By Peter, Master Electrician | PRO Electric plus HVAC | Heating Systems
Sterling Heat Pump Coil Cleaning | Keep Your System Efficient & Comfortable
Hi, I’m Peter, an HVAC Technician with PRO Electric plus HVAC.
In Sterling, your heat pump operates year-round, providing both cooling in summer and heating in winter.
One of the easiest ways to keep it efficient and comfortable is coil cleaning.
Clean coils help your system transfer heat quickly, use less electricity, and reduce the likelihood of breakdowns.
Why Coil Cleaning Matters
Your heat pump has two primary coils:
- Indoor evaporator coil (inside your air handler)
- Outdoor condenser coil (in the unit outside)
Dust, pollen, pet hair, grass clippings, and even dryer lint stick to these coils.
That buildup acts like a blanket, blocking heat transfer.
The unit has to run longer to accomplish the same task, which results in higher bills and increased wear on parts.
What Dirty Coils Do
- Raise energy costs because the system runs longer
- Create hot and cold spots in your home
- Cause icing on the outdoor unit in cold weather
- Strain the compressor and fans, which can lead to early failures
- Increase humidity in summer because the indoor coil can’t remove moisture well
What I Do During a Professional Coil Cleaning
When I visit a Sterling home for maintenance, I:
- Inspect and protect: Power off, remove panels, and protect electronics.
- Clean the indoor coil: Clear dust and biofilm so air can pass freely.
- Wash the outdoor coil: Rinse from the inside out to push debris out of the fins (never pressure wash).
- Check airflow: Confirm vents and returns are open; measure static pressure if needed.
- Verify refrigerant and temps: Make sure the charge and temperatures look right after cleaning.
- Performance test: Confirm the system reaches set temperature with normal run times.
What You Can Do Between Visits
- Replace the air filter every 1–3 months
- Keep two feet of clearance around the outdoor unit
- Trim shrubs and pull mulch back from the coil
- After mowing, blow grass clippings away from the unit
- Gently hose the outdoor coil a few times a year (power off first; no pressure washer)
- Keep supply and return vents open to protect airflow
A Local Note for Sterling Homes
Sterling sees heavy spring pollen, construction dust along the Dulles corridor, and lots of townhome and HOA screens around outdoor units.
Screens look tidy, but when they sit too close, they choke airflow and make coils dirty faster.
Keep any screen or lattice well back and open on all sides.
Signs You Should Call Right Away
- Longer cycles but the home still feels uncomfortable
- Higher electric bills without changing your thermostat
- Ice on the outdoor unit or refrigerant lines
- Rattling or buzzing from the outdoor fan
- Musty smells or weak airflow indoors
Final Thought
Think of your coils as the lungs of your heat pump.
If they’re clogged, your system can’t breathe.
Clean coils mean lower bills, better comfort, and fewer repairs.
If you’re in Sterling and want a thorough coil cleaning and tune-up, call PRO Electric plus HVAC at 703-225-8222 and ask for Peter.
I’ll get your heat pump running at its best, in every season.
📞 Call 703-225-822 now or book online while you’re thinking about it.
