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Clean Condenser is Money in Your Pocket!
Why is a clean condenser is so important?
By Brian Bresee
Hi Tech Commercial Service
For those of you who don't know the condenser is a component of every
refrigeration system, used to release heat from the refrigerant (freon).
It is found outside of the refrigerated box, and usually looks like
a radiator on a car with a fan blowing air through it. The air coming
out of it is warm because it is drawing heat from the refrigerant.
Air is constantly being pulled through the condenser whenever the
unit is on. Because of opening doors and everyday cooking, lint, dust,
flour, grease, ect. can find it's way into the air. With time the
condenser will collect a buildup of these items which can cause the
airflow through it to be reduced or blocked off completely. This will
greatly effect the way heat is released from the refrigerant.
Refrigerant is a fluid like water. When enclosed and heat is added
to it pressure will build. The greater the heat the higher the pressure.
Without proper airflow through the condenser to remove heat, its temperature
will increase. With an increase in temperature comes higher refrigerant
pressure.
A refrigeration system loses cooling ability when pressures rise higher
than design. The box that used to take 10 minutes to pull down may
now take 20 minutes. Longer run times result in higher power bills
and reduced life of the unit. Higher pressures also make the units
compressor work harder. Its like driving your car up a steep hill,
which requires more power and is hard on the unit, resulting in a
higher power bill.
Sometimes the pressure can go so high that it damages the pumping
valves on the compressor. Sometimes the temperature of refrigerant
rises so high that the heat breaks down the lubricating ability of
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in the refrigeration system. This will eventually cause the compressor
to seize. Both require a costly compressor changeout to repair the
unit.
How do I
clean my units condenser?
You must first locate your units condenser before you can clean
it. On smaller units it"s usually located in the same frame
as the refrigerated space. Larger units usually have the condenser
on the roof or on the side of the building.
Next you want to remove any covers that protect the condenser air
intake. Unplug the unit and brush the buildup off going in the direction
of the fins. Sometimes the buildup goes deep into the condenser.
When this happens use a vacuum to help bring out the buildup. Then
go to the outlet side of condenser and blow out the rest.
In some kitchens the buildup is grease and will require a degreaser
or a special condenser coil cleaner. Remember to be careful around
electrical components and never plug wet electrical components back
in.
In extra dirty locations an air filter to protect the condenser
is a good idea. One mistake people often make when using air filters
is the use of to thick of material. The filter itself can restrict
airflow causing the problem your trying to avoid. Use a thinner
and coarser material.
Before putting the covers back on be sure to straighten any bent
fins, as this will also reduce air flow.
With a little experimenting you can know how often to clean your
condenser. Check your condenser one month after cleaning it. If
it is still clean check two months after and so on. Set your cleaning
timetable the same as the month you first noticed a buildup.
The rate of return on a little cleaning will be well worth the time
in energy and repair costs, not to mention the down time of the
unit.
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