How to Remove Oil From Evaporator Coil
It’s essential to know how to remove Oil from evaporator coil because it can be difficult and time-consuming. In addition, the process will vary depending on the type of coil you have. Still, in general, you’ll need a few basic supplies like wire brushes, cleaning solutions for coils (or ammonia), a vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment, gloves, and eye protection.
It is also recommended that you turn off your air conditioner before beginning this process. This blog post explores the steps needed to safely clean an evaporator coil to remain in good working order throughout its lifetime. So let’s get started!
Summary: If you have an evaporator coil that is covered in oil, there are a few different ways to remove it. One method is to heat the coil until the oil starts to melt, and then pour a bucket of cold water on top of the coil to stop the melting process. Another method is to use a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment to suck the oil off the coil.
12 Ways on How to Remove Oil From Evaporator Coil
1. Vacuum the Coil
A vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment can remove any large pieces of Oil from the evaporator coil. You can also try using a standard dust buster.
2. Wipe the Coil Clean With Rags
A rag or cloth dampened with warm water can wipe down the coils, removing any oil that you can access through the vents. After wiping down the evaporator coil, use another wet rag to wipe away excess moisture.
3. Use a Steam Cleaner
A steam cleaner can be used to remove the Oil from the coils with a minimal amount of effort on your end, as it heats water and creates a pressurized boiling action that loosens Oil and other baked-on particles. This process is beneficial for cleaning off old, thick layers of Oil.
4. Use a Power Washer
While this process can also be done with a steam cleaner, a pressure washer may be more effective. A power washer uses water pushed through an opening under great force, which breaks up tough stains and helps them come off the coils more easily.
5. Soak the Coils in a Detergent
Create a detergent mixture and hot water, then pour it into a bucket or container. Soak the coils in the mix for about an hour, then use a brush to scrub them clean. Rinse off the coils with warm water when you are finished, then use a dry rag to absorb any excess moisture.
6. Apply Oven Cleaner
Oven cleaner can be sprayed on the coils or poured into an empty spray bottle, then cleaned away especially persistent oil stains. Next, spray it onto the coils, wait 15 minutes for it to penetrate, and rinse off with water. Once the coils are clean, use a power washer or steam cleaner to remove any oil on the outside.
7. Use Dish Soap
Dish soap can be rubbed onto stubborn areas to help break up Oil, then rinsed away. Dish soap is also helpful in cleaning the area around the evaporator coils, which can be quite oily and greasy.
8. Use a Degreaser
Commercial degreasers can be used to dissolve the Oil that is built upon the coils. Pour it onto the coils and let it soak in for a few minutes before using a brush or scrubber to clean them off. Rinse with water when you are finished.
9. Use WD-40
WD-40 can be sprayed onto a cloth instead of directly onto the evaporator coil to avoid damaging it with chemicals, then wipe away stubborn oil stains from the surrounding surfaces. WD-40 will not obliterate the Oil, but it can dilute large stains, so they wipe away more quickly.
10. Use a Pressure Washer
If all else fails, you can use a pressure washer to remove the Oil from the evaporator coils. This is a more forceful option that can cause damage if misused, so be sure to read the instructions carefully and take precautions. Hold the pressure washer at least 18 inches away from the coils and use a steady stream of water to avoid damage.
11. Use a Wire Brush
A wire brush can be used to scrape away stubborn Oil, although you should not use too much force since this will damage the coils. While scraping is effective for removing large clumps of Oil, it will not remove thin layers or smaller particles from between the fins of the evaporator coil.
Oil can build up on evaporator coils over time, making the AC less effective and potentially leading to a breakdown. However, removing the Oil is a fairly simple task that can be done with a few common household items.
12. Call an HVAC Technician
If you cannot remove all of the Oil from your evaporator coils, or if they are severely damaged somehow, it may be best to call in a professional. A technician can clean the coils more thoroughly and replace any faulty parts causing problems. They will also tell you if there is anything else you can do to prevent oil build-up in the future.
