We have little control over natural weather conditions, but we can create a microclimate in our homes by using groundbreaking inventions such as air conditioners.
These machines have temperature regulation features that allow you to stay cool even when it extremely hot outside. The secret lies in the series of coils, which extract heat from the air, thereby allowing it to cool to a favorable temperature.
However, when exposed to certain conditions, the coils may accumulate dirt and other forms of debris that may lower the efficiency of the air conditioner.
This condition can be reversed by cleaning the coils with specialized solvents .A/C coil cleaners are known for their effectiveness when it comes to cleansing air systems.
As such, they can help you regain back the power that your air conditioner once had by removing foreign compounds that interfere with heat dispersion.
These cleaning products are very easy to use because a majority comes in the form of aerosol sprays.
Nevertheless, choosing the right one is still difficult because the formulas are made up of a variety of ingredients, which work differently.
Having said that, it is important to know that these cleaners are not equal. To ensure that you get the best outcome from these products, we have sorted a list with the best AC coil cleaners that will bring back life to your failing air cooling system.
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11 Best AC Coil Cleaners
#1 Nu-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse Evaporator Coil Cleaner
No products found.The A/C coil cleaner from NU-Calgon is specially formulated with corrosive-free ingredients that cleanse the air unit without damaging the material.
The container has a spray design, which allows you to apply the detergent-rich foam with precision. One of the most impressive features that this product has is the self-rinsing property, which allows you to clean the air conditioner without applying any other liquid.
As such, it is extremely safe for systems that run under high voltage. But still, it is advisable to disconnect the electrical system before cleaning your A/C.
This formula has a liquefying property that enables it to break down different types of residue that may be clogging your air conditioner.
By using this product, you will be able to remove stubborn greasy stains and dust from your air system. As a result, the air conditioner will deliver clean air, hence bringing about an improvement in overall health.
The lemon scent deodorizes, thus making the entire room to have a fresh citrusy smell that will make you feel calm. This product is NSF certified and is, therefore, safe for use in areas where food is handled such as the kitchen and serving points.
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#2 Frost King ACF19 Air Conditioner Coil Foam Cleaner
No products found.The Frost King ACF19 is a heavy-duty cleaner that comes in the form of an aerosol spray, which delivers foam in powerful blasts. This allows you to clean tight areas that are hard to reach. More to this, the formula is enriched with potent cleaning ingredients that are aggressive on dust and other types of residue. On the other hand, the corrosive inhibitors will ensure that the air conditioner coil is not degraded during cleaning.
You can easily wash off heavy deposits by applying this spray in generous amounts. This cleaner is very effective when it comes to breaking down oil and residue buildup in the air conditioner. The formula is ideal for different types of coils, making it one of the safe cleaners that you can use when your A/C accumulates too much dust and debris. The spray will come out regardless of the position that the container is in.
Consequently, this allows you to angle the can in a customized manner, thereby making it easier to apply the foam to target areas. The cap can be used as a scrubbing accessory when dealing with the hard to remove stains. You can make the formula more effective by shaking the can before application. The reason for doing this is so that every ingredient in the formula gets to play a part in the cleaning.
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#3 DWD2 Clean AIR Premium AC Evaporator Coil Cleaner
No products found.This fast-acting formula effectively removes grime and deep-seated residue from the A/C system, thereby allowing you to enjoy a good supply of clean air while in the car. It is designed to clean every inch of the contaminated evaporator, thus allowing the coil to work as it should. Besides, the formula penetrates deep into the layers delivering an inside out treatment to the air cooling mechanism.
The formula contains mild ingredients, so no corrosion will take place during the cleaning process. As such, your A/C will remain as it was only that it will be clean and more hygienic. This particular brand is unscented, hence making it a great choice for those who don’t like fragranced products. Apart from being friendly to the coil, this cleaner is non-toxic, so you can use it in your regular cleaning routines without encountering any side effects
Additionally, it eliminates odor-causing mold and other contaminants that pollute the A/C’s air passage. This formula works effectively by cleaning every part of the air system, thus leaving no area untreated.
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#4 ComStar 90-099 Concentrated Alkaline Condenser Coil Cleaner
No products found.ComStar 90-099 concentrated coil cleaner is a non-acid formula that not only cleans but also restores your air conditioner to its full performance. It does this through the removal of substances like grease and lint, which are the major culprits when dealing with dirty and faulty air conditioners. This cleaner goes a mile further by brightening the metal frames that hold the coils together, therefore giving the A/C a new look.
