System Maintenance
6.2Special Procedures
6.2.1Condenser Cleaning
Keeping the outdoor condenser coils clean is an important factor in maintaining peak efficiency, reli- ability and long life of the equipment. It is much easier to keep up on frequent cleanings rather than wait until heavy build up has occurred which may create head pressure problems with the evaporator units.
When to Clean
Normal conditions typically dictate cleaning twice a year, spring and fall.
What to Use
The best overall condenser coil cleaner to use is plain water. If the coil has been maintained and cleaned at regular intervals, water is sufficient to remove dirt and debris from the fins. Heavy build up on the exterior of the fins can be removed with a brush. Water pressure from a garden hose and sprayer usually works well. If a pressure washer is used, make sure the equipment is set to a lower pressure setting and that the nozzle is set to the fan spray, not stream. Otherwise, damage to the fins could result. If a cleaner is required, we recommend a
How to Clean
The absolute best way to clean coils is from the inside out. This requires disconnecting the power sup- ply from the condenser before working on the unit. The fan guards and fan blades must be removed to gain access to the coil surface. The sprayer can then be worked across the coil using the water/clean- ing solution, pushing the dirt and debris out the bottom of the coil. Although this does extend the time involved, the results are well worth it. This method should be used at least once a year. Spraying the coil from the outside repeatedly can push a majority of the dirt to the inner section of the fins and con- tinue to restrict air flow. Keep in mind you may not have the luxury of shutting the unit(s) down for an extended time. A
Reinstall and secure the fan blades and fan guards after the cleaning is finished. Last, reconnect the power supply to the condenser.
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