Cleaning the evaporator coils myself, above the heat exchanger
#1
11-17-20, 03:40 PM
Cleaning the evaporator coils myself, above the heat exchanger
Folks:
My furnace is 7 years old. The installation company was very detailed when they installed it. They re-engineered the return ventilation to accommodate very large filter with a housing that shouldn't leak air past the filter. I remember the conversation with the installer that with this new system, I shouldn't have much dirt make it past the filter thus reducing gunk buildup on the evaporator coils in the unit.
Well, I worry it's been too many years--even with a very sealed filter box--to keep going without cleaning the evaporator coil assembly.
I'm very comfortable around the house and am fully capable of removing the shielding to try to clean it out. Just wanted to know some thoughts on my approach here. See photos. I believe if I remove all the sheet metal screws around the square assembly, the 3 sides of it should pull back from the front; the front plate should stay in place as the return line and high-pressure line feed through it. I can't think of any other way to get access to the evaporator.
Am I going about this right?
Thx.
(see red arrows to indicate the direction I think the 3 sides should slide out and keep the front panel in place)
Red arrows indicate the direction the 3 sides should slide out--I think!
My furnace is 7 years old. The installation company was very detailed when they installed it. They re-engineered the return ventilation to accommodate very large filter with a housing that shouldn't leak air past the filter. I remember the conversation with the installer that with this new system, I shouldn't have much dirt make it past the filter thus reducing gunk buildup on the evaporator coils in the unit.
Well, I worry it's been too many years--even with a very sealed filter box--to keep going without cleaning the evaporator coil assembly.
I'm very comfortable around the house and am fully capable of removing the shielding to try to clean it out. Just wanted to know some thoughts on my approach here. See photos. I believe if I remove all the sheet metal screws around the square assembly, the 3 sides of it should pull back from the front; the front plate should stay in place as the return line and high-pressure line feed through it. I can't think of any other way to get access to the evaporator.
Am I going about this right?
Thx.
(see red arrows to indicate the direction I think the 3 sides should slide out and keep the front panel in place)
Red arrows indicate the direction the 3 sides should slide out--I think!
Last edited by MRTkH; 11-17-20 at 04:06 PM.
#2
11-17-20, 06:45 PM
Group Moderator
If you have routinely changed the filter the evaporator should not need to be cleaned.
It's hard to tell how the evaporator case is assembled in the pictures.
Rarely does it come completely apart.
Typically it may have an access panel on one side.
It's hard to tell how the evaporator case is assembled in the pictures.
Rarely does it come completely apart.
Typically it may have an access panel on one side.
