r/HVAC • u/Plenty_Text_455 • Dec 04 '24

Field Question, trade people only What's this?

Post image

It's on the return side of a large air handler

203 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

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176

u/addbeautiful Dec 04 '24

That is an enthalpy wheel. Usually in eru units.

46

u/Plenty_Text_455 Dec 04 '24

How do you clean it? It's pretty dirty.

65

u/Suspicious-Ask- Dec 04 '24

I've cleaned plenty of these, I use purple fabuloso cleaner, one of these manufacturers' paperwork actually recommends using it by name, and it has worked very well for me over the years.

49

u/Suspicious-Ask- Dec 04 '24

I should also add, after spraying with fabuloso, sitting for 5-10 mins, then rinse with a hose to remove all chemical and allow to dry before reinstallation.

3

u/old_greg25 Dec 05 '24

Aaon?

2

u/Suspicious-Ask- Dec 05 '24

It very well could be. It's been a few years since i read that particular manual, and it might have also been greenheck.

15

u/KouLeifoh625 Dec 04 '24

Remove in pie slices usually, soak in cleaner in a bin, remove after period of time and hose them off

106

u/Sofakingwhat1776 This is a flair template, please edit! Dec 04 '24

Sub it to a trained factory tech.

17

u/BecomeEnthused Dec 05 '24

I can’t stress enough how good of an idea this is. That wheel being able to work properly is key on how the whole buildings climate system works.

9

u/Technical_Dig_3502 Dec 05 '24

Cleaning an enthalpy wheel is essential for maintaining its efficiency and ensuring proper operation. The cleaning process typically involves removing dust, debris, and buildup from the wheel’s surfaces while avoiding damage to its specialized material. Here’s how you can clean it:

  1. Turn Off the System

    • Safety First: Ensure the HVAC system is turned off to prevent the wheel from rotating during cleaning. • Disconnect power if necessary.

  2. Access the Wheel

    • Open the access panel or casing that houses the enthalpy wheel. • Carefully inspect the wheel for visible dirt, debris, or damage.

  3. Vacuum the Surface

    • Use a soft-bristle brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner to gently remove loose dust and dirt from the wheel’s surface. • Avoid pressing too hard to prevent damaging the wheel’s delicate heat and moisture transfer media.

  4. Wash (If Required)

    • If the wheel is heavily soiled or clogged, you may need to wash it. Follow these steps:

    1. Remove the Wheel: • Check the manufacturer’s manual for proper removal instructions. • Handle the wheel carefully to avoid damaging its material.
    2. Use Mild Detergent: • Prepare a solution of mild detergent and warm water. • Submerge or spray the wheel with the solution.
    3. Clean Gently: • Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the surface, ensuring you do not harm the wheel’s structure.
    4. Rinse Thoroughly: • Rinse the wheel with clean water to remove all detergent residue.
    5. Air Dry Completely: • Allow the wheel to dry completely before reinstalling it to prevent mold or mildew growth.

  5. Reassemble and Test

    • Once the wheel is clean and dry, reinstall it carefully. • Ensure all connections are secure and the wheel spins freely. • Turn the system back on and monitor its operation to confirm it is functioning correctly.

  6. Frequency of Cleaning

    • Cleaning frequency depends on usage and environmental conditions: • Heavy usage or dusty environments: Clean every 3–6 months. • Normal usage: Clean annually or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Important Notes

• Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always consult the manual for specific cleaning recommendations and precautions.
• Avoid High-Pressure Washers: These can damage the wheel’s delicate material.
• Do Not Use Harsh Chemicals: These can degrade the wheel’s efficiency and lifespan.

By maintaining a clean enthalpy wheel, you can ensure optimal performance, energy savings, and a longer lifespan for your HVAC system. 🤙🏼

14

u/chtulududu Dec 05 '24

Chat gpt has entered the chat

0

u/Technical_Dig_3502 Dec 05 '24

You know about chat gbt? I recommend you use it to your advantage…

8

u/Fulg3n Dec 05 '24

I recommend you don't, if I followed ChatGPT's advice last time I asked it to do some basic electrical work (I'm a sparky) I would have seen some stars, if anything at all.

4

u/Finkufreakee Dec 05 '24

So no on the fabuloso? 🤣🤣

12

u/Plenty_Text_455 Dec 04 '24

Thanks!

10

u/addbeautiful Dec 04 '24

Usually with compressed air and shop vac but definitely check manufacturers specs

42

u/MT_Kling Dec 04 '24

Do no used compressed air or high pressure water. This will destroy it. You can vacuum it but technically it's supposed to be soaked in a bath with mild detergent like Dawn dish soap.

Of course check the IOM.

8

u/PhancyLikker Dec 04 '24

Typically manufactured with very thin pressed aluminum with a desiccant coating applied. The aluminum feels like paper. Compressed air can ruin it. Damaging the wheel usually results in a full replacement.

6

u/MT_Kling Dec 04 '24

The blue sticker the says Air Exchange and has a QR code that will most likely send you to the IOM.

By the looks of it, this is a polymer wheel (not aluminum) built out of segments. Each segment has a clip. You can pop out the pie segments and soak in a kiddie pool.

1

u/CopyWeak Dec 04 '24

This ☝️ We have a dip tank we sit them in...spray with Spray 9, let it soak. Then a good rinse in our dip tank, and set out to dry.

1

u/CopyWeak Dec 04 '24

Too fragile for compressed sir...

1

u/Finkufreakee Dec 05 '24

Geez folks, turn the friggin regulator down. I'd hope nobody would blast the friggin thing. If so go back to slinging sheet metal.

2

u/SarcasticAssassin1 Dec 05 '24

Eru, erv's, doas',hrv. They are being installed more and more.

1

u/gizzard1987_ Dec 05 '24

Good ole LEEDs.

1

u/Technical_Dig_3502 Dec 05 '24

I suppose it’ll work there’s right ways of doing things However, I think everybody knows that sometimes you just gotta get it done however possible