A proper industrial air filtration system is an essential part of the modern workplace and offices of all kinds. Once you have selected the proper system for your business needs, chosen the correct pre-filters and final filters and had everything installed properly, everything is good to go, right? Well, that may only be the case for so long before you will need to service and clean your air filtration system.
Sick-building syndrome is a condition that is becoming more prevalent in today’s work environments and is gaining a lot of attention in the media. Sick-building syndrome is produced by low indoor air quality (IAQ) caused by improperly built or serviced air filtration systems.
Symptoms of sick-building syndrome can include dizziness, irritated eyes, skin rashes, coughing, asthma attacks, headaches and upper respiratory distress. This can cause an increase in employees taking time off of work, it can reduce productivity in the work environment and not only hurts the bottom line, but also opens your business up to possible legal ramifications.
The Condenser Coil Culprit
When it comes to tracking down the culprit behind most cases of sick-building syndrome, look no further than the pesky condenser coil. In most industrial air filtration systems, there are two types of coils that do the heavy lifting of conditioning the air: the evaporator coil and the condenser coil. The condenser coil does the important job of cooling the warm air drawn in by the fan before it is then dispersed through the filtration system back into the environment.
According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), the “HVAC system accounts for 40 to 60 percent of the energy used in US commercial and residential buildings.” As the warm air is pulled into the system and moves over the coil, contaminants such as dust, mold spores, moisture and pollen build up on the surface creating a prime breeding ground for mold, biofilm, and other cultures to grow. These materials will build up overtime and cause an insulating effect that drastically reduces airflow and the ability to cool the air.
A moldy and dirty condenser coil will become the root of your air filtration problems if not addressed properly. A dirty condenser coil will cause temperatures to fluctuate, it will reduce airflow through the system, increased head pressure which reduces cooling capacity, and will make the system work harder which increases your energy usage, subsequently growing your energy bill as well. A dirty condenser coil can even shorten the lifespan of your entire system if not maintained and properly.
Cleaning Your Coil
Cleaning your condenser coil sounds like it should be easy, but unfortunately, it’s not as simple as just washing away the dirt and grime with water. The mold and biofilm materials penetrate deep into the system and require special chemicals and cleaning processes to be fully removed.
A preventative maintenance approach is best when it comes to maintaining your condenser coil and overall system. Preventive maintenance will improve indoor air quality and reduce energy use by removing contaminant sources, and ensuring proper calibration and efficient operation of mechanical components (e.g. fans, motors, thermostats and controls).
Data from many buildings throughout the United States show that a properly commissioned building with controls and equipment functioning properly can save 5%-15% in total building energy cost.
Based on research conducted by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), you can save from 10 to 25 percent of the average operation cost for up to 15 years of service life on your air filtration system, or from 25 to 55 percent after 15 years of operation by having air conditioner coil cleaning performed by AFC using their proprietary Probiotic Biofilm Coil Cleaning service.
AFC Proprietary Probiotic Biofilm Coil Cleaning Service and its Benefits
AFC has created a proprietary service meant to target and eradicate the problems built up in your condenser coils. While other services tout the use of high-pressure cleaning, studies show that this can damage the radiation fins in your system and cost you lots more money in replacement fees.
On the other hand, AFC’s commercial coil cleaning service uses a probiotic solution to combat the pathogen bacteria that builds up on the coils. The term “probiotic” is most often associated with the yogurt we eat in order to promote healthy gut flora in our stomachs, so what are probiotics doing in an air filtration cleaning system? As it so happens, the most effective way to clean a condenser coil is not to completely eliminate all foreign contaminants, but to counteract them by promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the environment.
The use of probiotics produces what is known as “biosurfactants,” which are the oldest and most natural cleaning agents in the world. They are particularly effective at destroying biofilm build up, which if left unaddressed can cause poor indoor air quality, offensive odors and are downright dangerous to human health. The best part is that biosurfactants are completely safe and promote healthy grouping of microorganisms inside your building. Think of them as “architectural yogurt!”
Typical coil cleaning services use a pressure wash and move content from front of the coil out the rear producing unhealthy debris in collection pans. But AFC introduces a probiotic solution from both front and rear entrances of the coil that works inside to clean the pipe leaving no little to no discharge at the ends. Dirt does not enter the driplines or go into the pans where they often create more problems. Even with coils up to 24” in width, the probiotic will open up the line and eliminate mold, mildew and fungus.
AFC’s Probiotic Biofilm Coil Cleaning Service services these condensation drip lines in your system which are often humid causing challenges for filters. If left uncleaned the drip lines will cause air backflow issues which can amount to greater problems down the line. The service is particularly efficient and it can be performed while your air handler is running without any disruption of service.
On top of that, it is completely safe for people who are downwind of the system during maintenance – no need to close down the office building for this service. The AFC coil cleaning permeates the deepest recesses of your coil and leaves no dirt behind. The AFC coil cleaning service team members are highly trained and assure a trouble-free cleaning experience.
Once the service has been completed, your system’s condenser coil will be restored to a “like new” state and will provide much more energy efficient airflow through your system. Using the AFC coil cleaning service will also make future cleanings even easier than the first!
Could the AFC Probiotic Biofilm Coil Cleaning Service solve your indoor air quality problems? Call AFC today to find out more!
Advanced Filtration Concepts is a
Certified Veteran-Owned Small Business.
