Commercial HVAC Contractor
Commercial Coil Cleaning: Is it Important?
When it comes to commercial HVAC systems, the arrival of spring means that the high humidity and rising temperatures of summer are right around the corner.
Getting that spring cleaning done before the need for cooling really kicks in is key. That means scheduling a commercial HVAC coil cleaning service to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently.
Why is coil cleaning so important at this time of year? Because preventative maintenance now, before the system is working hard, means fewer costly repairs — and less downtime — later in the season. Clean coils also mean more efficient operations, which saves you money.
Here's what you need to know about commercial HVAC coil cleaning.
How Often Should HVAC Coils Be Cleaned?
First things first: how often do commercial HVAC coils need cleaning? Under typical environmental conditions, a cleaning every 12 months or so is enough.
However, different conditions mean different cleaning schedules. Environmental pollutants can lead to dirty coils that need more frequent cleaning. Scheduling a cleaning every three or four months might make sense under these circumstances.
For instance, if you live in an area with cottonwood trees or dandelions, fuzz, and pollen can build up quickly in spring. You'll want to schedule cleaning more often. Often, spring and fall cleaning does the trick.
Similarly, unusually high temperatures require your HVAC unit to work harder than normal, so you'll want to schedule more frequent cleanings during these times of intense usage. Certain very dense coils tend to attract more buildup and may need a bit of extra attention as well.
Every coil situation is different, so checking with the HVAC professionals is the best way to set up a cleaning schedule.
How To Determine When Your Coils Are Dirty
How do you know if you need to schedule a commercial HVAC coil cleaning? Of course, setting up regularly scheduled maintenance is the best way to ensure your coils are clean and functioning properly.
But several signs may point to dirty coils. A straightforward way to tell is simply to take a look at the coils. If they look dirty or have debris in them, it's time to schedule a cleaning.
There's also a more scientific way to determine coil cleanliness. This involves determining if the actual air pressure in your building varies from that noted by the design specifications.
For instance, when a condenser coil is dirty, the refrigerant head pressure will measure higher. But when a DX coil is dirty, you may measure low suction pressure and low airflow.
In addition, if you measure a greater air pressure drop than specified in the design, you've likely got a dirty coil. Your commercial HVAC professional will be able to take accurate measurements.
Risk of Not Cleaning Your Commercial HVAC Coils
What happens if you don't clean your coils? If too much dirt and debris builds up, your HVAC system won't be able to function efficiently. It'll work harder to cool and heat your building, resulting in higher energy consumption — and higher energy bills each month.
But don't just take our word for it; research shows just how impactful coil cleaning can be. A study conducted by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers indicates that dirty coils consume from 20 to 50 percent more energy. Over time, this energy consumption adds up to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars in additional energy costs.
Along with decreased efficiency and increased energy use, a unit with dirty coils will also have to work harder to keep your building at comfortable temperature and humidity levels. This increases the wear and tear on the equipment, and increases the probability of necessary and potentially costly, repairs.
Then there's air quality. Dirty coils make it easier for contaminants, such as mold, mildew, pollen, or bacteria, to enter the airflow. This can lead to respiratory issues that harm the health and well-being of those who work and live in your space.
Benefits of Cleaning Your Commercial HVAC Coils
Clean HVAC coils help your unit run more efficiently. Coils free from grime facilitate free airflow, easier heat transfer, and better dehumidification, all while using less energy. And lower energy consumption means lower energy costs, so you'll save money on monthly bills.
More efficient use also extends the life of your HVAC unit. Clean coils keep your HVAC running smoothly and reduce the likelihood of repair. Setting up a regular maintenance plan to keep coils clean can help your equipment last longer.
Clean coils also mean your HVAC system can cool — and heat — to the comfortable levels that you need in your commercial building. Dirty coils impede function, often leaving your space feeling too warm or too humid.
Clean coils mean your system is less likely to experience downtime. A well-maintained system is not as likely to break down. When the temperature and humidity are high, a broken HVAC system can make interior spaces feel intolerable for workers. This affects productivity and your bottom line.
DIY vs Professional Coil Cleaning
Commercial HVAC cleaning is a job best left to professionals. Coils are usually made from thin aluminum; they're easily bent and extremely delicate. It's not hard to damage coils, resulting in a costly repair bill.
Low-pressure washing, in conjunction with specialized chemicals, is usually the cleaning method of choice. Chemicals may be caustic or toxic, so caution is warranted.
Sometimes, high temperatures or steam cleaning is required. This also involves specialized equipment and expertise.
Don't take a chance. Utilize the expertise of a professional service that's experienced in commercial HVAC coil cleaning.
Rely on 1 Source Mechanical for Commercial HVAC Maintenance
You can trust the professional service at 1 Source Mechanical. Our expert team is experienced in both maintenance and repair of commercial HVAC systems, including heating and air conditioning, refrigeration systems, backflow testing, and HVAC building controls.
Along with our reliable HVAC repair, we offer HVAC maintenance agreements so you won't have to worry about your system. Contact 1 Source Mechanical at 815-517-0501; we're ready to help you repair, replace, or maintain your commercial HVAC system.
