How to Clean Air Conditioner Coils

Keeping your air conditioner running at peak performance takes more than just adjusting the thermostat. One of the most important—and most overlooked—maintenance tasks is cleaning your AC coils. These coils play a critical role in cooling your home, but when they get coated in dirt, dust, and debris, your system has to work twice as hard. That can lead to higher energy bills, poor cooling, and even breakdowns when you need your AC most. 

Luckily, cleaning your air conditioner coils isn’t as difficult as it sounds—and doing so can help extend the life of your system. In this blog, we’ll break down why coil cleaning matters, signs your coils need attention, how to clean them properly, and when it’s time to call the pros at 702 PlumbAIR for expert help.

Why Coil Cleaning Matters

Your air conditioning system has two key sets of coils—the evaporator coil, located inside, and the condenser coil, located in the outdoor unit. Together, these coils are responsible for absorbing heat from your home and releasing it outside. When they’re clean, the process runs smoothly, keeping your space comfortable and energy-efficient.

However, when dirt, dust, and grime build up on the coils, your system has to work harder to do the same job. That added strain can cause several problems. You may notice that your home isn’t cooling as quickly—or at all. Your energy bills might start creeping up. Worse, that extra effort can wear out your system prematurely, leading to expensive repairs or even a full replacement.

In hot and dry areas like Las Vegas, where air conditioners run frequently and dust is common, keeping your coils clean is especially important. Clean coils not only help your AC run more efficiently, but also ensure that your home stays comfortable without overworking your system. It’s a small task with big benefits for performance, energy use, and long-term reliability.

Key Signs Your AC Coils Need Cleaning

Dirty coils don’t always announce themselves loudly—but your air conditioner will start showing signs when it’s struggling to keep up. Knowing what to watch for can help you catch coil issues early before they lead to bigger problems.

Common Signs

Keep an eye out for these telltale symptoms that your AC coils might need cleaning:

• Weak or reduced airflow coming from your vents
• Warm air blowing when the system should be cooling
• Rising energy bills without a clear reason
• Ice forming on the coils or refrigerant lines
• Musty or unpleasant smells coming from your AC
• The system running constantly or turning on and off frequently (short cycling)

If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s time to take a closer look at your coils.

Causes/Why It Happens

Several everyday factors can cause dirt and debris to build up on your AC coils:

• Dust and pet hair circulating inside your home
• Outdoor debris like leaves, grass clippings, or pollen getting trapped in the condenser unit
• Dirty or clogged air filters allowing dust to pass through
• Humidity causing grime to stick to the coils more easily
• Skipping regular HVAC maintenance or tune-ups

Because of Las Vegas’ dusty environment and frequent AC use, these issues can show up faster than you might expect.

Solutions or Ways to Fix the Problem

The good news? Cleaning your AC coils doesn’t always require a professional. If you’re comfortable handling basic maintenance, you can often clean the coils yourself. However, some situations call for expert help to avoid damaging your system.

DIY Solutions

If your coils are only lightly dirty and easy to access, here’s how you can clean them safely:

• Turn off the power to your AC unit — Safety first! Shut off the power at the thermostat and breaker box before doing anything.
• Apply a no-rinse coil cleaner — Available at most home improvement stores, these foaming sprays help break down grime without needing to rinse (especially for indoor evaporator coils).
• Mix a mild soap and water solution — If you prefer, a little dish soap mixed with water can help loosen buildup.
• Rinse outdoor condenser coils carefully — For outdoor coils, you can lightly rinse them with a garden hose on low pressure after applying cleaner. Avoid using high pressure, which can damage the fins.
• Let the coils dry completely — Before turning the system back on, ensure everything is dry.
• Replace the air filter — After cleaning, install a fresh air filter to prevent more dirt from entering the system.

When to Call a Professional

While basic coil cleaning is a manageable DIY task, some situations are better left to the experts at 702 PlumbAIR:

• If your coils are heavily covered in grime, mold, or stubborn debris
• If your coils are difficult to access or require disassembling system parts
• If you notice ice buildup or refrigerant leaks
• If cleaning doesn’t improve cooling performance
• If you want a thorough inspection and tune-up included with cleaning

Professional HVAC technicians have the tools, cleaning agents, and expertise to deep-clean coils safely—plus, they’ll check for other issues that could impact your system’s performance.

Additional Tips or Maintenance to Prevent the Issue

Keeping your AC coils clean isn’t just about dealing with problems after they happen—it’s about preventing them in the first place. With a few simple maintenance habits, you can keep your system running smoothly year-round.

Here are some quick tips to help prevent coil buildup and keep your air conditioner in top shape:

• Change your air filter regularly — Aim to replace your filter every 1–3 months to prevent dust and debris from reaching the coils.
• Keep the outdoor unit clear — Trim back bushes, grass, and plants at least two feet away from the condenser unit to allow proper airflow.
• Clean around your condenser unit — Sweep away leaves, dirt, and other debris from around the outdoor system to prevent clogs.
• Schedule annual HVAC maintenance — A professional tune-up from 702 PlumbAIR includes coil inspection and cleaning to catch problems early.
• Install a UV light system — UV lights can help reduce biological buildup, like mold or bacteria, on indoor coils.
• Keep vents and ducts clean — Regularly dust and vacuum around air vents to minimize dirt circulating through your system.

Staying on top of these simple tasks can make a big difference in the performance and longevity of your AC system—especially in a hot, dry climate like Las Vegas.

Wrap-Up: Call 702 PlumbAIR for AC Maintenance and Coil Cleaning

Your air conditioner works hard to keep your home cool—especially in the Las Vegas heat. But when your coils are dirty, your system has to work overtime just to keep up. Regular coil cleaning is one of the simplest ways to boost your AC’s efficiency, lower your energy bills, and prevent expensive repairs down the road.

Whether you’re comfortable handling minor maintenance yourself or prefer to leave it to the experts, keeping your coils clean should always be part of your home care routine. And when in doubt, professional help is just a phone call away.

If you’re ready to give your AC the attention it deserves, contact 702 PlumbAIR for expert coil cleaning and HVAC maintenance. Our team proudly serves homeowners in Las Vegas and surrounding areas with friendly service and reliable solutions. Schedule your appointment today—we’ll help keep your home cool and comfortable all season long.