Coil Cleaning - Trane YSC037E Installation & Operation Manual

Maintenance
• Clean burner area, verify gas heat system operates
properly.

Coil Cleaning

Regular coil maintenance, including annual cleaning,
enhances the unit's operating efficiency by minimizing:
compressor head pressure and amperage draw,
evaporator water carryover, fan brake horsepower due to
increase static pressure losses, airflow reduction.
At least once each year, or more often if the unit is located
in a "dirty" environment, clean the evaporator and
condenser coils using the instructions outlined below. Be
sure to follow these instructions as closely as possible to
avoid damaging the coils.
Note: For units equipped with hail guards follow removal
procedure listed below.
Hail Guard Removal
• Unlatch hail guard.
• Pull the top of the hail guard outward until the fastener
studs are free of the retaining nuts.
• Lift the hail guard from the lower retaining bracket and
set aside.
Microchannel (MCHE) Coils
NOTICE:
Coil Damage!
DO NOT use any detergents with microchannel
condenser coils. Use pressurized water or air ONLY,
with pressure no greater than 600psi. Failure to do so
could result in coil damage.
For additional information regarding the proper
microchannel coil cleaning procedure, refer to RT-
SVB83*-EN.
Due to the soft material and thin walls of the MCHE coils,
the traditional field maintenance method recommended
for RoundTube Plate Fin (RTPF) coils does not apply to
microchannel coils.
Moreover, chemical cleaners are a risk factor to MCHE due
to the material of the coil.The manufacturer does not
recommend the use of chemical cleaners to clean
microchannel coils. Using chemical cleaners could lead to
warranty claims being further evaluated for validity and
failure analysis.
The recommended cleaning method for microchannel
condenser coils is pressurized water or air with a non-
pinpoint nozzle and an ECU of at least 180 with pressure no
greater than 600 psi.To minimize the risk of coil damage,
approach the cleaning of the coil with the pressure washer
aimed perpendicular to the face of the coil during cleaning.
Note: For more details on Microchannel coil cleaning,
please refer to bulletin RT-SVB83*-EN.
58
Round Tube Plate Fin (RTPF) Coils
To clean refrigerant coils, use a soft brush and a sprayer
(either a garden pump-up type or a high-pressure sprayer).
A high-quality detergent is also required; suggested
brands include "SPREX A.C. " , "OAKITE 161" , "OAKITE 166"
and "COILOX" . If the detergent selected is strongly alkaline
(ph value exceeds 8.5), add an inhibitor.
WARNING
Hazardous Chemicals!
Coil cleaning agents can be either acidic or highly
alkaline and can burn severely if contact with skin
occurs. Handle chemical carefully and avoid contact
with skin. ALWAYS wear Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) including goggles or face shield, chemical
resistant gloves, boots, apron or suit as required. For
personal safety refer to the cleaning agent
manufacturer's Materials Safety Data Sheet and follow
all recommended safe handling practices. Failure to
follow all safety instructions could result in death or
serious injury.
1. Remove enough panels from the unit to gain access to
the coil.
2. Protect all electrical devices such as motors and
controllers from any over spray.
3. Straighten any bent coil fins with a fin comb.
WARNING
Hazardous Pressures!
Coils contain refrigerant under pressure. When cleaning
coils, maintain coil cleaning solution temperature
under 150°F to avoid excessive pressure in the coil.
Failure to follow these safety precautions could result
in coil bursting, which could result in death or serious
injury.
4. Mix the detergent with water according to the
manufacturer's instructions. If desired, heat the
solution BUT DO NOT EXCEED 150ºF maximum to
improve its cleansing capability.
5. Pour the cleaning solution into the sprayer. If a high-
pressure sprayer is used:
a. do not allow sprayer pressure to exceed 600 psi.
b. the minimum nozzle spray angle is 15 degrees.
c. maintain a minimum clearance of 6" between the
sprayer nozzle and the coil.
d. spray the solution perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to
the coil face.
6. Spray the leaving-airflow side of the coil first; then
spray the opposite side of the coil. Allow the cleaning
solution to stand on the coil for five minutes.
7. Rinse both sides of the coil with cool, clean water.
RT-SVX21P-EN