Powers Scientific chambers are designed to last; in fact, we frequently get requests for parts for machinery that is over fifteen years old. A simple routine maintenance program can help save electricity use, avert expensive malfunctions, and prolong the life of a chamber. This is a brief summary of the actions you may take to extend the life of your incubator or refrigerator and keep it functioning like new.
The condenser fan, which is next to the compressor, gradually collects dust and other material from the air around it. When this debris builds up on the condenser coil’s fins, efficiency is decreased and the compressor motor’s effort is increased. We recommend cleaning the coil and condenser fan every six to twelve months.
The metal protective grille on the front of your chamber must be removed in order to access the bottom-mounted condensing unit in chambers equipped with such units. Four #2 Phillips screws are used to secure the grille to the corners. Dust buildup can be removed from the coil and fan by vacuuming them once the grille has been removed. Although a vacuum is preferred for cleaning, a moist rag will also work. If the condenser coil in your chamber is situated on top, all you need to do to safely access it and clean it is to utilize a ladder.
Even though the thermoelectric chambers require very little upkeep, they nevertheless require regular cleaning in order to function at their best. The Peltier device’s hot side is ventilated by the fan and heat sink of the thermoelectric cooler, which is situated above the chamber. The thermoelectric cooler can be securely accessed using a ladder, and the dust accumulation on the heat sink can be removed using a vacuum with a tiny tip. By doing this, the cooler will resume using the same amount of electricity and cooling capacity. Similar to the condensing units, we advise having this cleaning done every 6 to 12 months.
We also advise cleaning the rooms’ external and interior surfaces from time to time. By doing this, any residue that can lead to corrosion will be kept out of the chamber. If you would want to accomplish everything at once, you can schedule this at the same time as the condenser cleaning or as needed. We advise using 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean surfaces. Use a sponge to gently clean the chamber surfaces in a well-ventilated environment. Any cleaning solution that contains ammonia or bleach should not be used inside since it can damage the aluminum fins that surround the copper refrigeration coils and/or create tiny leaks.
Naturally, before doing any maintenance, don’t forget to unplug the chamber.
You can reach us by phone at (416) 736-6166 or by completing our contact form for additional information about Powers Scientific incubators and refrigerators.