Condenser coil cleaning

Fouling on condenser coils blocks airflow and causes a substantial rise in condensing temperature, which leads to higher energy consumption. In fact, a fouled condenser can use 10 to 30% more energy than a clean system with optimal airflow.

There are a few clear indicators. Operationally, watch for a rising condensing temperature or pressure, reduced cooling performance, and higher energy consumption, all of which point to restricted airflow through the coils. The simplest check, though, is visual: inspect the coils directly, and if you can see a significant layer of dust, pollen, or other deposits across the fins, a cleaning is due. Combining regular visual checks with monitoring of system performance is the most reliable way to catch fouling early.

The right cleaning frequency depends heavily on where the system is installed. Units located near forests or open fields tend to accumulate dust and pollen quickly, which calls for more frequent cleaning. The coil type matters too: standard coils have more space between the fins than microchannel coils, so microchannels clog more easily and generally need cleaning more often. Taking these factors into account, we typically recommend cleaning once a year or once every two years — ideally before the peak cooling season, so the system is clean and ready when it is needed most.

Yes. Goodway® equipment is purpose-built for cleaning condenser coils. Thanks to its unique combination of low pressure and high water flow, the coils are cleaned thoroughly without risking damage to the delicate fins.

Yes. Goodway® coil cleaning equipment is specifically designed to clean both condenser and microchannel coils, including coils up to 200 mm thick. The combination of low operating pressure (approximately 30 bar) and high water flow removes dirt and biofouling effectively without damaging delicate fins or microchannels, even when the spray angle is not optimal.

The key difference is the risk to the coils. Air-cooled condensers and chillers have delicate fins and microchannels, and high-pressure cleaning (typically 80 bar or more) can quickly flatten these fins — reducing airflow and heat transfer, and permanently lowering system efficiency. Goodway® coil cleaning equipment takes the opposite approach, combining low pressure with high water flow. The CC-400HF, for example, operates at just 30 bar with a flow of 12 liters per minute, so it removes fouling thoroughly while minimizing the risk of damage, even if the coils are sprayed at a less-than-ideal angle. This also makes cleanings safe to carry out with your own operators, even those with limited experience.

Limescale deposits are often found on adiabatic systems, or where water is sprayed onto the coils — typically in summer to boost cooling performance. When that water is untreated, scale forms quickly on the coils. To remove it effectively, Goodway Benelux offers the TFC-JR in combination with the CC-400HF and ScaleBreak-Gel descaler.

You will need a low-pressure coil cleaning system, such as the CC-400HF, a cleaning solution such as CoilShine, and accessories that make the job easier — for example, the WonderWand for cleaning V-shaped condensers from the inside out.

Yes. CoilShine coil cleaning solution is biodegradable and improves cleaning performance by degreasing the coils.

Goodway® coil cleaning equipment uniquely combines a low-pressure spray with high water flow. This ensures thorough cleaning of the coils without the risk of damaging them, and allows customers to carry out cleanings with their own operators or technicians, even with limited experience. Goodway® also offers unique accessories that make cleanings easier to perform and more effective.