How to Clean a Heat Pump Coil

If you have a heat pump coil that is in need of a thorough cleaning, you may be wondering how to go about administering it. If so, read on to learn everything you'll need to know about cleaning heat pump coils.

Step 1 - Prep Your Heat Pump

Before you can begin cleaning your heat pump coils, you will need to take a few safety precautions. Begin this step by disconnecting your heat pump and your air conditioning system from your home's electrical supply. Flip the circuit breaker that provides power and test to make sure it is off. When working with electronics, safety should always be at the top of your priority list, so take care not to skip this crucial step.

After the necessary disconnections have been made, you will need to remove the condensing unit's cover. Some covers can be removed by simply sliding them out of place, while others are held in place with screws and will need to be detached with the aid of a screwdriver. Once the condensing unit's cover has been successfully removed, set it down in a safe place for the duration of the cleaning process.

Step 2 - Clean Your Coils

Having made your preparations, you are now ready to begin cleaning your heat pump coils. Start this step by producing a cleaning solution of warm water and a mild brand of soap. After mixing your cleaning solution, begin applying it to your coils with the aid of a sponge or washcloth. Once the solution has been thoroughly applied, allow it to sit for five to ten minutes.

Now that your cleaning solution has had ample time to set in, you will need to rinse it. This step will require the aid of a hose, specifically one with an adjustable nozzle. Begin the rinsing process by adjusting the nozzle to one of its moderate or low settings, then proceed to vigorously rinse off the soapy coils. When performing this step, make sure the water pressure isn't set too high, as high water pressure can bend your heat pump's heat-exchange fins, which are located in the immediate vicinity of your heat pump coils.

Step 3 - Apply Your Finishing Touches

You're almost finished. Now that your coils have been thoroughly washed and rinsed, you will need to don an extra-thick pair of protective gloves and proceed to manually remove any large pieces of debris from the vicinity of your heating pump coils. After any remaining debris has been successfully removed, use your hose to give your heat pump coils one last vigorous rinsing.

Once your final rinsing has been carried out, allow your heat pump coils and the surrounding area to have ample time to air dry. When the coils have fully dried, reattach your condensing unit's cover. then restore power to your heat pump. If all went according to plan, your freshly cleaned heat pump coils should operate at maximum efficiency.