Here's How To Clean Your Heat Pump Coil For Peak Efficiency

There are several methods for heating a home, including solar panels, furnaces, and heat pumps, each with unique benefits. Heat pumps are increasingly popular for their high energy efficiency and dual functionality — they both heat and cool a home. They work by transferring heat from one place to another rather than generating it. In the cold months, heat pumps extract heat from outdoor air (or the ground in geothermal models) and pump it indoors, while in summer, the process reverses to provide air conditioning. This requires less energy than traditional heating methods and can help reduce your energy cost at home.

A heat pump system includes two key coils: the indoor evaporator coil and the outdoor condenser coil. Together, these coils facilitate heat transfer and airflow. To maintain efficiency and extend your system's lifespan, you need to routinely clean the outdoor coil. Dirt and debris buildup can impede airflow, reduce heat exchange, compromise system performance, and ultimately send your heating bill through the roof.

The first and most important step when cleaning your heat pump coils is to turn off power to the outdoor unit by using the shutoff box. If there isn't a shutoff box, disconnect power at the circuit breaker. Make sure you double-check that it is fully off by trying to turn it on before you proceed with the cleaning steps.

After verifying the power is off, start by removing any debris around the outdoor unit. Clear away leaves, branches, or dirt that may obstruct airflow around the coil. Next, open the heat pump's outer panel to access the condenser coil. Use a soft brush or vacuum with a brush attachment to gently remove dust and dirt from the coil surface. Avoid using sharp tools, which can damage the coil's delicate fins.

After this, apply a coil-cleaning solution, following the product instructions carefully. You can also make your own solution by mixing a mild detergent with water. Allow the cleaner to sit for the specified time to loosen any stubborn dirt or grime. Then, rinse the coil gently with water — be sure not to use high pressure that could bend the fins. Lastly, inspect the fins on both coils. If any fins are bent, straighten them using a fin comb, a tool that aligns fins to ensure optimal airflow.

Regularly cleaning your AC coils will help keep your system running efficiently, improve indoor air quality, and extend the life of your equipment. Aim to clean the coils at least twice per year, ideally before the start of each heating or cooling season, for best results.