When your AC does not cool well, one big reason is a dirty evaporator coil. Many people do not see this part because it is inside the AC unit. But it is one of the most important parts for cooling. At Microcare, we clean many AC units every day, and we see that a dirty evaporator coil is a very common problem. When the coil is dirty, the AC works harder, uses more power, and gives less cooling. In this blog, we explain everything in very simple English so you can understand how this part works and why it is important to keep it clean.
We also share how we clean evaporator coils, what happens when you wait too long, and how a clean coil can help you save money on your electricity bill. This blog is written in very basic English to help everyone understand the topic clearly.
What Is an Evaporator Coil?
The evaporator coil is a special part inside your AC. It looks like a long metal piece with many small fins. The coil has cold refrigerant inside it. When warm air from your room passes over this cold coil, the air becomes cool. This cool air then goes back into your room.
You can think of the evaporator coil like a cold sponge. It absorbs heat from the air. When it absorbs more heat, your room becomes cooler. But when the coil is dirty, it cannot absorb heat properly. That is where the problems begin.
Why Does the Evaporator Coil Get Dirty?
There are many reasons for a dirty coil. Dust, sand, smoke, hair, and even moisture can stick to the coil. In places like the UAE, there is a lot of dust in the air, so AC coils get dirty very fast. Even if you clean your filters, the coil can still collect dirt.
When the coil becomes dirty, the layer of dust acts like a blanket. This stops the cold coil from touching the warm air. Because of this, heat transfer becomes slow, and cooling becomes weak. Your AC then needs to run longer, which means more electricity use.
Why Does a Dirty Coil Make the AC Use More Power?
When the coil is dirty, your AC cannot cool the air easily. So, the AC compressor stays on for a long time to reach the temperature you set. The compressor uses a lot of electricity. If it stays on longer, the bill becomes much higher.
Below are the main reasons why your AC uses more power when the coil is dirty.
The AC Runs Longer than Normal
A dirty coil slows down the cooling. Because of this, the thermostat does not sense cool air. The AC keeps running for many hours. If your AC normally cools your room in 10 minutes, with a dirty coil it may take 20 or 30 minutes. This extra running time uses a lot of power.
The AC Compressor Works Too Hard
The compressor is the heart of the AC. When the coil is clean, the compressor works smoothly. But when the coil is dirty, the compressor struggles because the heat is not removed properly. This extra pressure makes the compressor run longer and sometimes even overheat. When the compressor works harder, electricity usage increases.
Airflow Becomes Weak
When dirt blocks the coil fins, the airflow becomes weak. Your AC blower needs to push harder to move air across the coil. This also uses more power. Weak airflow leads to hot spots in the room. Your AC then tries to cool these spots again and again. This uses extra electricity.
Refrigerant Cycle Becomes Unbalanced
The refrigerant inside the coil needs a proper temperature to work efficiently. When dirt blocks the coil, the refrigerant cannot absorb heat properly. This creates an imbalance. The AC tries to fix this by running longer. This again adds to the power consumption.
The AC Makes More Noise and Vibrates
A dirty coil forces the entire AC system to work harder. This can cause noise, shaking, or humming. When the AC is under stress, all parts use more energy. Cleaning the coil reduces this pressure and helps the AC run quietly and smoothly.
Signs That Your Evaporator Coil Is Dirty
Many people do not know when their coil is dirty because it is hidden inside the AC. But there are clear signs that tell you something is wrong.
Weak Cooling
If your room takes a long time to cool or stays warm even when the AC runs for a long time, the coil may be dirty.
High Electricity Bills
If your bill suddenly increases without extra AC use, the coil may be blocked with dust.
Ice on the Coil or Pipes
When air does not move well, the coil becomes too cold and ice forms on it. This is a strong sign of a dirty coil.
Water Leaking from the AC
Ice melts and turns into water. This can drip outside the unit and cause leaks.
AC Runs Non Stop
If your AC does not stop or keeps turning on again and again, the coil may need cleaning.
How We Clean Evaporator Coils at Microcare
At Microcare, we use professional cleaning machines to clean coils safely. Many people try to clean coils at home, but this can damage the fins or electric parts. It is always better to let trained technicians handle it.
Here is how we clean evaporator coils in a simple, safe, and effective way.
We Inspect the Coil First
We open the AC unit and check how dirty the coil is. Some coils have light dust. Some are fully blocked. We choose the cleaning method based on the condition.
We Protect the AC Wiring
Before cleaning, we cover all electrical parts. This keeps the AC safe while we use water pressure.
We Use Coil Cleaner Solution
We spray a special solution on the coil. This solution breaks down dirt, grease, and dust. The cleaner reaches deep inside the fins.
We Wash the Coil with Water Pressure
We wash the coil using controlled water pressure. This removes all dirt without hurting the fins. The coil becomes clean, shiny, and open for air again.
We Dry the Unit Properly
We make sure everything is dry before closing the AC. A dry AC runs better and gives the best results.
We Check Airflow and Cooling
After cleaning, we test the AC. Cooling becomes stronger, airflow improves, and power use becomes lower.
How a Clean Coil Saves You Money
A clean evaporator coil helps your AC work at full efficiency. This gives many benefits.
Lower Electricity Bill
When the AC cools fast, it does not need to run for many hours. This saves a lot of electricity.
Less Pressure on the Compressor
When the compressor works easily, it lasts longer. This saves you from big repair costs.
Better Airflow and Strong Cooling
Your room cools faster and feels more comfortable.
No Ice, No Leaks
A clean coil stops ice problems and water leakage.
Longer AC Life
When your AC is clean inside, it stays healthy for many years.
How Often Should You Clean Your Evaporator Coil?
In dusty places like the UAE, we recommend coil cleaning at least one time each year. For places with high dust or pets, two times a year is better. If your AC runs for long hours daily, cleaning becomes more important.
If your AC has not been deep cleaned for more than a year, the coil is likely very dirty. You may see big improvement after cleaning.
Why You Should Not Delay Coil Cleaning
Many people think coil cleaning is not important. But waiting too long can create bigger problems.
The AC May Stop Cooling Fully
The AC may blow only warm air. In some cases, it may stop working completely.
The Compressor May Burn Out
A compressor is very expensive to replace. A dirty coil puts huge pressure on it.
You May Spend More on Power Bills
A dirty coil wastes money every single day.
Your AC May Become Noisy
Dirty coils create heavy internal pressure, which makes parts shake or vibrate.
Your Indoor Air Becomes Dirty
Dust on the coil mixes with air and goes into your room.
Why Choose Microcare for Coil Cleaning
At Microcare, we use strong cleaning machines, trained staff, and safe chemicals. We show you before and after photos so you can see the difference yourself. We also clean all grills, filters, and drain lines while working on your AC.
We believe in clean cooling, long AC life, and lower bills for our customers. A clean coil is one of the best ways to keep your AC healthy.
Final Thoughts
A dirty evaporator coil makes your AC use more power because it blocks airflow, slows cooling, and puts pressure on the compressor. When your AC works harder, it uses more electricity and becomes less efficient. Coil cleaning is simple but very important. It keeps your AC cool, smooth, and energy efficient.
At Microcare, we are always ready to help you keep your AC in top condition. A clean coil is not just good for your AC. It is good for your comfort, your wallet, and your indoor air.
