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Pleurococcus on my fins

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)

Last Post by Mars 2 years ago

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glpinxit

(@glpinxit)

Trusted Member Member

Joined: 3 years ago

Posts: 31

Topic starter 21/11/2023 7:59 pm [#1184]

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. https://herbaria.plants.ox.ac.uk/bol/plants400/profiles/OP/Pleurococcus

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

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AllyFish

(@allyfish)

Prominent Member Contributor

Joined: 4 years ago

Posts: 518

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.

👍

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Mars

(@editor)

Illustrious Member Admin

Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 4606

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.

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