Hotels
are very demanding on their filters and air cleaning equipment
because of the presence of tobacco smoke. Filters
require cleaning or replacement (depending on the type)
because as they accumulate dirt, they block up, reducing
airflow and hence the cooling capacity of the air
conditioner. In addition some types lose filtration efficiency
as they get dirty.
There are a large number of different types of filter with
different requirements. If you have a proper maintenance
manual for the installation, refer to the manual for cleaning
advice. If you don't have a proper manual, the main types and
their normal cleaning requirements are as follows: (If you are
unsure speak to your contractor or phone Clive Blanchard,
Consulting Mechanical Engineer). In some cases more frequent
cleaning may be required.
Return air grille filters: these filters are generally
in hinged filter frames attached to the return air grille. These
filters are not really appropriate for public areas in hotels,
unless they are used in conjunction with another higher
efficiency filter or air cleaner. These filters are generally of
the washable type and should be cleaned by gently washing with
water. If they won't clean, use a mild detergent. These
filters require very frequent cleaning, at least monthly, and
often more frequently.
Deep bed filters: These are large filters usually 400 to
600 mm deep. These may be of the washable or disposable kind,
although unless your maintenance manual says otherwise, they
should normally be disposable, as the washable filters don't
remove very much tobacco smoke. The life of these varies
depending on the design and the amount of smoking they are
subject to. In general you should get at least 12 months life,
and sometimes up to three years life. It is generally better to
get your air conditioning service company to service these.
Electronic Air Cleaners: These may be stand alone units
or incorporated into the ductwork. The cores generally require
cleaning approximately once per month.
Other types of air cleaner: There are a number of other
types of cleaner. Refer to the manufacturer's literature for
details of maintenance requirements.