The right air conditioning coil cleaner for my air conditioner?

2 years ago

After years of cleaning my air conditioner's outside unit with a garden hose, I've learned that I'm supposed to spray it with water, then apply an air conditioning coil cleaner, then wait and spray it again. The instructions I read cautioned me to be sure to get the right coil cleaner for my model of air conditioner, but didn't explain a word about how to do that.

The manufacturer's web site (Trane) sells a products in wholesale quantities, assuming that I'm a dealer. It also has the address of a rather distant sales outlet. Amazon lists several popular kinds of cleaner, but none of them say a word about what brands and models they're appropriate for.

Is buying the right kind of coil cleaner for your air conditioner a real thing, or is it BS, like owner's manuals for cars that caution you to buy only fluids made by the manufacturer? If it's real, how do I find out what to buy?

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Comments (10)

HU-867564120
2 years ago
Probably BS. Refrigeration coils are going to contain aluminum and/or copper based materials, everyone knows that. The main cleaning agent will be some type(s) of surfactants (soaps), if they want to add ingredients to add a little foaming action to help 'scrub' a little, so be it. No manufacturer is going to formulate a coil cleaner that would harm/attack the system materials; their liability for damages caused would be too great. IMO, the Trane info, like that from most manufacturers, is marketing strategy to keep the gravy train of $$'s rolling in.
Cima Locert
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Soap water is the best, add a little vinegar if you have hard water in your area. rinse out in 10 minutes.
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central_valley
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks, I think I'll go with a foaming cleaner. Amazon sells some with a lot of good reviews for under $7, and the added effectiveness of the foam seems well worth it.
klem1
2 years ago
The main problem is that some cleaners contain strong acids that etch aluminum to increase heat trasfer. Best leave those to professionals but if you use them rinse every trace off or it can damage metal cabinet, fins and tubes. Never,never,never use acid cleaner on indoor coil.
atkinbailey
2 years ago
Thank you for your valuable information.
Andrew
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
There are definately coil cleaners out there that can damage your coils. Most coil cleaners specify which type of coil they can be used on (aluminum fin, microchannel, painted fin, etc. I have seen painted fin coils stripped of their protective coating and aluminum fin destroyed by acid cleaners. Some cleaners are very harsh and others are food grade safe. Don’t just pick one. Do your research.
Nikki Joy
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Hello! I know how it's hard to find all important information about air conditioners,especially about its working principle. If you wanna know more about your air conditioner,I recommend you to learn best split ac .You can find there all important information about popular brands of air conditioners and maybe smth about right coil cleaner for yours.
David Charlis
last year
While there are a number of commercially available coil cleaning solutions on the market, air conditioner coils can be cleaned with a solution of a mild household detergent and water. The detergent and water mix is applied to the coil using a low-pressure sprayer.
cailynsutton
last year
last modified: last year
Don't worry, buying the right coil cleaner for your air conditioner is a real thing. Using the wrong cleaner can actually cause damage and lead to costly repairs. Luckily, there are plenty of resources out there to help you find the right cleaner for your specific make and model. You can try checking out https://hot2coldairconditioning.com/, they have a lot of helpful info and product recommendations. As for buying the cleaner, it might be tempting to go with the first one you see on Amazon, but be careful! Always double-check that it's compatible with your AC unit. If you're still unsure, it might be worth reaching out to the manufacturer or a professional HVAC technician for advice.
klem1
last year
" Luckily, there are plenty of resources out there to help you find the right cleaner for your specific make and model."

That's the first time I've heard each brand requires different cleaner,much less that each model within a brand has designated cleaners.

The right air conditioning coil cleaner for my air conditioner?

Comments (10)

HU-867564120

Cima Locert

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The right air conditioning coil cleaner for my air conditioner?

Comments (10)

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