sideways for whatever reason! Anyway, not sure about removing the foil tape and also the black gunky stuff (which appears to be some sort of sealant/insulation around the 2-3 pipes going into it).

[jeromedawg]

I'm having a third contractor come out to give a quote on cleaning the AC/Furnace on Saturday. Will see what he says about the evaporator coils.

[jeromedawg]

They came out this morning actually and gave me an estimate. $250 to clean the furnace, $200 to clean the evap coils (forgot to ask if they clean on the spot or if they remove it) and $200 to clean the condenser. Yikes... guess I'll be going with the first guy.

[sokoloff]

They don't remove it (not for $150-250).

With a little time and a screwdriver/nutdriver to gain access to it, you can do the same. Buy coil cleaner (Home Depot carries it: http://www.homedepot.com/p/AC-Safe-Air-Conditioner-Coil-Foaming-Cleaner-AC-920/100599017 ), and follow the directions. You're not opening up any part of the sealed refrigerant loop; you're just removing panels to gain access to the evap coil.