- STEP 1 Power the AC Unit Down Unplug the unit from the electrical outlet. ...
- STEP 2 Use the Fin Comb to Straighten Crooked Condenser Fins Line up the fin comb at the top of the fins. ...
- STEP 3 Use the Fin Comb to Straighten Crooked Evaporator Fins
How do I straighten the fins on my air conditioner?
If the fins on your AC are bent: Slightly Bent Fins: Run a stiff, plastic, bristle brush back and forth to straighten fins that are partially bent. Badly Bent Fins: Use a putty knife to straighten badly bent fins, being careful not to break or damage the fins.
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.
What happens if condenser fins bent?
When the fins are bent, more heat is trapped within the unit because it cannot escape as efficiently. This can lead to performance problems and difficulty controlling temperatures properly in the home.
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.
What is the AC fin tool used for?
The AC-Safe Air Conditioner Fin Repair Tool is designed to straighten evaporator and condenser fins. The tool also cleans scum and dust to clear plugged drains and pans and help prevent overflows.
What is an AC comb?
Also referred to as a coil fin tool, a fin comb is a specialized gadget used to fix the bent AC fins. Both window and central air conditioning systems consist of coils surrounded by aluminum fins. This part is responsible for smooth airflow through and out of an AC.
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.
What happens if condenser coils are bent?
Bent condenser coil fins can cause cooling problems as well. If the fins are bent, the condenser coil may not be able to remove a sufficient amount of heat. Rather, refrigerant will remain hot or warm as it travels from the condenser coil and back inside your home.
What are AC fins made of?
However, the vast majority of HVAC coils that you see are built with copper tubes and aluminum fins. That combination offers the most effective heat transfer at the most efficient cost.
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 the spine fin coil?
0:372:20HVAC Service: How to Clean a Trane Air Conditioner Spine Fin Coil.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSolution once you've got your debris removed you will use your coil cleaning solution to rinse downMoreSolution once you've got your debris removed you will use your coil cleaning solution to rinse down the coil inside and out and then you will begin to rinse from the inside.
How do you straighten aluminum radiator fins?
0:452:23HOW TO: Straighten and FIX Bent Radiator Fins - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo all you need to do is take that small screwdriver of yours. And basically flip that top fin backMoreSo all you need to do is take that small screwdriver of yours. And basically flip that top fin back in place. Pretty simple.
How do you use AC pan tablet?
0:481:26How to easily maintain drain pans with AP-33 Expel Plus Tabs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApplication is simple just place the tablet in the pan. And rest assured that the unique size shapeMoreApplication is simple just place the tablet in the pan. And rest assured that the unique size shape and weight ensures it stays in place does not clog your drain.
Do radiator combs work?
Conclusion: The tool worked and it can't really go wrong. The nylon teeth are strong enough to move the delicate fins back to where they should be. However, this tool's design is so much easier to use in an area with no obstructions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 cooling fins?
Obtain a fin comb to straighten cooling fins. These are available at hardware and home supply stores. The best ones to get have a head on top of the handle with variable sides for different widths of fins. With this type of fin comb, no matter how many fins per inch there are, you always will have the correct comb to use. For example, if there is a number "8" on the fin comb, the "8" designates it will fit a fin count of eight per inch. A "15" means that particular comb will fit a fin count of 15 per inch.
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, ...
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.
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.
