Instruction Manual
88 
normal flow rate, preferably in a back-flush 
mode.  After  cleaning,  the  heat  exchanger 
must be rinsed with clean water. A solution 
of  1-2%  sodium  hydroxide  (NaOH)  or 
sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO) before the last 
rinse ensures that all acid is neutralized. 
E-Coated Coil Cleaning 
Documented  routine  cleaning  of  e-coated 
coils  is  required  to  maintain  coating 
warranty  coverage  for  fin  and  tube  and 
microchannel coils. 
Surface  loaded  fibers  or  dirt  should  be 
removed  prior  to  water  rinse  to  prevent 
restriction of airflow. If unable to back wash 
the  side  of  the  coil  opposite  of  the  coils 
entering air side, then surface loaded fibers 
or  dirt should  be  removed  with a  vacuum 
cleaner. If a vacuum cleaner is not available, 
a  soft  non-metallic  bristle  brush  may  be 
used.  In  either  case,  the  tool  should  be 
applied  in  the  direction  of  the  fins.  Coil 
surfaces  can  be  easily  damaged  (fin  edges 
bent  over)  if  the  tool  is  applied  across  the 
fins. 
Use  of  a  water stream,  such  as a  garden 
hose, against a surface loaded coil will drive 
the  fibers  and dirt  into the  coil. This  will 
make cleaning efforts more difficult. Surface 
loaded  fibers  must  be  completely  removed 
prior to using low velocity clean water rinse. 
A  monthly  clean  water  rinse  is 
recommended  for coils  that  are  applied  in 
coastal or industrial environments to help to 
remove chlorides, dirt, and debris. It is very 
important  when  rinsing,  that  water 
temperature is less than 130°F and pressure 
is  than  900  psig  to  avoid  damaging  the  fin 
edges. An elevated water temperature (not to 
exceed  130°F)  will  reduce  surface  tension, 
increasing the ability  to  remove chlorides 
and dirt. 
Quarterly  cleaning  is  essential  to  extend 
the life of an e-coated coil and is required 
to  maintain  coating  warranty  coverage. 
Coil  cleaning  shall  be  part  of  the  unit’s 
regularly  scheduled  maintenance 
procedures. Failure to clean an
e-coated coil 
will  void  the  warranty  and  may  result in 
reduced efficiency and durability. 
For routine quarterly cleaning, first clean the 
coil  with  the  below  approved  coil 
cleaner. After  cleaning  the  coils  with  the 
approved  cleaning  agent,  use  the  approved 
Electric  shock  hazard.  Shut  off  all 
electrical  power  to  the  unit  to  avoid 
shock  hazard  or  injury  from  rotating 
parts. 
   WARNING 
Harsh  chemicals,  household  bleach, 
or acid  cleaners should not be used 
to  clean  outdoor  or  indoor  e-coated 
coils.  These  cleaners  can  be  very 
difficult to  rinse out  of  the coil and 
can  accelerate  corrosion  and  attack 
the e-coating. If there is dirt below the 
surface  of  the  coil,  use  the 
recommended coil cleaners. 
High  velocity  water  from  a  pressure 
washer  or  compressed  air  should 
only be used at a  very low pressure 
to prevent fin  and/or coil  damages. 
The force of the water or air jet may 
bend  the  fin  edges  and  increase 
airside  pressure  drop.  Reduced  unit 
performance  or  nuisance  unit 
shutdowns may occur. 
   CAUTION  
   CAUTION  










