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© 2010 Emerson Climate Technologies
Printed in the U.S.A.
AE
Introduction
Proper care is essential to assure good life of condensing
units. Dirty or damaged condensers will reduce the
efficiency and capacity of the system.
Care must be taken in choosing solutions to be used for
cleaning condensers and condensate pans. Chlorinated
cleaners and anti-bacterial cleaning agents can be
damaging and should be avoided. Caustic and acidic
cleaners should be avoided as well. Failure to do so
may accelerate component corrosion and ultimately
lead to component failure.
Condenser Coils
There are many commercially available condenser coil
cleaners on the market. Coil cleaners should be designed
to remove build-up on fins and coils. Coils should be
thoroughly rinsed of the cleaners once cleaning has
been completed. Follow the manufactures instruction
for proper usage. Preventive maintenance and routine
cleaning of coils is important to assure good life.
When cleaning the coil, an absorbent type material
should be placed under the area to be cleaned in
order to capture most of the cleaning compound, thus
minimizing any type of chemical attack.
Condensate Pans
Condensing units with condensate pans and condensate
tubes are designed to evaporate condensate water
only. Other ingredients introduced into the condensate
pan can accelerate pan and/or tube corrosion. As
foreign agents are introduced into the condensate pan,
condensate water will be evaporated leaving the foreign
agent behind. This can lead to a high concentration of the
agent and possible corrosion of the tubing and/or base.
Coil cleaning agents must not be allowed to drain into
the condensate pan as this may cause damage. Upon
completing the coil cleaning, be certain that all residue
is removed from the condensate pan.
Only non corrosive cleaners should be used to assure
good life of the condensing unit components. No
hydrocarbon based cleaners should be used to clean
the unit. Bleach solutions must be avoided due to its
high corrosive nature.
Under no circumstances should cleaning agent
ingredients contain any of the solutions listed below:
Unacceptable solutions are:
Chlorinated Solvents
Bleaches
Vinegar
Ammonia
Anti-Bacterials
Salts
Preventative Maintenance
Maintenance should be performed at regular intervals.
Coils should be cleaned at least monthly, possibly more
depending on the environment. Condensing units with
condensate pans should also be checked and cleaned
regularly to prevent damaging build up in the pan.
Safety
Please follow all safety recommendations listed by the
manufacturer of the cleaning agent(s), these would
include proper clothing, gloves and eye protection.
Care and Cleaning of
Air Cooled Condensing Units
AE5-1340
October 2006
