- Shut off the power to your air conditioner system.
- Remove the panel and wire grille to expose the fins.
- Remove all screws and lift off the fan and grille.
- Take off the evaporator coil’s front cover plate.
- Start at the bottom of the condenser fins, insert the fin tool and move upwards carefully to straighten air conditioner fins.
Can You straighten bent air conditioner fins?
Bent aluminum fins on an air conditioner coil can reduce the air conditioner's ability to absorb and exchange heat. For this reason, many home improvement stores and heating and cooling outlets sell "fin combs," small tools used to straighten bent air conditioner fins.
How do you straighten a bent condenser coil?
Start at the bottom of the condenser fins and move carefully upward to straighten them. With the evaporator fins, use the fin comb to straighten the coils after a cleaning, as they can sometimes bend by brushing. The fin comb also helps remove hard-to-get-at dirt.
How do you straighten a bent fin on a refrigerator?
A piece of outdoor shingle or hail that hits already weakened and damaged fins can more easily pierce the copper coil and lead to a refrigerant leak. Bent fins should be straightened using a plastic "fin comb," which can be purchased at home improvement stores.
How do you straighten a bent fin comb?
Pull down on the fin comb when the fingers are inserted between the fins. Begin at the top and pull the fin comb all the way down. Do this gently and slowly. The fin comb will delicately slide between each fin and straighten it if it has been bent. Repeat this process on any area where the fins have been compromised.
What happens if AC fins are 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.
Is there a tool to straighten air conditioner fins?
A fin comb, also known as a coil fin tool, is a specialty tool used to straighten the bent fins of a condensing unit for an air conditioning or heat pump system. You will find the aluminum coil fins on central air conditioning system condensing units or window air conditioner condensing units.
How do you straighten the fins on an RV air conditioner?
1:599:47RV Air Conditioner Repair. How to Straighten Condenser Coil Fins ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn the fin comb with the fin size on your air conditioner. And then just kind of lightly slide it inMoreOn the fin comb with the fin size on your air conditioner. And then just kind of lightly slide it in there. So all the teeth on the comb get in there and then just drag it all the way down. This.
How do you fix a window unit fin?
1:576:42Quick Tip to fix bent fins on a window AC unit. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd sometimes it helps if you just put it in an angle like this because these things don't exactlyMoreAnd sometimes it helps if you just put it in an angle like this because these things don't exactly match up but it helps a lot and then we just drag them down. And it starts straightening.
Why do AC fins get bent?
These fins can bend from pressure washing, hail, tree debris, careless weed eating procedures, twigs and rocks. Although it's best to call an HVAC pro when your HVAC fins are bent, here's a brief guide on how the job is done.
How do you straighten condenser coil fins?
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.
Can AC fins be replaced?
Repairing or Replacing Damaged Condenser Fins Even though these fins are delicate, they are easy to fix, and it won't cost a lot. All you need is a condenser fin “comb”. These fins can also be repaired when you have a service performed on your air conditioner.
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 comb an air conditioner?
0:001:58Condenser Fin Comb Training - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo let's go ahead and try this out let's go ahead and pull this comb through as you can see is theMoreSo let's go ahead and try this out let's go ahead and pull this comb through as you can see is the actual fins are being straightened. Takes the take see the indentation of these fins right out of it.
What is the life expectancy of a window air conditioner?
about eight to 10 yearsGenerally, window air conditioners last about eight to 10 years. Some units, however, may have a shorter or longer life span, depending on how well they're maintained and the quality of the unit.
Is it worth fixing a window air conditioner?
A little maintenance means homeowners can save money on utility and repair bills. With the right information and access to replacement parts, you should be able to repair a window air conditioner yourself, saving the cost of a service call or replacing the unit altogether.
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 AC condenser fins?
4:338:20How To Clean Your Air Conditioner Condenser Coil (Step By Step)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAfter you let the cleaner work for about good 10 minutes then it's time to just spray out those finsMoreAfter you let the cleaner work for about good 10 minutes then it's time to just spray out those fins with your hose.
What are condenser fins?
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.
How do you clean evaporator fins?
Mix warm water and a simple detergent in a spray bottle, hand sprayer, or garden sprayer. Apply the water and detergent solution to the evaporator coils. Give the solution a few seconds to a few minutes to soak in and loosen debris. Reapply as needed.
How to straighten bent fins?
Slightly Bent Fins: Run a stiff, plastic, bristle brush back and forth to straighten fins that are partially bent.
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 to do if you find crushed fins?
Now, if you find any fins that are completely crushed you can very carefully straighten them out with a putty knife. But, again, be careful because you don’t want to damage the fins.
Can you straighten a fin?
Now, it’s never going to be perfect, but you can straighten them out so that at least it’s operating pretty efficiently. Now, if you find any fins that are completely crushed you can very carefully straighten them out with a putty knife. But, again, be careful because you don’t want to damage the fins.
