Coil Cleaning

An 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 systemÕs cooling capacity can be reduced by as much as 30%. Dirty coils increase operating pressure and temperatures that breakdown the compressorÕs lubricant and can result in equipment failure. A failed compressor means no cooling and costly repair.

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.