Maintaining Your Air Conditioner’s Condenser Fins

Air conditioners contain a number of components that remain a source of mystery for many homeowners. Unfortunately, this lack of understanding often leads to the need for more expensive repairs when things go wrong down the line. If you would like to learn more about your AC, as well as the maintenance it requires in Scottsdale AZ, read on. This article will discuss how--and why--to keep your condenser fins in good condition.

The Role of the Condenser Fins
As you might guess, the condenser fins are located on your air conditioner’s condenser unit--in other words, that large whirring cube that can usually be found along the exterior of your house. The fins are responsible for helping to diffuse the heat generated by the condenser as it operates. This keeps the condenser from overheating and breaking down.

Condenser Fin Problems
The condenser fins, being made up of extremely thin and close-set sheets of metal. Over time they tend to become caked with dirt and yard debris. Likewise, their fragile nature makes them susceptible to becoming bent out of shape. Both of these things act to decrease the effectiveness of the fins at transferring heat, thus reducing the operating efficiency of the condenser, while also increasingly the likelihood of a breakdown.

Fin Cleaning and Straightening
The good news is that it is fairly simple to keep your fins in good shape. Begin by cutting off power to the condenser and, if your unit has one, removing the outer metal frame that surrounds it. This will expose the rows upon rows of condenser fins. Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a brush attachment to remove as much dirt and debris as possible. Then rinse the fins off using your garden hose. Bent fins can be straightened out again through the use of the inexpensive tool known as a condenser fin comb.

Serving Scottsdale AZ, JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.