This is the one I got from Amazon. Bought it with a package of "fin combs" as well to straighten out and clean between the fins. Sub $20 for a pretty significant improvement.
I would never power wash an AC system, too easy to damage the fins on the the coils as they are very thin and delicate, not to mention the electrical and electronics.
I assume the mold is on the inside potion of the system? They make cleaners for AC systems, they are usually foaming and a good start, you can gently rinse it out with a spray bottle lklok follow up with a more traditional mold remedy for pice of mind.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DM8KQ3I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_RDJ7F33CQ3T16G8NWDN9
If this is the outside portion of the system I would not worry about that, the outside section is usually sealed off from the inside portion other than a small condensate drain path.
Truth is a new unit will likely only be mold free initially, by their nature they are prime places for mold, so if you are sensitive you'll want to learn how run them properly and to clean them safely anyway.
I literally just did this outside.
Turn off breaker.
Remove fan.
Clean debris from bottom.
Buy some radiator foam, like this:
Nu-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DM8KQ3I?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Spray down from inside out. Then rinse lightly with water. The amount of dirt pouring out the bottom of my coils was amazing.
Reattach fan, flip breaker. Easy.
It took 30 minutes. My coils/radiator should have much better contact with air, and not dirt (which is a strong insulator), and it should work less hard.
Doing it with just water would even be worth doing I think.
Good LPT OP.
Also buy some evaporator coil cleaner. Cans of this have saved me hundreds of dollars. Clean your drain after using, but seriously this shit will turn you into The Greatest Repairman.
Clean the coil:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DM8KQ3I?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_VXV7MCXXMHC1G903VYTQ
Cleans well, lemon scent, can will last several years. Unplug power before spraying. Spray directly onto the coil you want to clean until you applied enough for it to foam through the coil. Use to clean the drain pan also. Make sure that the condensate drain path is open and cam drain away. Clean then check again in a month to see how often you need to clean.
Before you do anything, wait until either a very rainy or very humid day and see if there's any excess water accumulating at the bottom of the unit (if you remove the filter and/or plastic front panel, you should be able to see directly into the unit).
If the angle of the AC is truly an issue, I'm not sure if I want to advise on how to deal with this if you don't know what you're doing, since messing with the frame, sleeve, or bracket can be quite a liability in NYC.
And to actually answer your question about cleaning your AC - I use this product somewhat regularly (like once a year) to clean the front radiator and whatever else it can reach. It's very easy to use and works pretty well for a set-it-and-forget solution.
Can this stuff and spray it in there no rinsing required just run your ac afterwards for like an hour.
Nu-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse Evaporator Coil Cleaner, 18 oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DM8KQ3I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6DQ0M03YG1Y3SJWN0YDD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I wouldn't say thats uncommon but its not sanitary and its not a good thing. The reason they probably looked and didn't mention it is because thats one of the worst jobs an HVAC tech gets asked to do, outside of working in 110+deg attics anyway. Most often, a lot of HVAC places just want to recommend a full replacement of the coils in this case because the correct alternative is to actually disconnect the coils, pull them out and thoroughly rinse them. They can also be cleaned in place to some extent and if you have easy access to them, is an option available to you. Many "no rinse coil cleaners" are available to buy.
A couple of notes here though. Since you just had HVAC contractors in, they may have been told to just communicate with the property managers so they may actually be back. Try reaching out to your property manager first to see if there was further action planned. Next, if you are left on your own with this, I would say watch some videos on using coil cleaner first. Its generally a good idea to try and keep all the moisture running into the condensation pan and not running into your heat exchanger. There's different strategies to this and it depends a lot on how your furnace was assembled. Again, watch some videos first. Also, ensure you are purchasing coil cleaner that is appropriate for indoor use. Lastly, the most common reason for this happening is from people running their furnace without a filter. This exact scenario is why you should always be using a furnace filter. Not only is it a sanitary issue, its also a potential fire hazard depending on the operating condition of your furnace.
Good luck.
Products like these are available on amazon https://www.amazon.com/Nu-Calgon-4171-75-Rinse-Evaporator-Cleaner/dp/B00DM8KQ3I/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=evap+coil+cleaner+no+rinse&qid=1601603448&sprefix=evap+coil&sr=8-3. A small nylon brush and a spray bottle to rinse would be ideal. This could definitely be a diy project. Just gotta make sure power is off at disconnect. Definitely take a look at some YouTube vids to see if you want to tackle it.
Thanks. Found this one on Amazon, but it's "Evap-Foam" instead of "Evap-Fresh" -- I assume this one is okay too, since it's for cleaning evaporator coils? https://www.amazon.com/Nu-Calgon-4171-75-Rinse-Evaporator-Cleaner/dp/B00DM8KQ3I/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Nu-Calgon+Evap-Fresh+No+Rinse&qid=1592590539&s=industrial&sr=1-1
will this one work :
how many cans do i need for single use (one unit) ?
> New evaporator coil.
You would not want to replace that unless there was a refrigerant leak. Coil cleaner will clean off the dirt and bring it back to peak efficiency. Spray and forget.
Pretty much hit the nail on the head with this one. for future reference you can delete all the crap after the question mark when sharing amazon links
Evap foam works alright. I haven't used it for your specific situation but it won't harm anything to try it.
Worst case scenario is you're out the cost of the can.
https://www.amazon.com/Nu-Calgon-4171-75-Rinse-Evaporator-Cleaner/dp/B00DM8KQ3I
I would get some coil cleaner for your existing dehumidifier and clean them out. Likely only the cold condensing side needs this. The bottles below are way oversized for what you will need, but it will clean everything off.
You cannot do this, but it might be plugged A-coils:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhZ2RrM90f0
There are coil cleaners that can be used without removal:
https://www.amazon.com/Nu-Calgon-4171-75-Rinse-Evaporator-Cleaner/dp/B00DM8KQ3I
It lifts the debris off, so you can remove it with a shop vac.
Sorry they mentioned mold inhibitor this is designed for cleaning mold but I don't know how well it inhibits though it might be good as it preventative measure
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DM8KQ3I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_LwEiFbCFZY04W
AndHere's a pretty good article that covers other options
I don't think installing a germicidal / fungicidal light would be that difficult just it needs to be done carefully
Hey, I think you won the prize, or at least a good portion of it. Just pulled the cover off my air handler, and the A-coils looks fairly disgusting. So, this air comb
Take a look: http://imgur.com/a/5Rsej
Along with the air comb, I think I'll go ahead and pick up a can of no rinse evaporator foam cleaner.
Did you vacuum out what you blew off with the air comb?
You can get a can of Coil Cleaner from your local big box store. You spray it on and let it sit a few minutes foaming up to break down the dirt and dust film on the coils then spray it off with the hose - one of those multi-spray nozzles set to "flat" works best.
Yuo can also use the same on your evaporator coil inside your house but you will have to open up the unit to do that. It isn't hard and there are plenty of guides and videos online but if you aren't comfortable messing around with it you may best call someone to come clean your coils for you. They will use an industrial strength cleaner instead of the foam stuff you can buy.