HVAC BLOG
HVAC BLOG
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A BRIEF RECOMMENDATION ABOUT THE PINK AC COIL CLEANER
USE IT UNLESS THE LAYER OF DUST IN THE COIL OR MICROCHANEL IS TOO TICK AND THE UNIT IS VERY OLD.
DON'T USE IT IF THE LAYER OF DUST CAN BE REMOVED WITH A WATERHOUSE OR A GENTILE PRESSURE WASHER.
WHEN THE UNIT IS NEW IT COMES WITH A COIL PROTECTION, A VERY THIN LAYER OF PAINT OR FILM WICH MAY BE BLUE OR GOLDEN COLOR, THIS ONE PROTECTS THE ALUMINUM OR COPPER TUBBIN IN THE COIL OR MICROCHANEL FROM CORROSSION FROM OXYGEN OR SALT IN THE AIR, THEREFORE IF YOU APPLY THIS PINK CHEMICAL TRYING TO CLEAN IT, YOU WILL REMOVE THIS PROTECTION FILM, THE CHEMICAL WILL STILL WORKING AND THE ALUMINUM WILL BE EXPOSED, ALL THIS REDUCES THE LIFE OF THE COIL FOR UP TO 5 YEARS BECAUSE NOW THAT THE ALUMINUM IS EXPOSED LEACKS CAN APPEAR EARLIER PRODUCED BY CORROSSION FROM OXYGEN OR SALT IN THE AIR AS WE SAID BEFORE
Central AC Coils – Should You Clean Them?
Your central air conditioner (AC) unit has two types of coils. Evaporator coils absorb heat and humidity from the air. Condenser coils expel warm air outside your home. Both coils need to be clean to maximize efficiency. It’s a good idea to clean the condenser coils if you don’t have an HVAC maintenance plan, but proceed with great care and caution. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, we are here to help.
How to Clean Condenser Coils?
Turn the thermostat and main power switch off.
Visually inspect the unit for damage. Be sure to call Bradbury Brothers as soon as possible if you see any significant damage.
Remove leaves and debris from the outside of the unit.
Use a cooling fin comb to straighten any bent fins.
Remove the top of the unit, carefully. The fan motor may be attached to the top. Place the top where the fan blades and wiring won’t be damaged.
Vacuum dirt and debris out of the bottom of the unit. Using the brush attachment, very gently vacuum the fins. Use an up-and-down motion; vacuuming across the fins can bend them.
Spray the outside of the fins with a coil cleaner or detergent/water mixture and wait 5 minutes. Using a garden sprayer, gently rinse off the coil cleaner with water. Avoid spraying the fan motor.
Re-assemble and turn the main power switch on. Set the thermostat to cool.
Go outside and listen for any odd noises; if you hear anything, call us as soon as possible.
Regular maintenance is particularly important for rooftop AC units – their remote location makes it harder to see and hear the signals that it’s time for a service call. Here are some universal tips for keeping rooftop units in peak operating condition:
Shut off all electrical power to the unit and tag the disconnect before beginning service. Sounds basic, but I had to include this – it’s your most important step.
Inspect air filters and inlet screens. Clean or replace filters at the start of each cooling and heating season, at a minimum. Clean outdoor air inlet screens annually.
Inspect fan, housing and motor. Make sure fans are properly centered in their housing. Check blades for excessive rusting and for the chips, cracks and dirt buildup that cause noise and vibration. If motor bearings are not permanently lubricated, lubricate them every six months.
Inspect belts for wear, proper tension and pulley alignment. Fan belts are a regular wear and tear item and should be replaced annually.
Inspect the heat exchanger. If the heat exchanger rusts or cracks, gases could contaminate the building’s air supply. Inspect burners, igniter, and combustion section (gas heat only). Popping, roaring noises, smoking, vibration, and flame rollout indicate ignition problems. Check the gas pressure and test for leaks.
Clean the coils. Dirty coils diminish heat transfer and increase operating temperatures and pressures. Wash and flush both sides of the coils. For best results, back flush toward the return-air section to remove foreign material. Be careful not to overwhelm the condensate pan.
Clean drainage. Clogged drain channels prevent water and other liquids from effectively moving out of the unit which can in time cause damage to the unit and surrounding area.
Check the refrigerant charge. Before checking, run the unit for 15 minutes in the cooling mode to stabilize system pressure. If a substantial adjustment is indicated, check for refrigerant leaks or insufficient airflow across the coils.
Check for voltage imbalances. The Department of Energy recommends that voltage imbalances not exceed 1% – a greater imbalance can contribute to overheating and premature motor failure. Also check for loose wiring and connections, and corroded or frayed wires.
Conduct an amperage check. A high amperage draw could signal a mechanical problem, like worn bearings or worn rods, or it could indicate a refrigeration problem.
When you’re done, make sure all panels are fastened securely in place. Keep a bag of screws on hand to replace missing ones – use oversized screws for stripped holes.
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