6 Reasons Cleaning Coils in Your Commercial HVAC is Key This Spring

Spring is a time of renewal — and with that often comes spring cleaning. But we're not talking about cleaning out the attic, giving away those nicely used clothes, or vacuuming under the couch. For businesses, spring is the perfect time to kick start your HVAC preventive maintenance programs to begin the year on the right foot. Performing necessary cleaning prevents costly equipment problems from sneaking up on you and also produces substantial energy savings in the long term.

When it comes to preventive maintenance, cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils in your commercial HVAC system should be at the top of your list. That includes all types of HVAC — from rooftop package units to refrigeration coils to air handlers — and all types of dirt, dust, pollen, and grime that builds up in your system over time.

Be proactive for long-term savings.

It's pretty straightforward: being proactive with routine coil cleaning of your commercial HVAC system pays for itself. Not only in terms of avoiding drastic equipment issues down the road, but also in regards to a more controlled budget and consistent air quality in your facility.

Need a little more convincing? Here are 6 solid reasons why a preventive maintenance coil cleaning program is right for you.

1. Extend the life of your commercial HVAC system.

Product longevity is a major factor in keeping equipment costs down. The less often you have to repair or purchase a new unit, the better it is for your facilities budget. And one of the best ways to achieve product longevity is through scheduled preventive maintenance. Neglecting the coils in your HVAC system leads to an accumulation of dust and debris, and over time all that 'build up' can cause your unit to have to work harder and run longer. This results in issues like overheated motors, raising the chances that the unit breaks down or dies sooner than it should.

Investing in planned commercial HVAC coil cleaning can actually save money on your overall HVAC investment because you won't have to pay for unplanned repairs or the purchase of brand new units.

2. Reduce your energy costs with better unit efficiency.

When you're in charge of facilities, you have to consider more than just the cost of equipment: you have to contend with ongoing energy usage and the associated costs as well. Commercial HVAC units with dirty coils won't be running at peak efficiency. In fact, just the opposite. The accumulation of grime on coils reduces the amount of airflow, limiting heat transfer and degrading the dehumidification process.

This reduced efficiency adds up quickly in higher energy costs, such as 5-ton units barely operating at a 3-ton level. As a result, you're drawing more amps to push the same amount of air through your system, and a higher amp draw means higher utility bills. The U.S. Department of Energy warns that “a dirty condenser coil can increase compressor energy consumption by 30%.”

A dirty coil can devastate your energy budget, with long-term costs far outweighing the cost of a thorough cleaning – not to mention the environmental impact of excessive energy usage.

3. Improve facility conditions with a system that works as it should.

Commercial HVAC systems that haven't been cleaned will start to have a pretty noticeable impact in your facility. If you're setting the temperature to 70 degrees, but the system can't seem to cool the room past 74, it's a clear indicator that your HVAC isn't operating at peak performance. And beyond the fact that dirty coils can cause uncomfortable temperatures in your facility, they are also a hotbed for mold, bacteria and other contaminants that can adversely impact indoor air quality. Cleaning coils can resolve those issues quickly, ensuring that everyone who relies on that HVAC system is comfortable, satisfied and safe.

4. Lessen your chances of system downtime.

Coil cleaning is essential preventive maintenance for commercial HVAC systems, and without it, your units are far more likely to require costly repairs or replacement altogether. System downtime is never convenient, and in fact, can be devastating for a business. Not only is the productivity of employees impacted when the HVAC is down, but a customer's decision to return to your place of business is far more likely if the air is clean and the temperatures comfortable.

It's not just smart — it's necessary.

5. Spring cleaning involves cleaning up spring debris like cottonwood.

The best time to get coil cleaning underway is at the start of the year — spring to be more specific. Airborne pollen and plant debris, like cottonwood and dandelion seeds, are notorious for making their appearance in the spring season. These clinging outdoor contaminates are everywhere, and they can be a nightmare for your commercial rooftop HVAC system. The buds clog up the condensing coil, which dramatically affects heat transfer and prevents your units from cooling effectively. If you don't thoroughly clean your HVAC coils, your units simply won't be able to run at peak efficiency once the warmer temperatures set in.

6. Clean your system thoroughly to reduce maintenance needs later.

The fact is, commercial HVAC systems need to be cleaned at minimum once per year. However, not all coil cleaning methods are created equally. Most commercial HVAC cleaning services recommend cleaning coils two or more times a year to ensure peak efficiency, in spring and fall. But with a high-quality cleaner and a thorough process, you can clean once a year without worry, making maintenance less of a budget issue.

Find the right commercial HVAC cleaning for your needs.

Every business, from restaurants to retail to office buildings, relies on HVAC year-round. Maintenance, as simple as cleaning coils, has tremendous bang for the buck, with some of the highest return on investment of any preventive maintenance service.

That's especially true when you find the right type of service to clean your coils thoroughly and efficiently. Cleaning coils can be done in a couple of different ways:

• Low pressure cleaning using safe, environmentally friendly chemicals
• Full pressure wash with hot water up to 200 degrees

The type of cleaning that meets your needs will depend on your units and the scope of your system. That's why the best partner for commercial HVAC cleaning is one with trained technicians who can adapt to the needs of your facilities. Trusted preventive maintenance providers like BFC Solutions provide safe and effective coil cleaning services for evaporators, condensers, refrigeration racks, walk-in coolers, and self-contained units.

Looking for more information? Check out this short coil cleaning video to see our coil cleaning service in action, or get in touch with us to learn how we can partner with you to tackle your coil cleaning needs.

Schedule Your Coil Cleaning Consultation