How to Clean a Cooling Coil

A cooling coil is also known as an evaporator coil. There are cooling coils present in many different home systems. They are in your house air conditioning and heating system, as well as home automation systems, such as computers, game systems and entertainment systems. Below is a guide on how to completely clean the coil in your computer system.

Step 1 - Understand Why Cleaning is Necessary

Cleaning is a necessary required maintenance step for your computer because as the cooling coil becomes dirty and as debris cakes onto the coil, the air flow becomes blocked. When the air flow is blocked, you do not get enough cooling activity to happen inside your computer. You computer can subsequently overheat. You will then be in for many costly repairs.

Step 2 - Remove Computer Case

Pull off your computer case. Take out your manufacturer's directions to make sure you follow the exact directions on how to remove the case of the computer. It usually can be slipped off by taking a screwdriver and removing the screws.

Step 3 - Locate the Cooling Coil

Locate the cooling coil on the inside of the computer. Survey the amount of dirt or ice that has accumulated inside the coil. Depending on your cooling coil, you may also see evidence of icing. When this happens, it will also block the air flow.

Step 4 - Use a Foam Spray

If the dust and debris is not that bad, you can easily use a foam spray and spray it directly on the cooling coil. You can purchase foam spray made specially for your computer cooling coil at a local electronic or computer store. Make sure the spray you purchase is non toxic. Using a toxic spray may harm your computer components and definitely is not good to use indoors. Check the directions on the spray. Most sprays do not require rinsing. All you need to do is spray the foam on lightly throughout the coil and it will disintegrate the grime and dirt from the system. Some sprays will also remove any odors that are present.

Step 5 - Use a Hair Blower

If there is any icy parts on the cooling coil you will want to pull out your hair blower. Plug the hair blower into an outlet and turn it onto a medium warm setting. Put the blow level at the lowest setting and begin to heat up the cooling coil so the ice melts and turns into water. Take a microfiber cloth and clean up the water.

Step 6 - Put the Case Back on

Put the case back onto the back of the computer and screw it into place.

Tips

1. Do not use a high blow setting on your hair dryer, as this can damage your coils.
2. Do not use any high compressed air systems for cleaning. This does not work effectively for computer cooling coils.