IN THE the current climate of soaring energy prices, Advanced Engineering has warned that many companies are making life even more difficult for themselves by failing to keep their ac and refrigeration coils clean.
Vern Klein of Advanced Engineering, a leading manufacturer and distributor of AC&R coil cleaning products, explains: “Facilities managers often don’t realise how much dirt builds up on these coils – and how much that dirt affects the efficiency of their AC&R systems. In some cases we are seeing systems where energy consumption has been increased by a massive 36% due to the coating of dirt on their coils. A little preventative maintenance, in the form of regular cleaning, is a simple, inexpensive but very effective way of reducing that cost.”
Decreases efficiency
“In an ac system many thousands of cubic metres of air are drawn over the coils each day – depositing dust and other airborne particles as they go,” Klein points out. “The coating of dirt that develops forms an insulating blanket that hinders the coil in maintaining its temperature at the level necessary for the system to function effectively. As a result, the system has to work harder to achieve the same output.
“Not only does this make energy consumption – and bills – higher but it also puts a greater strain on the system and its components – so you can expect extra repair bills and a shorter working life for your equipment,” Mr Klein adds. “And for indoor coils, poor cleanliness creates ideal breeding conditions for microbes that cause bad smells, allergic reactions and transmission of diseases.”
Penalties
If none of that is enough to convince you, Advanced reminds facilities managers that environmentally-orientated taxation schemes and tighter Building Log Book regulations will increasingly penalise those whose maintenance is lax.
And if you are tempted to try and save a little money by cleaning coils mechanically (by brushing or vacuuming), rather than using a purpose-made chemical cleaner, Advanced points out that this will damage their delicate fins and result in further expense. By contrast, use the right cleaner and you will simply and gently lift the dirt from the coil. At Advanced Engineering we offer a specialised range of coil cleaners and treatments for all needs,” says Vern Klein. “To make sure that customers use the right products in the right way, we back them up with comprehensive written information, a telephone helpline and on-site technical consultations all for free.”
Advanced Engineering
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