Why are Clean Coils so Important?
Coil cleaning is a much needed service for all types of customers. Coils are everywhere from evaporators to condensers, reheat, heat recovery, heating, process, chiller, cooling towers, and refrigeration.
Cleaning all those coils needs to be an ongoing process. Coils are getting dirty during everyday use due to their operating environments and other factors. A build-up of contaminants decreases that available surface area for heat transfer, reducing the efficiency of the heat transfer process, leading to excessive energy consumption and poor system performance. Dirty coils can lead to:
- Replacement of the coil sets
- Increased run time on HVAC equipment
- Inefficient chiller operation
- Excess chiller wear and tear
- Loss of compressors and fan motors
- Increased energy use
- Poor indoor air quality
- Improper air flow to occupied spaces
- Improper temperature delivery
With HVAC systems comprising over 50% of a facility’s monthly bills, there is a large incentive to maintain the system’s peak performance and maximum efficiency. The Department of Energy found that a dirty condenser coil can increase compressor energy consumption by 30%
When and How to Clean
Coil cleaning frequency will differ depending on the environment in which the equipment is installed. A visual inspection offers a good general indication of when a coil cleaning is needed. Your HVAC maintenance provider should be able to give you a good indication of how often the coils should be checked for cleaning and how cleaning should be carried out. Cleaning can involve the use of compressed air or water sprays and the removal of biological contaminants and involve the use of carefully selected chemicals.. Cleaning should be carried out by an experienced service provider to ensure that equipment is not damaged and air handling systems are not contaminated by the cleaning process.
Typically this process is done in conjunction with a total system maintenance program that includes cleaning the dampers, tightening belts, inspecting and servicing the fans, and checking refrigerant charge levels. The whole system approach will bring about the maximum efficiency and the greatest energy savings.
If You need assistance in keeping your HVAC coils cleaned and the system maintained to its peak efficiency, contact EES Facility Services today. Our experienced technicians have the knowledge and skills to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and help your facility cut its energy costs.
