How Dirty Coils Affect HVAC Performance
When was the last time you had your coils cleaned? If it’s been more than a year, your HVAC system is likely working overtime—and costing you money.
What Are HVAC Coils and Why Do They Matter?
There are two coils you should know about:
Evaporator coil (inside): Absorbs heat from the air inside your home.
Condenser coil (outside): Releases that heat outdoors.
These coils are essential for the refrigeration cycle that cools your home. When either coil is coated in dirt, dust, or mold, it can’t do its job. This forces your system to run longer and harder, reducing efficiency, raising your bills, and stressing the compressor.
Real Consequences of Dirty Coils
We visited a customer last spring whose unit was cooling very slowly. Their condenser coil was so dirty it looked like a shag carpet. The system was drawing 25% more power and the compressor was overheating. A $150 cleaning prevented what could have been a $2,000 replacement.
When coils are dirty:
Heat transfer becomes less efficient
The compressor works harder, increasing energy usage
The system cycles more frequently, adding wear and tear
Refrigerant pressures may rise, risking long-term damage
When heat exchange is impeded by debris, refrigerant can’t absorb or release heat properly. This causes the refrigerant pressure inside the system to spike, placing additional stress on the compressor. Over time, this added pressure can degrade compressor components, reducing their lifespan and increasing the chance of system failure. Left unchecked, dirty coils don’t just waste energy—they shorten the life of your most expensive HVAC components.
We visited a customer last spring whose unit was cooling very slowly. Their condenser coil was so dirty it looked like a shag carpet. The system was drawing 25% more power and the compressor was overheating. A $150 cleaning prevented what could have been a $2,000 replacement.
When coils are dirty:
Heat transfer becomes less efficient
The compressor works harder, increasing energy usage
The system cycles more frequently, adding wear and tear
Refrigerant pressures may rise, risking long-term damage
What Are the Signs?
Your AC runs nonstop without cooling
You notice ice buildup on your lines
Your utility bills suddenly spike
You feel hot spots throughout the house
What’s the Fix?
Decker Heating & Cooling performs professional coil cleaning as part of our spring tune-up package. We use safe, manufacturer-approved tools and cleaners that restore your system’s efficiency and keep air moving properly. It’s a low-cost maintenance step with high-value results.
