TREATMENTS AND FLUIDS
Keeping on top of cleaning
Engineers face many challenges, not least when servicing and maintaining an air conditioning (AC) system. It is not always an easy job to implement, but thorough cleaning of the system is essential for both indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy efficiency. Stuart Newbury, product manager for Storm Chemicals by Aspen, offers his top tips on how to make the job quicker and more effective.
U
ndertaking service and maintenance cleaning can vary vastly from job to job, but what is universal is that having the right tools for the job, with effective cleaning materials, can really help ensure happy customers and fewer call backs. Research also shows that a clean air conditioning system is up to 30% more efficient than a dirty system. It is clear than an effective cleaning regime is essential in achieving peak efficiency and performance and can actually save more energy than installing a new unit. So, what is the best way to clean an AC system? Here are my top tips.
1. Check performance
First, take the air on (air entering the evaporator) and air off (air leaving the evaporator) temperatures and then test for the overall correct operation of the cooling and heating of the system. Checking that the AC unit is performing effectively is key to both IAQ and energy efficiency. If dirty, the system may not be working correctly.
Clean filters are key when it comes to good IAQ. Filters target pollutants from the outside and reduce them before supplying the air inside. Good IAQ is vital for the health, well-being and productivity of building occupants. For optimal filter cleaning, it is best to use application specific cleaners with an evaporator cleaner for indoor units and a condenser cleaner for outdoor units.
3. Clean off and wash down coil
This is important in ensuring debris is not driven down into the coil and the pump. When dirt builds up on the coil it forms an insulating barrier, affecting heat transfer and reducing efficiency as the system works harder to compensate. It also shortens the lifespan of the system and so increases running costs. When a system gets very dirty, the coil can become clogged, meaning airflow is reduced.
36 June 2018
A dirty evaporator coil and the moist environment of the condensate tray is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, mould and algae and these are then circulated around the building, resulting in a poor IAQ and nasty smells, and can be associated with a wide variety of health problems. An evaporator cleaner and disinfectant/freshener is ideal for this job. For example, Storm’s Evaporator Cleaner and Disinfectant is a unique formula designed to effectively clean the tough environment found in the evaporator and condensate tray, as well as effectively eliminating odours and providing a healthy indoor environment. For extremely harsh conditions, a coil coat can also be applied to protect the coils for longer. Storm’s unique formula uses hydrophobic technology which forms a micro- thin molecular film coating which provides lasting surface protection. When applied, it protects the coils from adverse weather conditions and other harsh environments.
After you have cleaned, flushed and tested the correct operation of the pump, it is time to clean the fascia and covers. Spray on a case cleaner then wipe off and polish to make the unit look as good as new. This will help the lifespan of the equipment, while also making it look good to the customer, ensuring customer satisfaction.
There are specially formulated case and diffuser cleaners available that feature micro-tech deep cleaning technology, such as the Case Cleaner from Storm. These cleaners easily and effectively release dirt, including grease, nicotine and finger marks, from surfaces and provide a professional finish to fascias and diffusers as well as on outside unit cases. There is also the option to apply an odour neutraliser to indoor units, which removes bad odours within the AC system, acting as a sort of deodorant for the system. There are products available that are suitable for use in both ducted and ventilation systems, such as Storm’s Odour Neutraliser.
www.acr-news.com
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