Air Conditioner Coil Cleaning Cost

Last Updated on January 3, 2022
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The filters, coils, and plates of the air conditioner need regular maintenance so that the whole device works properly and you use it longer. When you neglect this aspect you cause a gradual but sure decline of the device, and in a few years, you may even need a new one.

If you do not take care of the air conditioner, its performance will decrease steadily, while the energy consumption is constantly increasing.

How Much Does an Air Conditioner Coil Cleaning Cost?

The average cost of a professional air conditioner coil cleaning will be anywhere between $130 and $230 for each coil. Expect to pay around $460 to have both coils cleaned in one service call. In general, the inside coils of an air conditioner are more difficult and costly to clean than those on its exterior. This is because they require the removal of more parts in order for cleaners or technicians to get access to them.

In case you want to take advantage of a maintenance package offered by a local HVAC company you will have to pay anywhere between $65 and $165 if the coils are cleaned on spot. It’s important to note that if you have dirt at the bottom of your coils, then the refrigerant lines and other parts need disconnection and cleaning before re-inserting them back into place. In this situation, you will have to pay anywhere between $320 and more than $460.

According to a member of the MrLandlord.com forum, the cost of cleaning the air conditioner coils is around $335. Also, other members from the same forum said that they paid around $410 for cleaning the coils.

However, if you want to get an exact price for the air conditioner coil cleaning, ask for more price offers from well-known professionals in your area.

Air conditioner coil cleaning details

The HVAC experts recommend cleaning both evaporator (inside) and condenser (outside) coils and at least once per year. Evaporation and condensation coils collect dust throughout a cycle of use. A clean filter will prevent this but the coils will still collect dirt particles. It is inevitable, especially if you live in a very polluted and dusty city. This dirt will impede air circulation and insulate the coil, reducing its ability to absorb hot air. To avoid this problem, clean the air conditioning coils once a year, at the end of each summer.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a whole-house dehumidifier, central air compressor replacement, or HVAC duct replacement.

A basic air conditioner coil cleaning means checking the coils for any damages, measuring the temperature flow using gauges, and cleaning the evaporator with a chemical cleaner. In general, the inside coil will be cleaned and sanitized.

What are the extra costs?

There are situations when damages are discovered during the inspection of the air conditioner. You may think that the coils have to be cleaned, but instead, you might have to replace the entire coil. In this case, expect to spend thousands of dollars.

Also, you should budget for the travel expenses if a technician has to move out of his local area.

Usually, the technician cleaning your air conditioner will recommend changing the filter as well. Expect to pay another $25 on average for this piece.

Important things to consider

Some experts recommend that you disassemble the indoor unit at the beginning of each cold season and store it in a safe place. But this process can be stressful and expensive, so it would be good only to cover it. It will be more than enough to prevent dust and dirt from seeping into the air conditioning. It is also recommended that you cover the outdoor unit to protect it from extreme temperatures, dirt, and rain.

Leaving the air conditioner unhygienic and uncleaned will eventually lead to bigger problems for your health but also to technical defects of the appliance. The air conditioning unit does more than cool your home – it also plays an important role in keeping the air circulating inside your home clean and healthy. An untidy air conditioner attracts mold, bacteria, and germs inside the system.

How can I save money?

It is important to have your air conditioning system cleaned at least once per year. If you haven’t had it checked recently, make the service call now and save yourself some money in repairs down the line. After only one season with dirty coils, there will be a notable increase in energy consumption which can add up to your expenses quickly if not fixed right away. So, cleaning the coils will actually help you save money.

If you want to clean the air conditioner yourself you can purchase a foam-based cleaning agent spray that costs around $20. This type of foam will wash off any oil or dirt from the coils, so you can just spray it on and let it dry without having to disassemble any parts of the air conditioner.