What to call when your HVAC fins are bent?
Although it’s best to call an HVAC pro when your HVAC fins are bent, here’s a brief guide on how the job is done.
How to straighten condenser coils?
You’ll need to match the heads with how many fins per inch are found in your system. Start at the bottom of the condenser fins and move carefully upward to straighten them. With the evaporator fins, use the fin comb to straighten the coils after a cleaning , as they can sometimes bend by brushing.
Why do HVAC coils have fins?
Refrigerant inside the coil evaporates as heat is absorbed from the air passing through the system. These coils have fins that help the heat exchange process. However, HVAC fins can sometimes get bent during maintenance, blocking airflow.
Why do you need a fin comb?
The fin comb also helps remove hard-to-get-at dirt. Ask your service pro to check the fins when he or she is performing regular maintenance. In case the technician doesn’t have the right comb for your system, you can purchase a fin comb before the maintenance visit. They are relatively inexpensive.
What is fin tool?
Fin tools are sold with interchangeable heads that can comb and straighten evaporator and condenser coils. You’ll need to match the heads with how many fins per inch are found in your system.
What side of the air conditioner is bent?
Cold Side. On the cold side of the air conditioner coil, that is, the side that is inside the central air conditioner air handler or on the inner half of the window air conditioner, bent fins can reduce air flow. Bent fins prevent the air being pulled in from the house from being evenly distributed across the cold refrigerant coils.
Why are there bent fins on my air conditioner?
Even on condensers of a central air conditioners, bent fins can reduce efficiency . Bent aluminum fins on an air conditioner coil can reduce the air conditioner's ability to absorb and exchange heat. For this reason, many home improvement stores and heating and cooling outlets sell "fin combs," small tools used to straighten bent air conditioner ...
What is a bent fin?
Bent fins prevent the air being pulled in from the house from being evenly distributed across the cold refrigerant coils. Consequently, portions of the coil may be blocked off and less overall air can be cooled by the unit.
Why are bent fins so hard to clean?
Bent fins are more difficult to vacuum or wipe down due to the decreased amount of space between each piece of metal. Over time, the bent portions of the coil can become clogged with dirt and debris, thereby further reducing efficiency by inhibiting air flow.
How does an air conditioner work?
Air conditioners work by absorbing heat from the air inside the home and dissipating that heat outside. If the fins on the condenser are bent, air cannot be sufficiently cycled across the hot coils and some heat is retained, reducing the overall efficiency of the unit. Advertisement.
Do bent fins indicate a damaged coil?
Damage to the Coil. While bent fins do not necessarily indicate a damaged coil, they can make it easier for damage to occur. Aluminum fins, in addition to aiding air flow, act as buffers between the delicate copper coils and the outside world.
How to straighten condenser coils?
There is an easy technique for straightening your condenser coil fins. All you need is a spray bottle with diluted dish soap, a fin comb sized to match the fins per inch of your condenser coil, and a steady hand. Spray the bent fins with your dish soap solution to help lubricate the fin comb. Then, place the fin comb above ...
Why is it important to keep condenser fins straight?
However, it is crucial to keep these condenser coil fins straight. This bit of preventative maintenance helps maximize your equipment's energy efficiency, improve your condensing unit longevity, and avoid compressor failure. The compressor is the workhorse of a condensing unit responsible for providing consistent cooling for your entire operation.
Can condensing coils be bent?
The likelihood condensing unit owners will encounter bent condenser coil fins from time to time is almost inevitable, as there is potential for frequent contact with humans and animals, other pieces of equipment, or harsh elements such as hail. However, it is crucial to keep these condenser coil fins straight.
How to straighten a comb?
Pull down on the fin comb when the fingers are inserted between the fins. Begin at the top and pull the fin comb all the way down. Do this gently and slowly. The fin comb will delicately slide between each fin and straighten it if it has been bent.
How to remove the cooling fins on an HVAC unit?
Remove the cover or back of your HVAC unit to access the cooling fins, if applicable. There might be attachment screws that can be loosened with a screwdriver. On some models, there might be gravity clips so that the cover can be pulled off and pushed back on.
What are cooling fins?
Every HVAC unit has cooling fins for the heat exchanger portion of the cooling system. These fins, much like the radiator fins on an automobile radiator, transfer heat from the unit and allow it to run as cool and efficiently as possible. In many cases, foreign objects such as branches or balls come into contact with the cooling fins, ...
What to wear when using a fin comb?
The fins are sharp. Wear gloves when using a fin comb to protect your hands and fingers.
How to fix a leaking air conditioner?
1. Inspect the cooling portion of your HVAC unit. Pay close attention to the cooling fins on the air conditioner. If any of the fins are bent inward or dented, they will need to be corrected.
How to find the correct size of comb?
Line up the correct size fin comb with the fins. To do this, turn the fin comb and insert the fingers on the comb between the fins. When each individual comb finger corresponds to each individual fin, the correct size has been found.