Some Tips and Suggestions
1. If you have access to an air compressor, use it to blow the Oil off the coil.
2. If you do not have access to an air compressor, you can try using a leaf blower. Make sure that you are careful not to damage the coil while doing this.
3. You can also try using a pressure washer to remove the Oil from the coil.
4. If you cannot remove the Oil using any of these methods, you may have to replace the coil.
5. Oil stains can be easily removed from the coil using a degreasing agent or an oven cleaner. Make sure to follow the instructions on the degreasing agent or oven cleaner before using it to remove oil stains from your evaporator coil.
6. To prevent oil stains from appearing on your evaporator coil in the future, make sure to change your furnace filter regularly.
7. Oil stains on the evaporator coil are common when Oil gets into the system through condensate drain lines, a faulty pressure switch, or an incorrectly adjusted flame rollout switch.
Few Common Household Items You Can Use to Remove Oil From Evaporator Coil
Oil can build up on evaporator coils over time, making the AC less effective and potentially leading to a breakdown. However, removing the Oil is a fairly simple task that can be done with a few everyday household items. Here are a few methods that might help you on how to remove Oil from evaporator coil.
1. Use an All-Purpose Cleaner to Break Up the Oil
All-purpose cleaners are designed to break up greasy dirt and grime. For example, you can use one to break up the Oil accumulated on your evaporator coil. Spray it onto the coil and allow it to soak for a minute or two before wiping it off with paper towels and rags.
2. Use Dish Soap to Remove Oil
To remove Oil accumulated on your evaporator coil, use a solution of dish soap and water. Spray the coil with the solution and allow it to sit for ten minutes. Afterward, scrub off the Oil using rags or paper towels. Then rinse the area with clean water.
3. Use Vegetable Oil to Break Up the Oil
Vegetable oil can be used to break up the Oil that has accumulated on your evaporator coil. Pour some olive oil on a paper towel and rub it over the area with the excess Oil. Allow it to sit for at least five minutes, then use another clean paper towel or rag moistened with hot water to wipe it off.
4. Use WD-40 to Remove Oil
WD-40 is a lubricant and degreaser that can remove Oil from evaporator coils. Spray it directly onto the coil and allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with paper towels or rags. Be sure to wear gloves when using WD-40 to avoid getting it on your skin.
5. Use Mineral Spirits to Remove Oil
Mineral spirits are a type of paint thinner that can remove Oil from evaporator coils. Using mineral spirits is much like using vegetable oil or WD-40, so apply them in the same way and allow them to sit for a few minutes before wiping them off with a rag, paper towel, or another item.
6. Use a Vacuum Cleaner to Remove Oil from the Coil
If you don’t have mineral spirits or WD-40 on hand, an alternative is to use a vacuum cleaner to remove Oil from evaporator coils. Place the vacuum cleaner’s hose over the coil and turn it on. The suction will pull the Oil off the coil and into the vacuum cleaner. Be sure to wear gloves to avoid getting the Oil on your skin.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to clean the entire area around the evaporator coil to remove any residual oil. Wiping the area down with a clean cloth or rag should do the trick. Once the coil is clean, reinstall the cover and turn on the AC. You should now notice that it’s running more efficiently than before.
Conclusion
A clean evaporator coil will improve your indoor air quality and reduce the chance of mold or mildew. First, remove all dust, dirt, lint, and debris from the coils with a vacuum cleaner attachment before wiping them down with alcohol to remove any residual oil (and then rinse thoroughly). Once you’ve finished cleaning and rinsing your evaporator coils, ensure they are completely dry before using heat again.
This is important because moisture can cause problems like electrical fires! If it has been more than six months since you last cleaned your evaporators, we recommend contacting an HVAC technician for help.
Also, it may be time to replace parts such as a motor capacitor if these have not been returned in many years. We hope this blog post on how to remove Oil from evaporator coil has been helpful. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
