The efficiency of your HVAC system is going to get worse over the years. In some regards, there is really nothing you can do about it. However, you can definitely minimize the loss of your systems efficiency if you practice regular maintenance. If you fail to clean your furnace, condenser, or evaporator, all of these components are going to become even less productive over time. This article focuses specifically on proper evaporator maintenance. It will also explain what the evaporator does, and why it is such an important component within your HVAC system.

What the Evaporator Does

The evaporator is a vital part of the HVAC system, and it is closely linked with the condenser. To put it simply, the evaporator cools off the condenser, and draws heat away from the furnace. Basically, if evaporator is dirty or not working properly, there is no way that you can have an efficient HVAC system.

Where Is the Evaporator?

The evaporator is usually connected to the furnace cabinet, but within its own small compartment. This compartment is usually square shaped, and about the size of a large shoebox. The actual evaporator is A-shaped. It is made up of an aluminum frame that is wrapped in copper coils. You will be able to easily identify it.

Cleaning the Evaporator

When clean the evaporator, the most important thing to focus on is the coils. The space in between the coils can get dirty and dusty. This will slow down the heat transfer process. Furthermore, there is often moisture within the evaporator box, so this dust gets caked on to the copper, making it a little difficult to clean off. The job is a little delicate because the copper is flexible. You can't just scrub it off vigorously, or else you might damage the copper coils. If you break a coil, you will need a completely new evaporator. That would cost hundreds of dollars.

First, try to vacuum away as much of the dust as possible using just a hose vacuum with a brush head. Then, use a small toothbrush to lightly scrub away any remaining dust. The cleaning shouldn't take too long because you are working with in such a small area. In the end, having dust free evaporator coils could ultimately improve the overall efficiency of your furnace. It will also help reduce stress on your condenser unit and reduce the amount of energy that it has to use when you AC is running. Contact companies like Winters Heating Cooling for more information.

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