fast approaching, preparing your unit to withstand the winter months is imperative. As autumn come to an end, leaves begin to fall, meaning there’s a higher chance of debris blocking your unit.
Regularly examine grills and fans to ensure that debris isn’t collecting. If you spot things aren’t quite right, it’s time to clean the condenser. Remove debris then simply rinse away any remaining dirt on the unit with a hosepipe until it appears clean.
Condenser coils and fins
Condenser coils transfer refrigerant from the gas back into a liquid so that they can begin the cycle again. Fins, on the other hand, help to keep hot and cool air separate. Cleaning both components is therefore vital.
To begin, first remove the top and side panels from the unit, remembering to keep the screws safe. This step requires a soft hand approach as if the coils and fins are bent out of place it will create poorer airflow.
Next, using a coil cleaning solution, spray the coils thoroughly. With a hose, clean them down to wash away the solution and the dirt its removed – this should easily get them nice and clean. If not, use a soft brush hoover attachment until clean.
For the fins, first check if they’re bent. If so, they need to be straightened. The best way to do this is using a fin tool, essentially a fine-tooth comb designed the perfect size for the fins. Make sure your tool is the right size for your unit and the number of fins, and simply comb the fins straight gently.
Once you’ve done this and before replacing the panels, inspect the unit to ensure there’s no damage to the unit which can be harder to spot when unclean. If you find any, consult a professional.
www.tomorrowscleaning.com
Get your unit ready for winter
If you feel your unit is going to attract a lot of debris over the winter months, it may be wise to go to extra lengths to protect it.
You can cover the external unit with a plastic sheet to ensure no debris or excess water/ice makes its way to it. Whilst this isn’t necessary, all units are in different locations which often means additional action will be needed.
Similarly, if your building is in a location prone to extreme coldness, insulating exposed pipes could be beneficial. This can be done by slotting foam pipes over the existing pipe, adding an insulating layer for the colder seasons.
Final tips
After you’ve carried out maintenance to your unit, it’s important to complete a test run. Test runs are a fantastic way to obtain peace of mind that everything is back in working order. HVAC units can be complicated, and whilst cleaning can be a simple process, it can be easy to knock something out of place or come across unforeseen issues. Always check your work is completed before leaving your unit to do its job in your building.
Whilst your unit is easy to clean and maintain (once you know how), it’s a specialist piece of equipment that’s both technical and often expensive. You can save time and money in the long run by carrying out regular checks, cleaning, and light maintenance yourself. However, when something seems wrong, call a professional in to help as soon as you spot an issue. A small problem caught quickly is an easier fix than a big problem left too late, especially in the colder months when weather isn’t on your side.
Finally, before starting any maintenance or cleaning for your HVAC unit, make sure you turn the unit off and cut off the power supply. This is the single most important safety precaution you can make.
www.pindercooling.com FEATURE | 31
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