Dust and grime accumulating inside central air conditioning units impair indoor comfort and energy efficiency the longer they circulate unchecked. While filters catch some debris as air passes through, fan coil units themselves are prone to nastier dirt buildup given their permanent proximity to moisture and circulating tubes that are perfect hideaways for mold, algae, and bacteria over time! So, learning some basic FCU maintenance goes a long way for homeowners wanting to optimize their system’s cooling capacity each season.
- Shut down main electrical breakers.
Start by shutting off all main electrical breakers to the AC system for full safety precautions. Verify power is off using a circuit tester before proceeding. Remove the fan coil’s outer access panels and intake grilles by loosening retaining screws – these should lift free for clear interior access. Thick blankets of dust or clumped fibers likely cover the cooling coils, blower vanes, and drainage pans. Manually brush and vacuum away all loose debris using soft or nylon accessory tools to avoid damaging metal fins. The brushing motions also dislodge more caked-on gunk.
- Spray cleaning solution.
Next spray down all coils, fins, tubes, and drains using a dedicated HVAC degreasing cleaner or diluted coil wash solution authorized by the manufacturer. The cleaning chemicals dissolve clinging oil buildup and other stubborn grime the manual vacuuming missed. Let these solutions soak briefly according to package directions before rinsing away.
Repeat scrubbing difficult stains for thorough cleansing down to bare metal. It may also help vacuum the coils while damp to pull away dissolved crude from crevices. Avoid excess water however when cleaning around electric control boxes and fan motor mounts.
- Apply disinfectant solution.
For fan coils requiring aggressive sanitization - like from mold damage - consider applying a commercial disinfectant solution once coils get pre-cleaned. Check chemical compatibility with the FCU manufacturer to avoid corrosion. Properly rinsing afterward prevents lingering residue that might irritate sensitive homeowners once the AC kicks on!
- Vacuum out pooled water.
Lastly, vacuum out any standing water pooled inside drip pans or cases to promote fast drying and avert future bacterial growth. Reassemble all the housing and grilles once fully satisfied with your fan coil cleaning. Don’t forget to reconnect the electrical breakers. Then run the AC system to ensure normal operating airflow and cooling distribution without obstruction from leftover dirt or debris. In most cases, a clean central air handler will respond with stronger, quieter, and cooler air circulation almost instantly!
Performing this basic yet vital fan coil scrub-down protects home cooling performance, cuts energy bills, and provides healthier indoor air quality all summer long. That faster payoff more than warrants the simple annual investment. Covering these steps is better than ignoring dirty air handlers that are sure to degrade right when scorching weather hits! Consult your fan coil unit manufacturer as well for tailored best practices. Stay cool out there!
