The presence of bio-film on the cooling coil surface acts as unwanted insulation between the air and the coil. With fouled coils, the airflow temperature is not reduced enough to allow the system to cool the building efficiently.
Due to the inadequate cooling, the building does not reach the required temperature and compressors run continuously to compensate for the poor temperature transfer.
In a system where the air is cooling the building efficiently the compressors will cycle in and out. Poor heat transfer results in inefficient energy usage.
Bio-fouling leads to a definite shortening of the operational life of the coils by virtue of microbiologically induced corrosion. Two main factors contribute to corrosion: one is the acidic exudates emanating from the bio-film itself and the other is an electrochemical reaction.
Source: “The importance of Cooling Coil Maintenance,” DucTales, National Air Duct Cleaners Association.
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