This formula is concentrated, so you can dilute it with water to get a personalized cleaning experience. Its high foaming property makes it an ideal cleaning detergent for external condenser coils. You can use this coil cleaner on different types of metals since it contains elements that inhibit metal fatigue. As a result, it preserves the strength in the structural materials making up the air conditioner.
You can use this product when cleaning air filters, evaporator coils, and other parts of the A/C that are likely to be affected by dirt or mold. Environmental wise, this product is formulated with compounds that have a low impact on the ecological cycle.
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#5 WEB WCOIL19 19 oz. Coil Cleaner
No products found.The WEB coil cleaner has a 360-degree nozzle that works even when the can is in an upside-down position. It works by loosening dirt, thereby making it easy to flash off the unwanted residue from the air conditioning unit. This product comes in a 19 oz. aerosol can that is well sealed to prevent the pressure from escaping. It also has a spray cap, which prevents the nozzle from blocking.
This formula is particularly effective when dealing with outdoor condensers and evaporator coils. As a solvent, it goes as far as cleaning off soil build-up and oily stains that lower the efficiency of your air conditioner. Cleaning the A/C with this product can dramatically improve the system’s performance. Depending on your geographical location and how dusty the environment is, you can use this coil cleaner twice or several times in a year to get outstanding results.
Both small and large units can be cleaned using this product. You can finish up by rinsing off the foam; however, condensate producing coils do not require any rinsing because they have a mechanism that allows them to get rid of the foam. It is advisable to allow the coils to dry up before powering the unit.
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#6 Nu-Calgon 4291-08 Nu-Brite
No products found.The A/C cleaner from Nu-Calgon Inc comes in a large 3.8-liter (1 U.S Gallon) bottle that will give you a long cleaning service. It works very well when cleaning air-cooled condensers due to its ability to form powerful foam that draws out all debris from the coil. You have to mix the formula as instructed (ratio of 4:1) to get a good cleaning outcome. The former value is for water, while the latter is for the cleaner. If you blend it perfectly, you will be able to melt away grime and grease from the system.
As for delivery, you will have to use a sprayer to help you administer the formula with the required accuracy. This product will provide you with intense cleaning that will leave your AC in good condition. It dissolves both oily and greasy residue, thus giving the condenser a shiny appearance. This product acts immediately, so your system will be squeaky clean within the first use.
The heavy-duty foaming action allows you to use this formula on various HVACR cleaning processes. It has an easy application procedure, making it an ideal choice when carrying out system maintenance practices.
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#7 Lundmark Fin & Coil Cleaner
No products found.You can improve the cooling efficiency of your air conditioner by cleaning the coils using this reliable formula from Lundmark. By doing this, you will improve the lifespan of your AC and also cut on electricity bills. What happens is that when dirt and debris clog the coil system, the air conditioner tends to use more power than when the coils are clean. Therefore, keeping the coils dirt-free can help you get a good air conditioning service from your A/C with an added benefit of spending less on bills.
The formula is environment-friendly and works without causing damage to the ozone layer. This cleaner can help you wash off greasy residue and other stubborn stains from the air conditioner, thereby allowing you to breathe in clean air that is safe for your lungs. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the formula enables you to use this product when handling professional A/C cleaning tasks.
Also, this coil cleaner can help you get even better performance from your air conditioner machine since it can be used when cleaning the fins in the A/C. As a result, hot air will be dispersed faster, thus delivering an intense cooling effect.
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#8 Dometic D1227001 Advanced A/C Coil Cleaner Aerosol
No products found.When sprayed, this aerosol A/C cleaner penetrates the layers in condenser coils and evaporator to give you a superb and reliable cleaning. It achieves this cleaning property with the help of the foaming action, which removes surface debris and the hard-to-remove grime that accumulates in air conditioners over time. This will allow the conditioning unit to maximize the quality of air that you get
This formula delivers a thorough cleaning to coils, thereby lowering the possibility of future debris build-up. The aluminum can has a convenient trigger spray design that makes the application process a breeze. You can use this A/C cleaner on heat exchangers, roof-top units, and other appliances that can benefit from the unique cleaning features offered by this product. It will make your life easier and more enjoyable by allowing you to have access to a healthy air supply.
The self-rinsing feature is a bonus because you won’t have to flood your air conditioner with water after applying the foam. This feature allows you to clean different sections of the A/C with ease.
