What is the right product 4 Coil Cleaning?

[Gene]

OK so I stumbled across Eric’s video on increasing A/C performance by cleaning the Condenser Coil. That found here:

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/hvac/693-increasing-ac-performance-by-cleaning-your-condenser

So I went to the manufacturer’s website to look at the product further. Also discovered YouTube videos of guys Cleaning Condenser coils AND Evaporator Coils on home A/C systems too! so that got me thinking, and well, that is dangerous.

As once can see, Nu-Calgon has any number of products:
http://www.nucalgon.com/products/coil-cleaners

and THEN I found the “Table” that supposedly matches the product to the job.
http://www.nucalgon.com/catalogdownloads

So now the confusion steps in. Looks like the Nu-Brite is only recommended for condensers and Evap Pow’r only for Evaporators. But then I see Cal-Brite,Tri-Pow’r, Special HD Clean, Green Clean and CalClean can be used on BOTH!

So I’m thinking if I’m going to clean A/C systems I might as well do them all. So I want to clean two cars systems, house central air and a couple of window units. So I’m thinking that I need a gallon of stuff and why not buy one product that can be used in all of the applications on both Evaporators and Condensers?

So which one makes sense? Or am I being foolish thinking one size can fit all?

Attachments:

• Nu-CalgonACCoilCleaners.jpg

Topic

[Nick Warner]

Sometimes you will find that a lot of products share the same active ingredients. The way it is being marketed is the only difference. Try finding the MSDS sheets for them. A commercial site like that would need to make them available for businesses. That would be a way to see the active ingredients and compare.

[Gene]

Nice thought Rick! Yes, Nu-Calgon has open access to their MSDS sheets! So I took a quick look.

Unfortunately on the MSDS sheets there isn’t even one chemical in common in CalClean, Green Clean, Cal-Brite or TriPow’r HD.
(er, unless they are playing games with chemical names: DiHydrogen MonoOxide = hydric acid = Hydrogen Hydroxide= Hydronium Hydroxide)

Anybody have first hand knowledge or experience using any of these products can help steer me in the direction I need?

[Hokiedad4]

[quote=”CanDo807″ post=132257]…unless they are playing games with chemical names: DiHydrogen MonoOxide = hydric acid = Hydrogen Hydroxide= Hydronium Hydroxide[/quote]

Yes, those are all “synonyms” for water, generally used to impress people who forgot their high school chemistry. So there must be another active ingredient. Likely an alkaline chemical such as sodium hydroxide.

[Gene]

Good catch Hokiedad4! Pulled those off the DHMO website – you know the one that warns of all of the dangers of DHMO and pushes for its ban! (You’d be surprised how many people signed a petition to ban it!)

Now I’m not an organic chemist, but do know there are often more than one way a chemical name can be formed for the same substance. Thus my use of various names for water illustrated the point I was trying to make. Was merely pointing out that if the company was playing that game, I didn’t have the expertise to detect it, since none of the listed active ingredients matched from one sheet to the next – and THAT for 4 different products. Therefore, it does not look like Nu-Calgon sells the same product, or essentially the same product, under two or more different labels. Therefore, it would appear to this chair that all of Nu-Calgon’s products are different formulations.

What does your look at the MSDS sheets suggest is the best product?

[college man]

What I usually use is Nu brite. The gallon jug will be more than enough. Do your home ac also.

http://www.nucalgon.com/products/coil-cleaners/condensers/nu-brite

[Gene]

Thank you! Just want to make sure that Nu-brite is safe to use on the Evaporator coils inside my home as well?

[college man]

[quote=”CanDo807″ post=132722]Thank you! Just want to make sure that Nu-brite is safe to use on the Evaporator coils inside my home as well?[/quote]

For the home evap use the evap foam no rinse the gallon will be to much extra.

http://www.nucalgon.com/products/coil-cleaners/evaporator-cleaners/evap-foam-no-rinse

[Author]

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