Can I reverse a blower on a central air conditioner to clean out the evaporator coils?
Question:Ok, its a 2.5 ton Rheem air handler (blower). The a/c evap coils I suspect are almost completely clogged (restricted air flow from vents throughtout house. It is impossible to clean the underside of the coils (or even gain acess to) without disconnecting the evap case and removing the evaporator. Can I simply reverse polarity on the blower to atempt to suck out the debris, etc. The fresh air intake is directly behine the unit as is the filter.
Answers:
I would strongly suggest that you do not do this. I do not even know why you would want to. Think about it, if the coils get dirty with air passing through them now, how effective would putting it in reverse. The blower assembly has curved fins, like on a paddle wheel, which only provide air flow in one direction. By reversing the polarity, yes the motor would run in reverse, but it will not generate the airflow you are thinking.
Your only option is to have licensed contractor get in there and perform a chemical coil cleaning. The charge of this procedure will have paid for itself by the end of the summer guaranteed. Through energy efficiency, better airflow into the house satisfying the thermostat quicker, leass breakdowns, etc. This is definitely in your best interest to invest in the coil cleaning.
For more information, or to discuss this further, you can contact me through our website at http://www.howellsac.com
No.
1) Your central ac uses AC power. You can only reverse polarity on DC power.
2) Even if you could, you won't get enough air flow to clean out the evaporator coil.
Hate to say it, but your best bet is to bite the bullet and call a serviceman.
Don't even think about it. Call a qualifed tech to take care of cleaning the coil.
In AC current the two lines are positive - just not at the same time. Your system, for example on the red line is expecting a positive current, so it blocks negatives so that only positive current travels forward. If you reverse the lines this will still take place and it will still operate as it did.
no, noo and aboslutely NO!
NO NO NO - To propely clean a coil it should be removed from the unit & taken outside. The only peoplr who must do this are QUALIFIED service techs.
THAT IS ALL!!!!!
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