Should I Have my air conditioning fins cleaned?
While it’s true that most air conditioning repairs should be left to the professionals, there are certain things you can do to keep your AC unit running smoothly. An essential part of AC maintenance is keeping the air conditioning fins clean.
Should I replace my HVAC unit if the fins are bent?
Generally most units that have limited bent or deteriorated fins are left that way. What is surprising in many cases is that even when the units look really bad, they seem to keep functioning. Having a HVAC technician take a quick look at these units and checking the refrigerant levels is not a bad idea.
What are condenser fins on an air conditioner?
The condenser fins are thin metal slats that run along the outline of your exterior AC unit. The purpose of the condenser fins is to move warm air away from the air conditioner while it’s running.
Can I replace the fins on my radiator?
You can't replace the fins, just the whole condenser, which is the "radiator" looking part...not the whole unit which includes the compressor. The 2% Rule: Fact, Fiction, or Feasible?
How do I fix my AC fins?
0:022:55How To Straighten Your A/C Condenser Fins - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith this special tool that i have here. So your air conditioner has these little uh fins i thinkMoreWith this special tool that i have here. So your air conditioner has these little uh fins i think it's all made out of aluminum. And they're very easily bent out of place or or misshaped.
What happens if condenser fins bent?
When condenser fins or evaporator fins are bent or when they get clogged it causes a major restriction in air flow that would usually pass through the air conditioning system, which means a decrease in efficiency for the entire AC.
Why do AC fins get bent?
However, HVAC fins can sometimes get bent during maintenance, blocking airflow. The other half of split system air conditioners, the condenser, is located outside and has fins as well. The purpose of the condenser coil is to release heat from the refrigerant.
How do you fix a bent coil fin?
0:341:24Straightening Condenser Coil Fins: An Easy Technique - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace the fin comb above the damaged area pull in a downward motion. And this should help straightenMorePlace the fin comb above the damaged area pull in a downward motion. And this should help straighten the fins.
Does straightening AC fins help?
When the outside air conditioner's fins are straight, heat can easily escape the evaporator coil into the outdoor environment. Straight fins make the cooling process more efficient, and protects your air conditioner's delicate components from damage.
What do condenser fins do?
The condenser fins are thin metal slats that run along the outline of your exterior AC unit. The purpose of the condenser fins is to move warm air away from the air conditioner while it's running.
What happens if AC fins are damaged?
If the fins are damaged, it won't be able to perform this essential cooling process. Heat will remain trapped inside the refrigerant and, therefore, your home's HVAC system. Your air conditioner may still turn on, but it won't perform at its fullest potential.
Do fin combs work?
Fin combs are useful on virtually any air conditioner that has a condenser, so long as the comb is adequate for the fins' size. A radiator fin comb might be better for some car cooling systems, depending on the size of the fins. Fin combs aren't exclusive to central AC/heating units, either.
How do you clean condenser fins?
Vacuum dirt and debris out of the bottom of the unit. Using the brush attachment, very gently vacuum the fins. Use an up-and-down motion; vacuuming across the fins can bend them. Spray the outside of the fins with a coil cleaner or detergent/water mixture and wait 5 minutes.
What are coil fins?
The fins on a coil accomplish two major functions: they straighten the air out as it comes in contact with the entering-air side of the coil, and they perform some of the heat transfer. Understand the basics of finned tube coils and maximize coil capacity and efficiency.
What are AC fins made of?
An air conditioning system has two coils, condenser coils and evaporator coils usually made of copper tubes with aluminum fins. The evaporator coil, or indoor coil, is often described as the “cold” coil because it provides indoor cooling.
What causes coils Bend?
0:353:28Fixing the bent coils of your air conditioner - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThese little metal brackets or these little metal pieces in here which is your vent or your or yourMoreThese little metal brackets or these little metal pieces in here which is your vent or your or your coil I'm sorry get bent up it restricts the air flow coming through it.
How to straighten air conditioner fins?
It’s important that the aluminum cooling fins on an air conditioner compressor are straight and even to allow the unit to cool efficiently. If the fins on your AC are bent: 1 Slightly Bent Fins: Run a stiff, plastic, bristle brush back and forth to straighten fins that are partially bent. 2 Badly Bent Fins: Use a putty knife to straighten badly bent fins, being careful not to break or damage the fins.
What to do when compressor gets damaged?
And here’s one way, with a stiff bristle plastic brush. This one’s made for cleaning tile and grout. What you need to do is just run the brush up and down the fins using quite a bit of pressure.
What is the job of AC fins?
The job of air conditioner fins is to keep air flowing smoothly in and out of your AC unit, and keeping them clean helps them do this.
What is the purpose of condenser fins?
The purpose of the condenser fins is to move warm air away from the air conditioner while it’s running.
Why is my AC unit not cooling?
When the evaporator fins become dirty or clogged with debris, the air coming through your vents could become significantly warmer, meaning your AC unit is using more energy and not sufficiently cooling your home.
Where are the evaporator fins located?
The evaporator fins are located inside the interior of your air conditioner around the evaporator , forming an “A” shape. These interior fins are responsible for cooling the outside air and sending it through your ducts and vents to cool your home.
Do you need to clean the fins of an AC?
To make sure your central air conditioner isn’t working harder than it needs to, it’s essential to keep both the interior and exterior AC fins clean. Air conditioner fins are delicate and can be bent easily, which can lead to costly, but necessary repairs.
Common Questions When Learning How to Clean Air Conditioner Fins
Yes. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner is built to withstand the rain and snow without compromising the interior electrical components. Spraying the fins with a garden hose is similar to a heavy rain shower. If you see visible damage, however, contact a professional A/C technician for help.
Air Conditioner Fin Cleaning Directions Step by Step
Before starting to clean air conditioner fins, shut off the air conditioner at the thermostat.
Complete Air Conditioning System Maintenance
Knowing how to clean air conditioner fins is just one part of maintaining your unit. An annual 21-point inspection by the team at Oliver will protect the investment you made in your air conditioning system. With our A/C maintenance plan, you’ll know that your air conditioner is clean and ready for the summer heat.