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#9 Lubegard 96030 Kool-It Evaporator and Heater Foam Cleaner
No products found.The Lubegard 96030 foam cleaner delivers exceptional results by flushing out dust and neutralizing the growth of mold and mildew in the air conditioning system. It will assist you in removing contaminants that can pose a danger to your general health. Besides, it prevents allergens from accumulating in the air conditioning unit, thereby making this cleaner an ideal product for people with various allergic reactions.
This formula has a fresh scent, which eliminates foul odors that may make you uncomfortable. The easy-to-use aerosol can has a protruded nozzle that guides the foam when it is sprayed. Through this, you will have a mess-free application that will leave you more than impressed. Moreover, the can is highly pressurized, so the form will be delivered at a high speed, allowing you to reach the innermost sections of the A/C.
If you have been having problems with the air conditioner in your car, this product will help you solve some of the issues through its amazing formula. The can has an attractive design with the unique Lubegard logo perfectly inscribed to show brand quality.
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#10 CRC Foaming Coil Cleaner
No products found.This high-performance coil cleaner from CRC will lift off the dirt load from your A/C, thus allowing it to perform better than before. The alkaline-based formula breaks down, oil, grease, and dirt residue and allows the unit to run at optimum performance. The nozzle dispenses heavy-duty foam that is self-rinsing, so you won’t have to worry about post-application cleanups.
The formulation does not contain chlorinated solvents, making it safe for regular application. Additionally, it does not contain ozone-depleting chemicals, so it can take you a step further towards preventing global warming. Since this product contains ingredients that are somewhat less reactive, you can use it on electrical equipment without causing a flash fire. It is also very friendly to electrical wires because it does not corrode the insulation covers.
This product is easy to apply thanks to the spray design, which blasts the foam onto the intended surface in seconds. The formula will help you in making your home odorless and fresh.
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#11 Rectorseal 82632 1-Gallon Foam-A-Coil Coil Cleaner
No products found.The non-fuming coil cleaning formula from Rectorseal disperses residue and leaves the A/C system sparkling clean. This degreaser is effective against dirt and other heavy residues such as tar. It washes off everything that may choke the air unit, thereby improving the rate at which heat is lost from the coils. This process consequently increases the volume of hair that is cooled per minute.
This formula is highly concentrated, so you have to dilute it before application. The dilution can be done in different ratios depending on how dirty the coil is. Extremely dirty coils require a blend with 3-4 parts of water, while regular maintenance needs 6-10 parts. This spray formula does not damage metals such as aluminum and copper. And since these are the main materials used in designing air conditioners, your machine will last longer.
The foam from this formula adheres to dirty coils, delivering an enhanced cleaning effect that will eliminate grime and grease. The other unique feature about this cleaner is how versatile it is when it comes to cleaning mechanical equipment. You can apply it to evaporators, filters, condenser coils, and other air handling equipment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my A/C?
This may vary depending on several factors such as the climatic condition of the place you are living in. If the environment is full of flying debris, then there is likelihood that the air conditioners in that area will get dirty very fast, so regular cleaning may be required. Nonetheless, it is recommended that you run routine maintenance at least twice a year.
Can a coil cleaner damage the air conditioning system?
Most coil cleaners are formulated with chemicals that are harmless to metal. However, some formulas may corrode the coils if used consistently, so it is advisable to consider the corrosion-free cleaners.
How long does a coil cleaner take to clean the coils?
If you are dealing with a high-quality coil cleaner, it should take 5-20 to fully break down residues. But this may vary depending on the nature of the residue being removed. Heavy residues such as tar, oil, and grease may take a longer time to wash off compared to dust.
Is it safe to scrub coils when cleaning A/C?
Yes. But you have to use specialized combs that are solely designed for that specific purpose. Care should be taken when cleaning coils because they are very delicate and a single wrong move can cause a malfunction in the cooling system.
What is the difference between a coil evaporator and coil condenser?
The coil evaporator collects hot air from a room, while the condenser releases the heat to the outside environment, thereby leaving the air cooler than it was before coming into contact with the coils.
Final Verdict
Dirt and other dangerous compounds like mold can easily build up in an air conditioner that is poorly maintained.
Running an A/C in such a condition will not only cost you more money when paying bills but can also predispose you to severe lung conditions.
Breathing in air that is contaminated may trigger serious allergic reactions that may manifest into lifelong health complications such as asthma.
You can avoid all this by running a maintenance check and cleaning the A/C using a coil cleaner as recommended. It is good to remember that most of the cleaning formulas are extremely flammable, so should be kept far away from flames.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
