Heat Exchanger Cleaning

Written by Karen Bates (last updated April 26, 2021)

In order for an appliance to work as well as it should, all of its parts need to be in good working order. This means that these parts are regularly checked, fixed, and cleaned. This helps to extend the life of the appliance and can even reduce its likelihood of breaking down.

Of course, when we think of cleaning an appliance we are often only concerned with certain parts of it. There are however, components of these appliances that you might not think about but nonetheless need attention. A heat exchanger, which is a device that can change the temperature of passing air (often using tubes), can be used in a multitude of appliances such as air conditioners, heaters, refrigerators, and more. The heat exchanger is a vital part, and to help keep your appliance running smoothly you should take care to clean it once in a while.

When preparing to clean the heat exchanger in an appliance, start by unplugging the appliance. After unplugging, you will need to find out just where the heat exchanger can be accessed. Then, you will need to carefully remove the heat exchanger from the system, using the appliance's manual if you need any help with this particular process. Exactly how the heat exchanger is situated varies by appliance. Once removed, take a look at the heat exchanger to check for loose debris, then pick it off and discard anything you find. Now it's time for some deep cleaning of the heat exchanger.

To clean the heat exchanger, use a nylon bristle brush to scrub the tubes. Loosen anything sticking to the interior, and scrub it away until it is clean. It is important to use a brush with bristles that are soft enough to not scratch the surface, as this can damage the heat exchanger and prevent it from working as it should.

Next, use water to spray through the tube and wash away any other particles or debris left over. If you come across deposits that water alone will not remove, you may need to consider using a chemical cleaner. In this case, consult the appliance's user manual, contact the company, or hire a professional to clean the heat exchanger. This ensures that you do not do any damage to the device.

Cleaning the heat exchanger in certain appliances can help improve its ability to function correctly. Of course, each appliance will run more efficiently if all of its parts are clean and working properly. Remember to clean the heat exchanger once in a while to keep things running smoothly.

Author Bio

Karen Bates

An English student who enjoys writing and art, Karen has had her poetry published in her university's literary journal and has several novels in the works. ...

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