Cleaning an AC w/ Viper 3D

Before you start cleaning an AC w/ the Viper cleaning products, shut the power off and confirm that it is off with a voltmeter. You’ll also want to lay down drop cloths to protect the work area and avoid causing damage to the customer’s property. Then, inspect the entire system’s overall condition and cleanliness; look for oil spotting as well, which may indicate a leak. Cleanliness is a crucial part of optimal system operation, as soil buildup can cause poor airflow and a myriad of other problems.

The Refrigeration Technologies Viper product line includes evaporator coil cleaner (a self-rinse solution for cleaning evaporator coils in place), condenser coil cleaner (for cleaning condenser coils and blower wheels that have been pulled), and a brightener for exceptionally heavy soil buildup on outdoor coils. Each main cleaning solution also comes in a highly concentrated venom pack.

All liquid cleaners (except the EVAP+ gallon jug) have a dilution ratio that you must use to mix the cleaner with water before applying it to the HVAC equipment. The EVAP+ gallon jug can be applied directly into the pump sprayer. Most Refrigeration Technologies Viper products can be applied to the HVAC equipment in a traditional pump sprayer or with a foam gun that connects to a hose.

When using a pump sprayer, you will need to dilute the cleaner with water. To dilute the cleaner, add both numbers of the dilution ratio and divide that sum into the volume (in ounces, up to the fill line). The quotient represents the amount of cleaner you will add to the pump sprayer, and you will fill the pump sprayer up to the fill line with water to get your proper mixture. If using the foam gun, you will turn the dial on the center to determine how heavy or light you want your cleaning will be.

When cleaning the evaporator coil in place, try to expose as much of the coil as possible to get the most access. Remove solid debris from the surface of the coil using a soft-bristle brush before applying the chemical cleaner. It’s also a good idea to clean out the drain line and leave a wet/dry vacuum connected while you clean the evaporator coil. Add EVAP+ to the pump sprayer directly or apply and dilute the evaporator Venom Pack. Spray the coil with the cleaner and let it sit for several minutes. In many cases, you don’t need to rinse the Viper evaporator coil cleaners.

On dirtier evaporator coils, you may consider using the Viper aerosol can. You would apply the aerosol foam from bottom to top in a zigzag pattern and let it dwell on the coil for several minutes. Then, you may rinse it off with water. Clean excess foam and soil with a wet/dry vacuum, rags, or a soft brush.

After cleaning the evaporator coil, you may apply Viper Pan & Drain Treatment to the drain pan and bottom row of the evaporator coil to keep sludge from building up in the drain.

You’ll typically use the foam gun outdoors with the condenser/Heavy Duty or Brite cleaners. Add the Viper cleaner to the foam gun, set your dilution ratio on the dial, and apply foam liberally to the condenser or blower wheel. Allow the foam to dwell for 5-10 minutes and then rinse it off thoroughly.

When cleaning heavily soiled condensers, remove the guard completely and start removing some of the surface soil with a soft brush. Before applying chemical cleaner, rinse the coil with water from inside to outside. When applying foam to the condenser, work from the inside out and build foam from the bottom up. Allow the foam to dwell for 5-10 minutes and then rinse it off.

When you have finished, reassemble the equipment and test it safely. Be sure to let components dry before you test anything.