Cleaning Air Conditioning Coils Saves Energy, Reduces Costs and Increases Occupant Comfort
Coils are designed by engineers to correspond to the air conditioning needs of the building. The space being cooled relies greatly on the optimum performance of both the condenser coil and the evaporator coil.
When pollutants such as dust, dirt, pollen, bacteria, and mold coat the surface of the coils, the ability to transfer heat is greatly diminished. The insulating effect of the build-up causes higher discharge pressure which increases amp draw. Compressors are forced to run longer and work harder resulting in increased energy usage and utility costs and decreased component life and occupancy comfort.
Energy Cost of Dirty Coils
These increased costs are usually much greater than most businesses suspect. Air conditioning equipment running with dirty coils may use up to 37% more energy than machinery with clean coils.
Another thing to consider is that the increased heat load from the additional compressor run time could be decreasing cooling capabilities by up to 30%. Paying elevated energy rates for reduced cooling capabilities is an expensive penalty for not cleaning dirty coils.
Repair Costs of Dirty Coils
The added expense of increased energy consumption is not the only concern when considering the maintenance of air conditioning coils.
Dirty evaporator coils cause decreased air flow leading to limitations in heat transfer and eventually ice formation. As ice continues to form, air flow is further reduced until the equipment fails.
The increase in operating pressure caused by dirty condenser coils causes compressor lubricant break down and acid formation. This condition seriously compromises the compressor and ultimately leads to equipment failure.
Dirty Evaporator Coils:
Reduced cooling capacity by up to 40%,Reduced compressor power by up to 7%Reduced evaporator fan power by up to 40% and supply air CFM rates by up to 75%Dropped energy efficiency up to 35% Increased supply air temperatures up to 2 degrees F.
Dirty Condenser Coils:
Degraded cooling capacity by up to 40%Increased discharge pressure up to 60%, cutting refrigeration effect by 30%Reduced compressor power up to 70%Reduced energy efficiency by about 60%Increased supply air temperature by close to 5 degrees F