For good reason, home heat pumps are increasing in popularity. These machines provide reliable heating and cooling while lowering a home’s carbon emissions and energy expenses.
For a heat pump to work optimally, however, routine coil cleaning is a must.
Heat pump coils exchange heat, helping move warm air indoors or outdoors as appropriate.
Unfortunately, because heat pumps keep taking in outdoor air, they keep taking in outdoor particles as well: dirt, dust, pollen, and more.
Over time, that debris will stick to the coils. And, if they’re not cleaned properly, the whole heat pump will be less efficient. It might even have a shorter lifespan.
In Jacksonville, this problem is compounded because the humidity makes the air particles even stickier. Plus, the city often has high levels of pollen.
Let’s now discuss how to clean your heat pump coils — safely and methodically.
Quick Takeaways
- When heat pump coils are dirty, it reduces efficiency while increasing energy bills.
- Cleaning coils improves a heat pump’s airflow and overall performance.
- Always turn off the power before you start cleaning these coils.
- Outdoor coils are easier to clean than indoor coils.
- Use gentle tools to avoid damage.
- For deep cleanings, schedule professional maintenance.
What Heat Pump Coils Do
Heat pumps have two kinds of coils: evaporators and condensers. Both types contain a heat-transferring substance called refrigerant.
When a home is being cooled, the evaporators are the indoor coils. Their liquid refrigerant absorbs the hot air inside the house. In the process, the refrigerant evaporates.
For their part, the outdoor coils are the condensers. They release the hot air outdoors as the gaseous refrigerant condenses back into a liquid.
If a home is being heated, however, the process reverses. The outdoor coils are now the evaporators, absorbing hot air and causing the refrigerant to evaporate. In turn, the indoor coils are the condensers, releasing the hot air and condensing the refrigerant.
Note that, if the outdoor air is cold, a heat pump component called the compressor — a metallic indoor cylinder — will warm the refrigerant before the air is released indoors.
Safety Steps Before Cleaning Heat Pump Coils
Whenever you’re cleaning heat pump coils, safety measures should be paramount. After all, it’s a somewhat dangerous task.
Homeowners can cut themselves on the coils’ sharp aluminum fins. They could inhale dust, dirt, or hazardous chemicals. They could even suffer an electrical shock.
With that in mind, here are some precautions to take:
- First, turn off the power at the breaker.
- Next, shut off the system completely.
- Allow all the components time to cool.
- Avoid using high-pressure water or harsh chemicals.
Tools and Materials Needed to Clean Heat Pump Coils
The parts of a heat pump are surprisingly delicate. It would be easy, for example, to accidentally corrode or bend the aluminum fins. And that damage might restrict the airflow, making your HVAC less effectual.
Here, then, are the types of cleaning tools you should rely on:
- Soft brush
- Low-pressure garden hose
- Screwdriver to open the access panels
- Gloves and other protective gear
- Coil cleaner (optional)
How to Clean Heat Pump Coils (Step by Step)
Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be on your way to coil cleaning success.
Step 1: Turn Off Power to the Heat Pump
This step, of course, prevents electrical hazards.
Step 2: Remove Debris Around the Outdoor Unit
Be thorough when clearing away leaves, dirt, and grass buildup.
Step 3: Access the Coils
You might have to remove the outer panel before you can identify the coils’ location.
Step 4: Gently Clean the Coils
Use a soft brush or coil cleaner, and avoid bending the fins.
Step 5: Rinse the Coils with Low-Pressure Water
Clean from the inside out if possible, and never use high-pressure streams.
Step 6: Let the Unit Dry and Reassemble
Once you’ve reattached the panels, restore the power.
Indoor Vs. Outdoor Coil Cleaning: What’s the Difference?
Simply put, outdoor heating pump coils are much easier to clean than their indoor counterparts.
In part, that’s because indoor coils are often hard to reach. They might be in a crawlspace, attic, or basement.
Plus, they could be housed inside a furnace or air handler, and you might have to take apart your ducting to access them.
As such, indoor coil cleanings are best left to professionals with special tools. Indeed, it’s easy to inadvertently cause a water leak when cleaning them.
By contrast, it’s relatively simple to clean outdoor coils. You just take off the top casing and spray them with gentle streams of water.
How Often Should You Clean Heat Pump Coils?
You should clean your heat pump coils at least once a year. For some households, cleaning them twice annually works better.
In Jacksonville, due to the heat and humidity, some homeowners clean these coils even more often. Hot surfaces attract more particles, and moisture causes them to stick firmly. Also, humid air typically contains more dust and dirt.
Signs Your Heat Pump Coils Need Cleaning
If you notice any of these issues, try cleaning your coils right away:
- Reduced airflow
- Higher energy bills
- An HVAC system that’s running longer than usual
- Ice buildup on the coils
- Uneven heating or cooling throughout your home
Common Mistakes When Cleaning Heat Pump Coils
By doing any of the following while cleaning heat pump coils, you could harm yourself or your HVAC system:
- Using high-pressure water streams
- Damaging the coil fins
- Skipping any of the safety steps listed above
- Utilizing harsh chemicals
- Ignoring indoor coil maintenance protocols
When to Call a Professional for Coil Cleaning
Heat pump problems sometimes can’t be resolved with DIY cleanings. Instead, the issues run deeper, and only professional services can solve them.
Here are a few examples:
- Heavy buildup or mold on coils
- Severe indoor coil access issues
- Recurring efficiency problems
- Any difficulties with electrical components or refrigerant
One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning: Maximum Results, Minimum Stress
In the end, for peak heat pump efficiency, lifespan, and performance, proper coil cleaning is essential. And, for sure, there are times when homeowners need trained and licensed technicians to fully inspect, clean, and repair their heat pump.
On such occasions, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning – Jacksonville can help. We keep heating systems in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas in top condition. In fact, our professional heat pump maintenance is specially designed for Florida’s climate.
Moreover, whether we’re cleaning coils or handling a full system tune-up, we’re always on time or you don’t pay a dime. So please schedule a session with us before peak cooling season begins. You’ll be glad you did — and that’s not a lot of hot air!