Do you have a problem with your air conditioner forming ice on the evaporator coil? Most of the time this is due to a dirty air filter or dirty coil. It is extremely important to check and or change your filters regularly. I would recommend checking your filter at least once a month. Air filters come in a variety of types and sizes, depending on the type of air conditioner you have. The most common types of air conditioners are window a/c units, split systems, and mini split systems.
If you open the front cover of your window unit, you will most likely find a washable type air filter. You would remove this filter and wash the dust and debris out of it, let it dry, and reinstall it back into its original position. While you have your air filter out, you will see a coil positioned directly behind the air filter bracket. This is the evaporator coil and needs to be free of dust and debris just as the air filter and should also have no fins that are bent over, restricting air flow. The coil may be cleaned with a non-corrosive cleaner or degreaser, then rinsed. Generally, you would only have to clean the coil once a year, depending on how much use your air conditioner gets.
The condenser coil is located directly opposite the evaporator coil. This coil, if dirty, will cause the unit to overheat. Therefore, the condenser should have clean and unbent fins as well. A mini-split or ductless air conditioner has a wall mounted evaporator coil and is cleaned the same way the window unit is, but in this case the condenser coil is located outside.
The next unit is a split system. This system has it’s evaporator coil mounted inside the supply air plenum of a forced air, ducted system. The air filters are located inside the air handler, or furnace, and are normally of the disposable type. You would check or change these filters once a month as well. Each of these filters should have the size printed right on the side of them, but if not, you can get the proper size by removing the filter and taking a measurement that way. The indoor coil in this type of system can sometimes difficult to get to. If there is an access panel, you may remove that panel and wash the coil. If there isn’t, you will most likely need to call a qualified service company to clean your system on an annual basis. The condenser to this system is located outdoors and can be cleaned in the same way as the other system condensers.
You will achieve the most efficient operation and reliability of your air conditioning system if both the coil fins and air filters are clear and allow proper air movement.