COOLING TOWER CLEANING

Correctly cleaning your cooling tower systems regularly can not only result in less costly repairs later down the road but also ensure that you’re breathing in fresher air, protecting against contaminants such as Legionella. Because your cooling tower is outside, it naturally comes in contact with the elements, and with bacteria and other harmful pollutants that can be dangerous and can also reduce its life expectancy.

What Is Cooling Tower Cleaning and How to Effectively Do It?

Cooling tower cleaning procedure is something that should be performed by a licensed professional. This is because of the bacteria, such as Legionella, that you may come in contact with. Anyone cleaning a cooling tower, or cleaning tower components, should wear full personal protective equipment (PPE). A breathing apparatus, such as an N95 respirator, is recommended to avoid breathing in harmful microorganisms. Make sure all fans are turned off, and all other maintenance issues are addressed. Make sure there’s no sludge in the basin before cleaning the machine. Cooling tower cleaning should be performed at least twice per year.

What Is Descaling and How to Do It Effectively on Cooling Towers?

Cooling tower descaler and descaling is important because, when there is too much scale built up on cooling towers, it causes the compressor to work harder, which can cause energy costs to increase. Not only does it increase costs, it can also decrease the longevity of the system. Common cooling tower descalers include:

• Sulfamic acid. This is a gentle treatment that works well; however, it can take quite a while for this powder to dissolve in a liquid.
• Methane sulfonic acid. This is a newer and safer option that is gaining popularity with cooling tower descaling.
• Hydrochloric acid. This is a liquid solution that is one of the most common choices for descaling, but it has a strong odor, which can affect air traveling through the HVAC system.

What Is Debris Removal and How to Do It Effectively on Cooling Towers?

Debris removal is another important part of cleaning and preventative care when it comes to cooling towers. Debris buildup and other contaminants can clog up the areas in and around cooling towers, putting a strain on the compressor, which can cause energy costs to rise, or in some cases, force a shutdown. As always, it’s best to have a professional formally clean a cooling tower unit, but if you notice leaves and debris gathering around the unit, it’s perfectly okay to remove them away from the tower, although it’s best to do this with PPE or gloves on, in case there are contaminants or bacteria near the base of the unit.

To learn more about cooling tower cleaning in New Jersey or cooling tower descaling in NJ, contact us at 732-570-9392 to learn how we can help your cooling tower system work better and more efficiently.