What is the best way to clean convectors?

Mike G_2

Get yourself a strong vacuum with a HEPA or similar filter. I use a Cleanstream GoreTex filter on my ShopVac. Next, go anywhere they sell birdfeeders and get yourself a birdfeeder brush. It's a roughly 2 inch wide by 4-6 inch long, round brush on an 18 inch (or so) flexible handle that's used to clean tube-type bird feeders. About 5 bucks, give or take. Fire-up the vacuum and get that brush in all the nooks and crannies from every conceivable angle, and hit the same areas multiple times from different directions. Try to keep the vacuum nozzle near and/or under the brush to catch the detritus. A much better alternative to using compressed air and having all that gook travelling throughout your clean house and into your lungs.

When done, wipe with a damp rag and enjoy.

Icy L.I.

How to clean convectors when a vacuum doesn't do it?

I have an early 50's home on Long Island with in-wall convectors that look like they haven't been cleaned in ages. The dust, spider webs, and gunk won't come out with a vacuum. What is the best way to clean them?

I'm thinking of blowing them out with compressed air and then using some foaming bathroom cleaner to remove any grease and grime, catching the rinse in a paint tray. Are there any good tricks or do's and dont's? I think that the accumulation is seriously impeding my heating.

Thanks!

Cosmo_3

I always wondered

I always wondered if this was a good application for those small portable steam clean units we see on the infomercials? Anybody try one?

Cosmo Valavanis

Dependable P.H.C. Inc.

Plumdog_2

Back in the day

we used to clean finned coils in uni-vents at the schools with a type of cleaner that was applied with a bug sprayer. This stuff was strong, can't remember what it was though. You had to wash it out with a pressure washer, and dry with compressed air. This was very messy, and obviously was done when the building was unoccupied. Sometimes these coils had never been cleaned before in maybe 30-40 years; and the results were dramatic.

Plumdog_2

Back in the day

we used to clean finned coils in uni-vents at the schools with a type of cleaner that was applied with a bug sprayer. This stuff was strong, can't remember what it was though. You had to wash it out with a pressure washer, and dry with compressed air. This was very messy, and obviously was done when the building was unoccupied. Sometimes these coils had never been cleaned before in maybe 30-40 years; and the results were dramatic.

Cosmo_3

Many people don't realize

All the talk about AFUE efficiency don't mean bunk when the heat emmiters like fancoils, and convector fins have 30-40 years of crud on 'em......... That's where you get efficiency improvement, too bad it is usually overlooked

Cosmo Valavanis

Dependable P.H.C. Inc.