Ways To Clean An Aircon Unit Fan Coil: Chemical Solutions Or Vacuum Cleaning
Without proper aircon unit maintenance, the heat and humidity of Singapore will get the best of you. Keep your entire aircon unit working efficiently by cleaning the aircon unit fan coil at least once a year and following preventative measures to keep them clean during use.
It’s important to keep the aircon fan coil unit clean so that heat can exchange efficiently through the coils without being blocked by dirt and debris. A lack of routine maintenance on the coils can lead to higher energy bills and consumption or an overheating aircon unit.
It is the responsibility of the professional aircon servicing company to properly operate and maintain an aircon fan coil unit. They should be competent enough to operate and maintain the entire aircon unit equipment, to avoid any malfunction or downtime due to the breakdown of the aircon unit.
More importantly, a professional aircon servicing company shall ensure the implementation of the maintenance procedures during the routine maintenance checks that are being done semi-annually or annually.
Vacuum Cleaning Method
Coils on most aircon fan coil units can be cleaned by removing the motor and blower assemblies and brushing the air face between fins with a stiff brush followed by a thorough vacuuming. The vacuum cleaning method is easier and safer as you do not need to worry about the negative effects of chemicals. Vacuuming can help to get rid of solid debris and dust but the flip side of using a vacuum, however, is that it may not get rid of enduring tougher stains. It is not effective in extracting dirt, sticky fluid-like chemicals, or bad foul odor from the fan coil. Moreover, there are certain areas where the vacuum cleaner can’t reach, especially in round corners or components that are deeply embedded.
If the coil is heavily contaminated with dust and dirt, using a soft bristle brush or blowing low-pressure compressed air on the fins is not effective. It necessitates the use of chemical solutions.
Chemical Solution Cleaning
Most chemical solutions can be used to clean the coils and they include acids, alkaline, solvent, or detergent-based coming in liquid or powder form. The coil cleaner is mixed and diluted with water to obtain the desired concentration. Most professional aircon servicing companies mix and dilute coil cleaners in a standard pump sprayer, pressurize the sprayer and apply the liquid to the coils. When the solution is applied to the coil surface there is a chemical reaction as foaming properties help float debris out of the coil body where it can be rinsed away.
Here are the different types of Chemical Solutions used to clean an Aircon Fan Coil Unit:
Acid-based coil cleaners are very effective and will remove any material from coils including the metal on the coils if you are not careful. While proving effective as a coil cleaner, acid-based products come with a few hazards. Acids produce vapors that carry a strong acid smell which, in the right concentrations, can cause teary eyes and choke. It is also dangerous as it will dissolve just about anything it touches. Therefore, thorough rinsing is very important.
Alkaline-based coil cleaners are also very effective, fairly safe, and offer excellent cleaning results but they produce a mild odor while effectively removing foreign materials from the surface of the coils.
Solvents used as coil cleaners are very effective in removing grease but not heavy particulates and corrosion. It has a short dry time and limited rinsing. Most solvents are flammable and most give off strong smells and vapors. Solvent-based coil cleaners tend to work best in areas where a lot of water cannot be used for rinsing.
Detergent coil cleaners are usually slightly alkaline with foaming agents to speed the cleaning process. This works well in areas where there is a buildup of grease and tar, but not for removing particulates and corrosion. It usually requires thorough rinsing.
Usually, an acid- or alkaline-based coil cleaner is used but where heavy grease or tar is present, a solvent- or detergent-based coil cleaner may be needed.
A clean coil is not necessarily bright. In all probability, the brighter the coil’s surfaces, the more metal you have just removed. Consistent use of products that result in bright coils can diminish the life of the coil because they dissolve the outer surface of the metal.
Pro 338 Reminder: While we already know that most chemical solutions are dangerous and may cause harm to the various parts of the body when it’s not properly handled, a professional aircon servicing company recommends avoiding performing it in a DIY method. Yes, it will save you money but the dangers of it will also cost you a lot.
Here are some additional critical tasks that needs to performed when cleaning an Aircon Fan Coil Unit:
– Clean the surfaces of the motor and blower
– Visually inspect the inside and outside of the aircon fan coil unit
– Examine the motor and blower fan for movement, wear, tear, and dust.
– Removing dust and dirt with a vacuum
– Cleaning or changing the aircon unit filters
– Lubricating all moving parts of the aircon unit, except for the ball bearings
A professional aircon servicing company may also recommend these other tasks:
– Replace any dry, cracked, or worn belts
– Check the condition of the motor, disrepair, sounds odd, vibrates or is not operational.
– Check the function of the room thermostat
– Inspect pipe works, shut off valves, and valve actuator for any leaks.
– Check and clean the drain line for a free flow.
About 338aircon.sg
It’s always a good time to talk about the common issues that aircon units have. This way, you’ll be able to spot if there are problems with your unit or not and prepare for its replacement accordingly. If you require our aircon servicing services, Whatsapp us at +65 9222 4141 for a fast and transparent quote.
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