The Whalen Company Fan Coil Preventative Maintenance
The Whalen Company’s line of fan coils offers low-noise performance and a space-saving design that make them ideal climate control solutions for high-rise buildings. Because these units play a vital role in building operations, proper care is essential. If you want to keep your equipment in good working order, this Whalen Company fan coil preventative maintenance guide outlines ways to improve its functionality and efficiency.
This information is applicable to Inteli-line® Vertical Stack, Innoline® Riser and Direct Drive Horizontal models. Any testing or repairs outlined in this guide will need to be completed by an authorized technician.
Maintain the Air Filter
One of the most important fan coil preventative maintenance tasks is maintaining the air filter. Whether it’s replacing a disposable filter or cleaning a permanent one, be sure to maintain your unit’s filter once every three months. If you notice excessive dirt buildup, check the filter more frequently and clean or replace it as needed.
Inspect the Drain Pan
The drain pan collects condensate from the evaporator coil, helping prevent water damage and mold growth in and around the unit. To keep it functioning properly, clean the drain pan at least once before the cooling season and periodically throughout the year to remove any debris that could block drainage. When cleaning, apply a pH-neutral bactericide or a bacteriostatic drain pan conditioner to help minimize bacterial growth.
Dust the Vent Grilles
Grilles protect your HVAC ventilation system while allowing air to flow freely in and out of the unit. Because they play an important role in climate control, it's a good idea to remove airflow obstructions and clean excessive buildup from both the unit's air intake grilles and the building's air supply grilles at least once every six months. Doing so helps protect internal components from damage and improves overall efficiency.
Spray the Coil Fins
Another critical component to clean during fan coil preventative maintenance is the evaporator coil fins. To do this, spray a mixture of mild detergent and warm water through the return air opening onto the face of the coil, then rinse with clean water. Regular cleaning improves heat transfer efficiency, helping the unit maintain consistent indoor temperatures while using less energy and lowering utility costs.
Clean the Surrounding Area
In addition to maintaining the fan coil itself, be sure to clean the area around the unit. Ensure large objects like boxes or containers aren’t blocking air intake vents on the unit, and that furniture or curtains aren’t obstructing air supply vents in the building. Dust particles, pet hair and paper scraps can get pulled into the unit, so keep those away from the unit as well.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
While there's a lot an operator can do to keep the unit running properly, it's still important to schedule an inspection with an authorized technician at least once—ideally twice—a year. During the visit, the technician will carry out several key checks and maintenance tasks, including:
- Testing unit operation
- Cleaning the blower wheel
- Checking fan blades
- Brushing the fins
- Inspecting the ductwork
- Tightening all fasteners
- Maintaining electrical connections
- Repairing visible corrosion
Watch for Potential Issues
Even if you follow all preventative maintenance guidelines, it’s still a good idea to be on the lookout for possible problems. If you notice odd noises, strange smells or reduced performance, don’t hesitate to reach out to an authorized technician to address the issue–it’s always better to tackle issues when they’re small before they grow into larger ones.