Commercial Services
Clean Coils Make Dollars and Sense.
In today’s environment
of tight energy supplies and rising costs, it only makes sense to help
maximize the efficiency of the HVAC system.
Coils are sized to match the Btu cooling requirement
of the building. Both condenser and evaporator coils are engineered
to provide optimum heat transfer as required by the area being cooled.
Optimum heat transfer and system efficiency is predicated on clean
coil surfaces.
The air moving across these coils will, in most cases, contain a mixture
of dust, dirt, pollen, grease, and moisture. Airborne contaminants
settle on the coil surfaces, impacting the coil’s ability to
transfer heat. Pollen, bacteria, and mold spores on the evaporator
coil will not only reduce heat transfer, but will also affect the
quality of the air within the home or building.
The cost of operating dirty air conditioning and refrigeration
equipment is greater than you might suspect.
Power Costs
Dirty condenser coils increase power costs. When the
coil becomes fouled with dirt and grime, it cannot provide adequate or
designed heat transfer.
The debris insulating effect causes higher discharge
pressure. The higher discharge pressure increases amp draw and run
time of the compressor, at the same time reducing capacity. Equipment
operating with dirty coils may use as much as 37% more energy than equipment
with clean coils.
Let’s take a look at a 10-ton air conditioning
system with a typical kilowatt cost operating for an average cooling
season of 1,500 hrs. It costs approximately $1,650 operate this system
with clean coils. However, when the condenser coil becomes dirty, the
six month cost of operation escalates 37% to $2,260. With rising energy
costs, like those experienced in California, the cost of a dirty coil
can be even greater.
From this example, just by keeping coils clean, $610 savings can be realized
in one cooling season. That’s a savings of $61 per ton. Atypical,
4-ton residential system would realize $248 savings in one cooling
season. Areas with longer cooling seasons or higher than-average
power costs can realize even greater savings.
The cost of dirty coils goes even further. As dirt and grime collect on
the condenser, they restrict heat transfer, causing the compressor
to work harder; more heat is added to the system, thus causing the
head pressure to rise. Rising head pressure will result in a loss of
cooling capacity of up to 30%.
If our 10-ton system with a 30% loss now only provides 7 tons of cooling,
the system not only will cost more to operate, it will provide less
cooling. This loss of capacity will typically be most noticeable on
the hottest days, when cooling is needed most
Life Expectancy :
Higher operating pressures and temperatures caused
by a dirty coil may reduce the equipment’s life expectancy.
The elevated system temperature and pressure may lead to the breakdown
of the compressor’s lubricant. In addition, acid formation can
occur, leading to an acid burnout. Lubricant breakdown and acid formation
seriously compromise the compressor and ultimately lead to equipment
failure.
Compressor failure means no cooling, which means no
comfort for the home or building occupants. And, compressor replacement
means a considerable cost to the home or building owner.
The evaporator coil concerns go beyond the efficiency
issues discussed thus far. A dirty evaporator coil creates an excellent
breeding ground
for bacteria and mold that can impact a building’s indoor air quality.
Cleaning, sanitizing, and protecting the evaporator coil, condensate
pan, and surrounding areas is critical. Use the proper cleaners
and treat with the proper EPA-registered products.
Maintenance Program :
Ductworks Inc. Can identify and correct problems with
duct leakage, coil cleaning, filtration and other problems associated
with your HVAC equipment. The Ductworks Inc. Preventive Hygienic Maintenance
Program will improve:
- Significant energy savings.
- Peak equipment efficiencies.
- Enhanced reliability.
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- Longer service life.
- Reduced breakdowns.
- Improved IAQ.
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A less tangible but equally important benefit is energy
conservation. If a large number of systems were properly maintained,
significant energy savings would be realized. These energy savings would
be most significant in times of high energy demand, the hottest days
of the year, when comfort cooling is most critical. Many home and building
owners welcome opportunities to practice conservation specifically in
cases when they will realize savings without sacrificing comfort. Most
of these equipment owners are unaware of the significant energy savings
and comfort benefits of a regular coil cleaning and maintenance program.
An efficient clean A/C or refrigeration system can yield
approximately $1.00 a year savings per square toot of area served. Companies
who prepare and institute energy conservation now, will be prepared for
energy cost spikes in the future.
Dirty A/C coils cost companies’ more than just additional energy
costs, they also reduce the life expectancy of the associated mechanical
equipment and components.
As energy costs continue to rise, companies will start holding department
managers responsible for meeting energy budgets and rewarding ones
who beat the energy budgets.
Take the guess work out of the equation for your company and call Ductworks,
Inc. to have them inspect and document the condition of your HVAC
system and begin to conserve energy.
Contact the EPA, your utility company and energy managers to show you
other methods of energy conservation.