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Topic: cleaning roof air coils - no rinse spray foam cleaners (Read 901 times) previous topic - next topic

cleaning roof air coils - no rinse spray foam cleaners

A while ago we removed roof air big plastic cover, and evap coil metal slanted cover and vacuumed and brushed coil.  It is time to clean them again.

Been reading about no-rinse evaporator coil spray foaming cleaners and wonder if others have used these cleaners.

I assume we would remove both covers again and spray the coil on the air intake side.

Does it make a mess inside the coach?  Does it clean gunk?  What tricks are needed to do a good job with RV roof air conditioners?

Also OK to use it on condenser coils?

Re: cleaning roof air coils - no rinse spray foam cleaners

Reply #1 –
Most box stores carry evaporator cleaner (different than condenser cleaner in that it is acceptable for humans to breath.

Yes, it can be used on both evaporator and condenser.

I always put a work towel in the air duct and Dianne holds a Rubbermade tub under the A/C when servicing it.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: cleaning roof air coils - no rinse spray foam cleaners

Reply #2 –
Say the AC is used every afternoon, how often does the evap. & cond. need to be washed?
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: cleaning roof air coils - no rinse spray foam cleaners

Reply #3 –
Mike,

Many factors impart this:

Humidity
Dirt/dust in the air
How clean you keep you air filters and how well sealed they are from air getting around them.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: cleaning roof air coils - no rinse spray foam cleaners

Reply #4 –
Thanks, Brett, hope all is well at home. As you know, humidity is not a problem down here, but blowing dust is. I've learned to inspect the filters in the AC more often, prolly weekly, after the last monthly inspection. I have heard SOBs have trouble starting up the air, most to no avail. Is that a sign that the evap/cond need Brett/Dianne service?
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: cleaning roof air coils - no rinse spray foam cleaners

Reply #5 –
Quote from: mike leary –
Is that a sign that the evap/cond need Brett/Dianne service?

Freezing up from restricted air flow.

That "wet dog" smell when first turning it on from mold growing on the evaporator fins.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: cleaning roof air coils - no rinse spray foam cleaners

Reply #6 –
I put cut up furnace paper filters over my air inlets to help guard against dirt getting into the coils. I also rarely clean the internal foam filter with the hope being a dirtier filter catches more debris as the holes fill in. No noticable degradation in performance. I should probably clean the coils but I am worried my shrouds will fall apart, therefore giving me a great reason to upgrade to atwoods.
95 U300SE