With the winter heating season closing in on us, facilities engineers are getting buildings buttoned down and heating equipment ready for winter.   Although the cool weather marks the end of the environmental “comfort cooling” season, it doesn’t end for “process cooling”.

Since process manufacturing requires year around cooling, manufacturers commonly perform a final cleaning during the third or early fourth quarter because once the winter weather hits, cleaning cooling equipment becomes prohibitive – especially in the upper half of the US and in Canada.

As you enter the year end maintenance cycle, reflect back on the challenges of this season and ask yourself – what important HVAC maintenance activities took too much time and energy but were necessary for process and system optimization?  Then ask yourself what can be done during the last maintenance cycle to make life a little easier next spring and summer.

Undoubtedly, one of the most time consuming and unpleasant tasks is cleaning condenser coils and cooling towers;

Traditional Coil Cleaning Method Using Power Washers & Cleaning Chemicals

Traditional Coil Cleaning Method Using Power Washers & Cleaning Chemicals

It requires getting water, power washing equipment and cleaning chemicals to each mechanical unit plus, proper cleaning can  take as little as an hour to as much as a day or more depending upon the size of the cooling system.   In some states, the cleaning process is further complicated by state and local laws that require reclaiming and proper disposal of the cleaning solutions  (including biodegradable chemicals) so they don’t harm the environment.

Cooling Tower & Chiller Filter Screens

Cooling Tower & Chiller Filter Screens

If cleaning condenser coils and cooling towers fall near the top of your “Hate to Do” list, then Cottonwood Filter Screens could be just the solution you are looking for.

Cottonwood Filter Screens mounted over the intake opening  stops airborne debris at its point of entry so you don’t have to manage the debris after it gets into your system;   Furthermore, it streamlines maintenance to a few quick swipes of a broom, brush or shop vacuum, or simply rinse with a garden hose – even the rain will rinse them c lean – and best of all, the cottonwood filter screens will provide up to 15 yrs of service and they don’t require removal for cleaning.  When compared to traditional cleaning methods, it just doesn’t get any easier than this!

Unlike, screening materials that you can buy at hardware or canvas shop and that can damage your mechanical equipment; Cottonwood Filter Screens are specifically engineered for use on all makes and models of cooling equipment and will not void equipment warranties.

So, if you are looking for a way to reduce energy cost, earn LEED credits while significantly reducing maintenance time and effort, then cottonwood filter screens is a year end maintenance enhancement to consider, as they will reduce next spring and summers maintenance challenges.

Your Comments Please: What do you do to prepare for spring during the winter maintenance cycle? By Randy Simmons