How to Remove Rust From Air Conditioner Coils

Rust is a common problem for many homeowners. It can form on metal surfaces, mainly when they are in contact with salt water. If you live near the ocean or have an air conditioner that sits outside your house, there’s good chance rust has formed on it already. You may not be able to see it by looking at the coils, but if you look closely, the surface will appear reddish-brown and covered in spots of black grime.

How to Remove Rust From Air Conditioner Coils

The presence of rust decreases efficiency and shortens the lifespan of appliances like AC units. Luckily there are ways to remove rust from air conditioning coils to work better and last longer! This blog post will show you how to remove rust from air conditioner coils.

Step by Step Guide on How to Remove Rust From Air Conditioner Coils

Step One: Determine the Best Time to Repair the Rust on Your Ac.

If you live in a cooler environment, spring or fall would be the best time to do this repair, as it is not as hot and humid. If you live in a hotter environment, it would be better to do this repair during the winter months when it is cooler outside. Remember, the objective is to complete these repairs without causing damage or injury to yourself.

Step Two: Check and Make Sure That Your Ac System Is Turned Off and Cool.

Be certain to follow all the instructions in the owner’s manual for turning off the power before performing any maintenance on your air conditioning system. If you are unsure, you can call your local service provider to find out how to turn off the power.

Step Three:  Using a Flat Head Screwdriver, Remove the Faceplate on Your Ac Unit.

If you’re trying to remove the faceplate on an AC unit, be careful not to use too much force, or you might damage the screws. Once the screws are out, you should be able to turn the faceplate sideways. If you can’t remove or move the faceplate, you’ll need to use an AC grille remover tool.

Using a Flathead Screwdriver and Remove The Faceplate On Your AC Unit

This is a flat piece of metal with an L-shaped notch on one end that fits into brackets located against the sides of your AC unit. You should then twist your L-shaped tool to begin removing the screws holding the faceplate in place.

Step Four: Remove the Rust or Corrosion From Your Coils.

First, apply a little WD-40 to the coils and allow this to penetrate for about 20 minutes. This helps to loosen the rust particles so they can be more easily removed. Then, using a wire brush, gently remove all of the loose pieces of rust on each coil. If you are uncomfortable with using a wire brush, you can also use a rag to wipe the rust away.

Once all the loose pieces have been removed from your coils, it’s time to get rid of any stubborn rust particles that are still clinging to your AC unit. If these particles are not removed, they could become dislodged and wedged into smaller areas or restricted areas of your AC unit. This could lead to further issues and higher costs down the road, so it’s best to get rid of them now.

You Can Check It Out to Install a Window Air Conditioner in a Pop Up Camper

Step Five: Remove the Rust Stains.

If you have some rust stains on your coils that are dark brown, red, or orange, you can use a product called Evapo-Rust to remove these. However, it is essential to note that this product may cause skin irritation for some people, so please take precautions when using it. First, pour a generous amount of the Evapo-Rust overall rust stains on your air conditioner coils.

Allow it to penetrate and start working for about an hour or two before removing it using a wet/dry shop vacuum. It is essential to thoroughly dry all areas, so you do not cause any other issues. If these stains are left on your AC, they may cause metal components to corrode and rust as well. You do not want this to happen as it will be a costly repair to fix further down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Normal for Ac Coils to Rust?

No, it is not normal for AC coils to rust. The coils should not rust because they are sealed and well protected from the elements. However, there could be a few reasons that can cause this to happen, such as:

  1. Your home may have been flooded with water, and now your system has been exposed to moisture for an extended period of time
  2. You live in a humid area where there is constant exposure to moisture

What Is the Best Thing to Clean Ac Coils With?

The best thing to clean AC coils with is distilled water. Distilled water does not contain any minerals or salts that could damage the coils.

The other option would be white vinegar which can also be used, but you need to make sure that the AC coil is dry before applying it.

Can You Spray Bleach on Ac Coils?

The answer is yes. It is possible to spray bleach on AC coils. However, you need to be careful when doing so because the chemical reaction can cause damage to the coils and reduce its efficiency over time.

If you are interested in learning more about how to clean your AC coils properly, contact a professional for assistance.

Does Cleaning Ac Coils Really Help?

Cleaning AC coils is an effective way to improve the efficiency of your AC system.

A clean coil prevents dirt and dust from building up on the surface, which can reduce the life of your unit by making it work harder than necessary. In addition, keeping your coils clean will also help prevent fraying and corrosion on the outside of your unit that can lead to reduced performance or even a breakdown.

Some people might be skeptical about cleaning their AC coils because they are worried that it could make their air conditioner less efficient, but this is not true at all.

The only time you should avoid cleaning your AC coils is if you have an HVAC professional come out and inspect them for you as well as give a maintenance plan for maintaining the health of your system.

Conclusion

Rust, corrosion, and debris can build up on your air conditioner coils. This causes the airflow to become restricted, which leads to higher energy bills and less efficient cooling. Therefore, it is essential to clean out any dirt or rust accumulation before they cause more damage.

We’ve put together a quick guide for removing rust from AC coils with some simple household items that are most likely already in your home! All you need is vinegar, baking soda, salt water, and dish soap- plus an old toothbrush if needed!

You may also want a vacuum cleaner handy as well since cleaning will leave behind dust particles afterward. The infomercial style of this article has shared information on how to remove rust from air conditioner coils.

Check it also – How to Add a Thermostat to a Window Air Conditioner .

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