Air conditioner fins are components within an AC unit that mainly directs warm or cool air in and out of the unit. The outdoor fins redirect warm air outdoors, removing them from the unit, while the indoor fins redirect cool air from the evaporator coils to the room, resulting in a cool breeze indoors.
Effects of Unmaintained Air Conditioner Fins
- Overheating air conditioner;
- Mold and mildew growth;
- Bacteria growth;
- Blocked air flow;
- Dirty air flow.
How to Clean Air Conditioner Fins: A Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Shut Off the Air Conditioner
The first step in cleaning any component in your air conditioner is to block the unit from its power source. This is especially important when it comes to cleaning the outdoor unit as this is where the air conditioner keeps electrical components such as the capacitor, and mechanical components such as the fan motor.
Shutting off your air conditioner will prevent accidental electrocution, and will ensure that the air conditioner does not power on. To do this, switch the electric breaker connected to your air conditioner to the off position.
Step 2: Open the Condenser Unit
Open the condenser unit. You should have instructions on how to properly and safely open the condenser unit in your user's manual. Wear protective gear when doing so, and avoid touching the electrical components of your air conditioner.
Step 3: Access the Condenser Fins
The condenser fins sit by the condenser coils, hence the name. This component is responsible for directing air out of the system, removing warm air from the system, and preventing the air conditioner from overheating.
Step 4: Clean Condenser Fins with a Fin Comb
Clean the fins with an air conditioner fin comb. The fin comb is used specifically to dislodge debris from the air conditioner fins, and may straighten bent fins as well. The fin comb is a must-have tool in maintaining your air conditioning unit, and will save you the costs of having the fins professionally cleaned.
Step 5: Clean Air Conditioner Coils
It is a good idea to clean air conditioner condenser coils as you have access to the components. These coils are located by the fins, and can be cleaned with a specialized AC coil cleaner you can purchase at your local hardware store. Alternatively, you can also use a can of compressed air, and a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from the condenser coils.
Step 6: Clean the Indoor Unit Fins (Optional)
Air conditioner fins often refer to the condenser fins located within the outdoor unit. Most air conditioners, however, also have fins in the indoor unit by the evaporator coil assembly. These fins work together as the outdoor fins remove heat, and evaporator coils create cool air. You can clean the indoor fins the same way you clean the outdoor fins.
Simply remove the front-facing panel of the air conditioner, and move the air filter out of the way to access the indoor fins. Use the air conditioner fin comb to gently dislodge dust and debris from the fins, and vacuum away the loosened grime. Straighten any bent fins, and reinforce any broken fins.
Step 7: Assemble the Components Together
Once everything has been cleaned, you can now assemble the components together as they were earlier. Use your user's manual as a guide, and carefully piece everything back together. Restore the power to your air conditioner, and continue enjoying the cooling comfort of your air conditioner!
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Keeping Your Outdoor Unit Clean
The outdoor unit sees the most grime and debris out of all your air conditioner components. The outdoor unit is left exposed to the elements, and debris from plants, soil, outdoor air, and even debris brought by animals can cause blockages in the air conditioning unit, which is why it is important to maintain a cleaning routine for your air conditioners.
Professional cleaning and maintenance is the best care you can give your air conditioner, and our services at Luce will make sure you keep your AC unit in tip top condition for decades to come!
Contact one of our professional technicians to know how you can maintain the good condition of your air conditioner.
