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8.6 General Condenser Maintenance
Periodic attention is necessary for continued satisfactory operation of your unit. Restricted air flow through the condenser
coil, reduced air flow from non-functionin fans and low refrigerant system charge levels will reduce the operating efficiency
of the unit and can result in high condensing temperatures and loss of cooling. In winter, do not permit snow to accumulate
around the sides or underneath the condenser coil.
Monthly and semi-annual inspections and maintenance are recommended for proper system operation. Use copies of
Preventive Maintenance Checklist
8.7 Condenser Cleaning
Keeping the coils in the outdoor unit clean is an important factor in maintaining peak efficiency, reliability, and long life of
the equipment. The unit will operate more efficiently with frequent cleanings. If you delay cleaning until heavy build-up
occurs, head-pressure problems with the evaporator units can develop.
8.7.1 When to Clean the Condenser Coil
Normal conditions typically dictate cleaning twice a year, in spring and fall. On-site or area conditions such as cottonwood
trees, construction, etc., can increase cleaning frequency. On your standard monthly preventive maintenance schedule, we
recommend a visual inspection of the coil to monitor conditions.
8.7.2 What to Use to Clean the Condenser Coil
NOTICE
Risk of improper cleaning agent selection, including non-base paint solvents. Can cause building and
equipment damage and loss of refrigerant charge.
Using acid-based or sodium hydroxide-based cleaners can damage the drycooler coil and cause a loss of
charge. This could cause equipment damage as well as damage to the surrounding structure.
Start with removing dirt, leaves, fibers, etc. with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner fitted with a soft-brush attachment. Do not
use a wire brush or scrape the coil with a metal vacuum hose. The best overall coil cleaner is plain water. If the coil is
maintained and cleaned at regular intervals, water is sufficient to remove dirt and debris from the fins. Water pressure from
a garden hose and sprayer usually works well. If a pressure washer is used, make sure that the equipment is set to a lower
pressure setting and that the nozzle is set to the fan spray, not stream. Otherwise, damage to the fins could result. If a
cleaner is required, we recommend using a neutral cleaner, neither acidic nor base. Acid-type cleaners can damage the coil
fins and surrounding areas. Many sites do not allow the use of acidic cleaners for environmental reasons.
8.7.3 Cleaning the Condenser Coil
The condenser coil is accessible through the cleaning window, which allows you to clean the coil without removing the fans
from the unit.
To clean the coil:
1.
Disconnect the power supply before working on the unit.
2. Open the cleaning window(s) on the side of the condenser by loosening the mounting screws.
46
on page 59 for each of these inspections.
Vertiv | DSE Packaged Solution Installer/User Guide
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