Well, it is so important to keep well the performance of the evaporator in order to make sure your central air conditioning keep working well. One of basic ideas is by cleaning it regularly. The following are simple guide on how to clean an evaporator (especially for an accessible evaporator)!
As well we know that evaporator is one of important parts of your central air conditioner. It is usually located inside of the home (indoor unit, above the furnace in the plenum). Basically it is a heat exchanger that has function to absorb the heat into the system. And it doesn’t actually absorb the heat, but just the cooled refrigerant fed absorbs the heat (the refrigerant from the bottom of the coils).
All properties that enter to the evaporator are usually converted into low pressure. And generally, it has function to absorb the heat, convert the refrigerant to vapor and responsible for superheat.
This simple evaporator cleaning guide is purposed for an accessible evaporator. Because for one that is not accessible (like if there is a sheet metal box that seal the plenum), you may need more mechanical skills to open it properly.
- First, find the foil-wrapped insulation (like mentioned before, it is usually located at front of the plenum and perhaps it is taped in place), then remove it carefully. Remove also the tape carefully.
- Then you will find an access plate (commonly located behind of the insulation). There are usually several screws to hold it in place. Remove all that screws and don’t miss to lift off plate.
- Use a stiff brush to clean the underside evaporator! To make sure this cleaning process is clean enough, you can use a large mirror (hand mirror). You may also need to a little slide out the evaporator to clean all the way back, but be careful and make sure to don’t bend the pipes.
- There may be a tray at the bottom of the evaporator! It usually has function to carry the condensation away. Take a look at the weep hole in evaporator’s tray, then decant one tablespoon of household bleach into it. This is useful to prevent and eliminate fungus growth. In addition, for extremely and heavy humid weather, you may need to check the condensate drain & pain more often to make sure there is no clogged-problem in weep hole (between drain line to pan). You can use a piece of wire to open the weep hole.
- Replace and re-install all components (plate and tape insulation) to their proper places.
- Then turn air conditioning back on, and consider any air leaks! If you find any air leaks, use duct tape to seal the leaks.
- Don’t forget to also check the performance of condenser and clean it if necessary for better result to make sure your central air conditioner keep running powerful and efficient to through the hot days of cooling season (summer).
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