cleaning air handler coil

md

i like to keep my 16 year old carrier 2 ton central air unit working in tip top shape,,, i like to clean the outdoor compressor and indoor air handler  coil with cleaner each season, an old timer from work gave me a gallon of alki-foam he said to use 1part solution and 3 parts water, it foams up and the crap pushes out of the fins on the air handler,coil,, i wash  all fins off with a garden hose in about 4 minutes and flush the pan and check the drain line,,  my question is , will this shorten the life of the coil, i tried some  cans of "spray and no rinse" solution but some mold and dirt does not come off like when i use the alki - faom,,, thanks...

Techman

Evap coil cleaner

Is that stuff you are using blue in color?

md

alki-foam

no just thick clear fluid, they had it at the shop since 2000

fabrk8r

Alka-Brite

We used to use a product a long time ago called Alka-Brite...made by Calgon.



It's blue in color and it will burn your eyes and skin because it's such an alkaline solution, but that's why it works.



I've never seen it cause damage to aluminum coils and fins unless it is left on without neutralizing by washing it off with clean water.  Please wear safety glasses and gloves.