Tech Tips: Impact of Dirty Condenser Coils
Keep Your Commercial Fridges Running Efficiently
At MCFT, we understand the importance of an efficient kitchen, especially when it comes to the maintenance and longevity of kitchen equipment like commercial fridges. One often-overlooked aspect of maintenance is the cleanliness of condenser coils.Condenser coils are a key component in the refrigeration system, its role is to release heat and enable the phase change of gas to a liquid, and if not properly maintained can lead to increased energy costs, noise levels and reduced cooling capacity - ultimately, putting the equipment at risk of failure.
Commercial fridges should be properly maintained to keep kitchens running smoothly - regular cleaning is essential for cooling equipment to perform at its best and meet its rated efficiency. Here's why keeping your condenser coils clean should be a priority!
How Dirty Coils Hurt Your System
As the condensing temperature increases, two major issues arise:
- Reduced cooling capacity - Your cooling system has to work over time to achieve the desired cooling effect.
- Increased energy consumption - Compressors need to use more power, which can drive up energy bills. In some cases, dirty coils have doubled energy costs!
Compressors are responsible for about 95% of a chiller or refrigeration system’s energy consumption, a small increase in condensing temperature can lead to massive inefficiencies. In fact, for every 1°C reduction in condensing temperature, energy efficiency improves by 2-4%.
Beyond higher energy costs, neglecting coil cleaning can cause:
- Increased fan workload and noise levels
- Higher risk of equipment failure and downtime
- Potential high-pressure trips, leading to temperature fluctuations and even product losses
- Shortened lifespan of refrigeration units
How to Properly Clean Coils
Regular cleaning is key to keeping your system running efficiently. Here’s a simple checklist for proper coil maintenance:
- Check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions before starting.
- Assess site conditions and safety risks - this may involve working at height.
- Record discharge pressure before and after cleaning to measure improvement.
- Protect sensitive components by covering them with plastic sheets.
- Start with a soft brush and vacuum to remove loose debris.
- Clean in the counterflow direction (opposite to airflow) to ensure dirt is removed effectively.
- Avoid high-powered jets, which can damage delicate components.
- Be mindful of microchannel coils - these are aluminium and should not be cleaned with harsh chemicals.
- Use nitrogen in areas where water can't be used for cleaning.
Key Takeaways
Dirty coils might not seem like a big deal, but they can have a major impact on system performance, energy costs, and equipment lifespan. By incorporating regular coil cleaning into your maintenance routine, you can boost efficiency, prevent breakdowns, and extend the life of your cooling systems—all while saving money on energy bills. Proper maintenance today can prevent costly repairs and inefficiencies tomorrow, making routine coil cleaning a smart and cost-effective investment.
If you're interested in finding out more about condenser coils, and how your business can benefit from energy cost-savings on equipment? Reach out your local BDM for a free PPM quote and site survey.
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