coil cleaning

[HVAC Mechanic]

I remember the days working at target
they would give you so much hours to do the maintenance
then they cut back paperwork and hours
then no maintenance at all
then we lost the contract those were the gravy days

[GroundSquirrel]

I remember the days working at target
they would give you so much hours to do the maintenance
then they cut back paperwork and hours
then no maintenance at all
then we lost the contract those were the gravy days

They are using the Local Store maintenance guy to do Filters and clean Coils (mistake). They give them a Pressure washer and a box of filters and no Training. I cant tell you how many fin Combs we go thru. Paperless is the new thing and they still will change a Rusted screw if you mention it. Real good people to work with though..

[1000535Fitter]

avoid chemical cleaners as much as possible. They damage the coils in the long run, and more often then not they are never fully rinsed off.

[timebuilder]

avoid chemical cleaners as much as possible. They damage the coils in the long run, and more often then not they are never fully rinsed off.

That's only true when you get idiots to do the job.

When a pro does it, chemicals have zero downside.

[1000535Fitter]

Timebuilder, your absolutely correct. When used properly chemical cleaners work wonderfully and can remove more dirt and other debris than water alone. 50% of the time ill run into coils that have to been cleaned in a professional manner, taking the time to split the coils as they should be, using a cal-gon gun style sprayer, and thoroughly rinsing all of the chemical off of the coil. The other 50% of the time ill see condensers that have fins covered in a white residue. A classic sign of shotty job. Another good sign of a worthless effort can be seen on those condensers where 90% of the fins are folded over because the hacks responsible for the cleaning use high enough water pressure to subdue an angry mob of protestors. But I am fully with you timebuilder... chemicals do a great job as long as the tech doing the cleaning does a professional job. Thanks for catching me on that one, I want to make sure I'm being clear in my explanations... much appreciated!

[pvc1984]

I use the nucalgon coil gun with nubrite and split the coils as needed. RINSE THOROUGHLY. Nu brite is a great product when used properly. I've seen a ton of coils severely damaged from improper use. I'm talking coils that are so bad that if you look at them cross eyed they'll start flaking apart.

[hvac wiz 79]

It takes a technician about an hour to clean the condenser. This is money well spent..

few weeks back i was doing a wif repair when some guy with a pressure washer came on the roof & knocked out 3 rtus evaps & cond coils along with 5 refer condensing units in about 20 minutes flat. ... I couldn't believe how well he did clean them. He works for some big filter changing company .. His boss must love him