Which side of an air conditioning coil is more likely to collect dirt?

The side where the air enters the coil is more likely to collect dirt because this is the area where the airflow first interacts with the coil surfaces. As air is drawn into the air conditioning system, it often carries dust, pollen, and other particulate matter that can adhere to the coil. This accumulation can inhibit heat exchange efficiency and may lead to maintenance issues if not regularly cleaned or inspected.

In contrast, the side where air exits the coil generally experiences less contamination since the air has already passed through the system and has undergone cooling or heating. The underside of the coil may collect some dirt, but this is less significant compared to the direct entry point where unfiltered air comes into contact with the coil surfaces. The idea that both sides collect dirt equally overlooks the nature of airflow and how contaminants settle on surfaces. Therefore, the entry side is typically where the majority of dirt and particles accumulate.