[Charles218]

As you can see in the photo, the access panel to the evaporator has the the connections blocking easy access. It seems that I could get in there, but it looks like a pain. I can get to the top of the evaporator through the register just above it, but I suspect that the bottom is what will need the most cleaning. My thought is that I could cut an access opening in the rear, and not deal with the connections located in the front. Assuming that there is enough clearance at the rear to allow cutting into the cavity, is this a good idea? Any other thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Charles218]

Sorry, the image didn't show, hopefully it is here, though sideways.

 

[user_12345a]

To get to the bottom which is where dirt accumulates, it needs to be pulled and it's a big job which requires refrigeration tools and licenses/certifications.

Don't cut anywhere near the coil, it's very easy to cause a refrigerant leak.

How do you know the evap needs cleaning?

If the filter is of a high enough merv value and doing it's job (little to know leakage around the frame), it shouldn't require cleaning.

 

[Charles218]

You raise a good point, I don't know, though it is not been serviced in at least five years. It would be good to take a look and see what is going on in there though.

 

[user_12345a]

There are two methods that can be used to check if the coil is clean...

1. Pulling the high limit and sticking a snake camera in for visual inspection

2. Doing a static pressure drop test across the coil - manometer measures pressure differences between high limit opening (when coil is right on top of furnace)/just above furnace and downstream of coil.

Indoor coil cleaning is not part of normal maintenance.

You can check the blower assembly for dust/dirty buildup - if it's totally caked, the coil is probably dirty too.

 

[Charles218]

I understand, though I'm just a novice having never worked on my furnace before. There is a small amount of stuff that I can see from the top, I can easily shop vac that out. I don't have reason to believe there is an issue, just wanted to not ignore it any longer and take care of whatever needs attention. With today's cooler weather here in Michigan, I'm headed outside to do some maintenance on the condenser.

Thanks!

 

[SeniorSitizen]

I'm proud to see someone attempting to take care of there equipment as much as a DIY"er can. I know our tech well and occasionally he sends me pics of some of his discoveries, and some are pathetic.


I've pulled the blower and lubed it once and our tech has pulled it to be lubed 2 times in 37 years. He stated there isn't any reason to check the coils with a blower wheel that clean, that's never been cleaned . And that's with filters cheaper than dirt. Good care can make a difference.

 

[user_12345a]

I understand, though I'm just a novice having never worked on my furnace before. There is a small amount of stuff that I can see from the top, I can easily shop vac that out. I don't have reason to believe there is an issue, just wanted to not ignore it any longer and take care of whatever needs attention. With today's cooler weather here in Michigan, I'm headed outside to do some maintenance on the condenser.

Thanks!

It's a good idea to get everything checked over thoroughly if you just bought the house or haven't done any maintenance for a long time.

Most of the dirt on the coil will be on the underside.