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Coil Cleaning

coil cleaningAn air conditioning system has two coils, usually made of copper tubes with aluminum fins. The evaporator coil, or indoor coil, is often described as the "cold" coil because it provides indoor cooling. The coil works by absorbing heat from the indoor air that is blown over by the air handler's fan. The condenser coil or outdoor coil is the "warm" coil as it rejects the heat as a fan blows outside air over the surface.

Coils - they're everywhere

Coils are found in refrigeration equipment including those used in supermarkets and restaurants. It is not uncommon to find hundreds of "through-the-wall" fan coil units in a hotel, dormitory or apartment building. As the air moving over the coils contains dust, dirt, pollen, moisture and other contaminants, the coils get dirty and become less efficient. In addition, the evaporator coil and its condensate pan can become fouled with pollen, mold spores and other biocontaminants that can have adverse effects on indoor air quality. If not maintained, the moisture around the evaporator coil can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

Dirty Coils Waste Energy and Cost Money

A coil fouled with dirt and grime cannot supply proper heat transfer and results in greater energy consumption. Equipment operating with dirty coils can use up to 37% more energy than those with clean coils. Additionally, a dirty system’s cooling capacity can be reduced by as much as 30%. Dirty coils increase operating pressure and temperatures that breakdown the compressor’s lubricant and can result in equipment failure. A failed compressor means no cooling and costly repair.

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Coil Cleaning Frequency

A coil cleaning program should be instituted when the coils are new, clean, and should be performed with a frequency to prevent deterioration of the coils. This can be as often as four times a year (monthly cleaning is reported in some areas). If they do not already exist, install easy to open panels to gain access to the coils. This will make the job much easier and consequently, the more likely to be done when coil cleaning is necessary.

How to Clean Coils

If the coil is contaminated with a light dust or dirt not adhered to the fins, blowing low pressure compressed air across the fins or the use of a soft bristle brush may be sufficient.  Applying a plain water or mild detergent solution to the surface, allowing it to sit for a short time then rinsing is employed in some cases.  More aggressive deposits call for the use of stronger cleaning solutions or solvents as required. 

Coils can be steam cleaned but require extra care.  Steam must be applied at low pressure and the stream kept parallel to the fins to prevent folding the fins over. 

Another popular coil cleaning method employs the use of a garden-type pump sprayer to apply foaming chemical to the coil surfaces.  The foam is allowed to dwell on the surface to saturate the fins.  The foam is then vacuumed up and the process repeated. Finally, the coil is rinsed with clean water from a hose.

coil cleaner 1Perhaps the most popular cleaning method used in recent years is using pressure washers to clean coils.  Pressure cleaning coils may increase airborne Macromolecular Organic Dust (MOD) which must be contained to the area being cleaned.  Pressure cleaning should be done in the opposite direction of air flow through the coil.  A cleaning solution can be applied before the pressure rinse using the built in chemical injection system on the pressure washer or a hand sprayer.  Care must be taken when using a pressure washer to avoid damaging the fins on the tubes.  Water leaving the coil should be free of particulate.  If it is not, repeat the process.

Recently, Goodway introduced its line of CoilPro™ coil cleaning machines.  The Model CC-140 is a self contained two-wheeled cart with its own built in water and chemical tanks that can operate on building power or an integrated rechargeable battery.  It can carry 5 gallons of water or can be connected to the building water supply for continuous operation.  It supplies a water stream at up to 140 PSI at 1 GPM by means of one of four available spray nozzles.  The on-board battery and water/chemical tanks allow for use anywhere.  Additional models include the CC-600 AC powered unit which delivers up to 600 PSI at 1.6 GPM for thicker coils and the CC-100 backpack coil cleaner unit for extreme portability.  These products have been enthusiastically received by maintenance professionals and they represent the first true real break-through developments in coil cleaning in a long time.

Coil Cleaning Chemicals

There are many acid and alkaline based cleaners available to clean coils.  These chemicals clean by creating a chemical reaction between the cleaner and the metal that harms the surface of the metal.  This damages the coils by causing metal loss over time.  Acid and alkaline based chemicals carry with them an inherent danger to personnel and equipment. 

The foaming properties of many coil cleaning formulations is important to help float debris our of the coil body where it can be rinsed away.

While some chemicals are advertised as “no rinse”, many believe that all cleaning chemicals should be thoroughly rinsed from the surface to prevent coil damage.

To clean coils, Goodway offers CoilShine™, a biodegradable, expanding foam detergent specifically formulated for use with the CoilPro™.  This is a non-acidic, non-fuming solution that can be safely washed down drains.  CoilShine-BC is a commercial grade, ready-to-use mold inhibitor for HVAC systems that helps prevent the growth of odor, stain and damage causing organisms such as mold, mildew and fungi.

Don’t Forget the Condensate Pan

The air drawn across a cooling coil contains water vapor which condenses and collects in a pan under the coil called a condensate pan.  The pan is connected to a drain line to keep the pan from overflowing and causing damage to the air handler or other building structures.  As it is generally wet, microorganisms can form colonies in the condensate pan.  Cleaning the condensate pan and checking for proper drainage is an important part of the coil cleaning process. 

To help prevent growth of these organisms, the pan should be treated between cleanings with a biocide.  Goodway’s PanCare is one example.  PanCare is formulated to prevent the build-up of slime and harmful bacteria in condensate pans.  It kills 99% of Legionella Pheumophilia and Salmonella Typhii Bacteria.  It also contains a ruse inhibitor and an acid rain neutralizer and will work for up to 3 months on a 3 to 5 ton system.

What our Customers Say

Anthony Rizzica, Senior Engineer at Yeshiva University’s In New York, NY

When asked about the performance of the CoilPro,
"We actually cleaned the coils so well that we gained almost 50 to 60 tons worth of cooling last summer and saved around $75,000.00 to $80,000.00. If I had to put a return on investment on it, I would say for every 25 to 50 coils that we clean, the machine pays for itself".

When asked what other savings does Anthony see using the CoilPro,
"Well man-hours are a saving - it only takes one man to operate. It's convenient. What used to take us a week, we now do in two or three days."

When asked to compare the CoilPro to conventional pressure washers,
"It’s more portable, it’s definitely lighter in weight. I like the tanks that hold the chemical and water – there’s no hose involved. The battery pack is a great saver, too. We don’t have to worry about cords being plugged in, people tripping, hazards and all. Safety is always a concern around here."


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Goodway Technologies Corporation

Goodway Technologies Corporation was founded in 1966 by Per K. Reichborn. Since its earliest days, the company has built a reputation for manufacturing the highest quality cleaning systems in the world. "This commitment" says Reichborn, "not only extends to our manufacturing, but to everything we do, every day, for every product and service. Achieving this high quality of performance is the shared responsibility of each employee in every department."

Today, Goodway cleaning machines span the globe. From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, Goodway equipment is used in over 125 countries and on every continent, including Antarctica.

To view a complete line of Goodway cleaning machines or to receive more information about a Goodway cleaning machine or to purchase a Goodway cleaning machine please visit Goodway.com or contact Goodway Technologies Corporation at 1 800 333-7467.