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Air Conditioning

How Dirty Outdoor AC Coils Can Increase Your Energy Bills

Home | Blog | Published on July 13th, 2026

If your home isn’t staying as cool as it should and your utility bills keep climbing, it’s easy to assume you need AC repair in Canton, OH. However, before you worry about a major repair, take a look outside. Your air conditioner’s outdoor condenser unit may simply be dirty. Keeping the outdoor coils clean is one of the easiest ways to improve efficiency, reduce energy costs, and help your system keep your home comfortable all summer long.

Why Clean Coils Matter

Your outdoor condenser coils release the heat your air conditioner removes from your home. When those coils become coated with dirt, grass clippings, leaves, cottonwood fluff, or other debris, they can’t transfer heat efficiently. As a result, your AC has to run longer and work harder to reach the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat.

That extra workload doesn’t just waste electricity. It also places unnecessary strain on important components, which can lead to premature wear and unexpected repairs. A little AC maintenance can solve this issue.

Give Your Outdoor Unit Some Breathing Room

One of the best things you can do is make sure your condenser has plenty of open space around it. Shrubs, flowers, weeds, and other landscaping should be trimmed back at least two feet from all sides of the unit whenever possible. This allows proper airflow, which is essential for efficient operation.

It’s also a good idea to regularly rake away leaves, remove grass clippings after mowing, and clear away twigs or other yard debris that may collect around the base of the unit. A clean area helps your air conditioner breathe and perform at its best.

Wash the Coils Gently

Cleaning the outdoor coils doesn’t have to be complicated. After shutting off power to the unit, use a garden hose with gentle water pressure to rinse away dirt and debris from the outside of the coils. Avoid using a pressure washer, since the powerful spray can bend the delicate aluminum fins and reduce airflow.

A gentle rinse a few times throughout the cooling season can noticeably improve your system’s efficiency, especially if you live in an area with high pollen, dust, or lawn debris.

Don’t Forget Your Air Filter

Your outdoor unit isn’t the only part of your system that needs attention. During the couple of hottest months of summer, replace your air filter every month. A clean filter allows air to circulate freely through your system, helping your AC cool your home more efficiently while improving indoor air quality.

When It’s Time to Call the Professionals

If you’ve trimmed the landscaping, cleaned around the condenser, gently rinsed the coils, and kept up with monthly air filter changes but your home still isn’t cooling properly or your energy bills remain unusually high, it’s time to call our experienced team. We’ll thoroughly inspect your system, identify the real cause of the problem, and provide the expert repairs needed to restore reliable, efficient cooling. We’re here to help you stay comfortable while keeping your energy costs under control all summer long.

Contact Crown Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today with any questions or to make an appointment.

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