The Best Way to Keep Micro-Channel Coils Clean

The coil cleaning procedure for microchannel coils is significantly different than tube and fin type coils. As such, care must be taken to understand the differences to avoid damage to the microchannel coil. These differences require a number of DO NOT’s that must be observed:

• DO NOT use coil cleaners or any chemical on a microchannel coil. This can cause severe damage to the coils.

• DO NOT use a pressure washer to clean the coils. While it is possible to clean a coil with a pressure washer, it’s also possible to destroy it.

• DO NOT contact the coil with a hard surface such as a hose nozzle or metal vacuum nozzle or any other tool.

Microchannel coils tend to accumulate more dirt on the surface, but less dirt inside the coils, which makes them easier to clean. Follow the three steps below for cleaning the coils:

1.      Remove surface debris such as dirt, leaves, insects, fibers, etc. with a vacuum cleaner having a soft attachment rather than a metal tube. Compressed air blown from the inside out can also be used. When brushing debris off the face of the coil a soft bristle (not wire) brush can be used. Do not scrape the coil with the vacuum nozzle, air nozzle, or any other tool.

2.      Rinse the coil with tap water. Do not use coil cleaners. Rinse the coil from the inside out, running water through every passage in the heat exchanger surface until it is clean. Microchannel coils are stronger than conventional tube and fin coils, but handle them with care, since you can cause a leak due to impact. Use a gentle spray from a spray nozzle with a plastic end or put your finger on the end of the spray nozzle to reduce impact and provide a gentle spray.

3.      Because of the fin geometry, microchannel coils retain water more than tube and fin style. It is generally recommended to blow or vacuum out the rinse water from the coils to speed drying and prevent water pooling.

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