When you get seasonal preventative maintenance done, the goal is to keep your system running smoothly and make sure you don’t get surprised by repairs. By performing essential maintenance now, you can prevent costly equipment problems and achieve significant energy savings in the long run. In this article, we’re covering one seemingly simple aspect of seasonal maintenance that’s critical for your system.

Why Coil Cleaning?

Preventive maintenance starts with cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils in your commercial HVAC system. Whether you have rooftop package units, refrigeration coils, or air handlers, removing dirt, dust, pollen, and grime is crucial.

Be Proactive for Long-Term Savings

Routine coil cleaning is a smart investment. It not only prevents major equipment issues but also helps you maintain a controlled budget and consistent air quality in your facility. If you need more convincing, here are six great reasons to to prioritize your coils:

1. Extend the Life of Your HVAC System

Keeping equipment costs down hinges on product longevity. Regular preventive maintenance, including coil cleaning, helps achieve this. Neglecting coils leads to dust and debris build-up, making your unit work harder and longer. This overexertion can result in overheated motors and premature breakdowns. Investing in regular coil cleaning can save money by avoiding unplanned repairs or new unit purchases.

2. Reduce Energy Costs with Better Efficiency

Dirty coils hinder your HVAC system’s efficiency. Accumulated grime reduces airflow, limits heat transfer, and hampers the dehumidification process, leading to higher energy costs. For instance, a 5-ton unit might only perform at a 3-ton level if coils are dirty. This inefficiency increases energy consumption and utility bills. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that “a dirty condenser coil can increase compressor energy consumption by 30%.” Clean coils ensure optimal efficiency and lower energy costs.

3. Improve Facility Conditions

Uncleaned HVAC systems can significantly impact your facility’s environment. If your system struggles to cool a room to the desired temperature, it’s likely not operating at peak performance. Additionally, dirty coils can harbor mold, bacteria, and other contaminants, affecting indoor air quality. Regular cleaning ensures a comfortable, healthy environment for everyone relying on the HVAC system.

4. Lessen System Downtime

Coil cleaning is essential to prevent costly repairs or replacements. System downtime disrupts productivity and can affect customer satisfaction. Ensuring clean coils minimizes the risk of breakdowns, keeping your business running smoothly.

5. Tackle Spring Debris

Spring is the best time for coil cleaning, especially with the influx of airborne pollen and plant debris like cottonwood. These contaminants can clog condensing coils, affecting heat transfer and cooling efficiency. Clean coils ensure your HVAC units perform optimally as temperatures rise.

6. Reduce Future Maintenance Needs

Ideally, commercial HVAC systems should be cleaned at least once a year, with many experts recommending spring and fall cleanings. High-quality cleaning reduces the need for frequent maintenance, making it easier on your budget.

Trimark Mechanical: Keeping You Comfortable and Happy

Every business relies on HVAC systems year-round, and routine maintenance like coil cleaning offers tremendous value. Choosing the right cleaning method is crucial:

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

Your choice depends on your system’s specifics. Partnering with a trusted maintenance provider, like Trimark Mechanical, ensures effective and tailored coil cleaning services. For more information, or to schedule a no cost site visit, contact us today.

Though the weather outside may be unpredictable with frigid winters and sweltering summers, you can almost always count on a consistently pleasant temperature when you step inside. There may be minor fluctuations in a commercial building’s temperature, but chances are they don’t even compare to the changes happening outside.

This reliability is likely due to a building’s HVAC system, working tirelessly to maintain clean and temperate air. A major component of this HVAC system is the Air Handler Unit, which we will examine in more detail to understand exactly why it’s key to an effective commercial ventilation system. 

What is an Air Handler Unit?

An Air Handler Unit, or AHU, is an essential component of a commercial heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. It is used to regulate and circulate air that enters from outside a building, in order to heat, cool, and filter as needed. Each time a door is opened or people enter a room, new air is introduced to the indoors that must be managed and maintained. This is done by an air handler. Air handlers can take many forms and vary in size, complexity, and capabilities depending on the area it serves.

How does it work?

An AHU is made up of 3 main components that are all interconnected: 

• Air filter
• Blower
• Coils

These three simple pieces comprise the entire air handler unit, and work in unison to monitor air quality. An air handler is often compared to the lungs of a human being, working to take air in, alter its composition, and release it back into space. Here’s how it works: The air filter works to sort particles out of the air. The blower then takes this clarified air and passes it along the coils. Finally, the coils either heat or cool the air depending on the buildings’ needs. 

What are the benefits? 

Since Air Handler Units have large size and capability variations, they can be used either for a single space or an entire building. When utilized for a commercial-sized building, they are often placed either in the basement or on the roof. From here, the air handler unit can be assigned to certain areas of a building to provide heating or cooling as needed. For example, one AHU can be directed towards Floors 1-5, while another could be directed towards the right side of the building specifically. This process allows for one centralized unit to provide necessary air circulation services for a specified space. 

If your commercial building is in need of a new Air Handler Unit, we’re here to help. Many churches, schools, daycares and community-based organizations qualify for a no-cost site inspection. Get in touch today! 703.891.4600.