Forums

Forums
Renewable Heating
Air Source Heat Pum...
Pleurococcus on my ...
 
Notifications
Clear all

Pleurococcus on my fins

 
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)
Last Post by Mars 2 years ago
3 Posts
3 Users
2 Reactions
1,042 Views
RSS
 glpinxit
(@glpinxit)
Estimable Member Member
Joined: 2 years ago
Posts: 30
Topic starter 21/11/2023 7:59 pm  

Here in Somerset it is seldom dry and I've begun to notice that our heat pump fins are turning a bit green. This is pleurococcus and I'm sure it will reduce the efficiency a bit.

HERBARIA.PLANTS.OX.AC.UK "https://herbaria.plants.ox.ac.uk/bol/plants400/profiles/OP/Pleurococcus"
Oxford University Plants 400: Pleurococcus sp.
The 25th July 2021 marks 400 years of botanical research and teaching by the University of Oxford. As a celebration and count-down to this anniversary the University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum together with the Oxford University Herbaria and the Department of Plant Sciences will highlight 400 plants of scientific and cultural significance. From November 24th 2013 one plant will be profiled weekly enabling you to see images associated with the plant from Oxford University's living and preserved collections.

I'm thinking of spraying the fins with 'Patio Magic' which I use on the patio, fence and conservatory when they look a bit green. Any thoughts? 

https://www.lovethegarden.com/uk-en/patio-magic



   
Quote
 AllyFish
(@allyfish)
Noble Member Contributor
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 494
21/11/2023 10:14 pm  

There are specialist cleaning solutions for heat exchanger fin coils. I would recommend you have the heat exchanger cleaned as part of a professional service. A diluted bleach solution would kill any biological growth, but needs to be carefully applied. Don't steam clean or apply under high pressure, e.g.: not with a pressure washer. Most ASHP coil fins ae aluminium, copper is much more expensive and used in commercial applications, it's naturally resistant to biological growth.



   
👍
2
ReplyQuote
Mars
 Mars
(@editor)
Illustrious Member Admin
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 3415
23/11/2023 9:42 am  

I’m inclined to agree with Ally. Don’t use anything abrasive. Have you tried a soft brush with soapy water? A mild vinegar solution could also work. I’d apply the solution to the fins with a spray bottle and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off with clean water.


Pre-order: The Ultimate Guide to Heat Pumps

Subscribe and follow our Homeowners’ Q&A heat pump podcast


   
ReplyQuote
Forum Jump:
  Previous Topic
Next Topic  

Currently viewing this topic 1 guest.



Share:

Join Us!

Login   Register

Podcast Picks

Latest Posts

Members Online

Click to access the login or register cheese
x Powerful Protection for WordPress, from Shield Security
This Site Is Protected By
ShieldPRO →