AC Repair - Bent Cooling Fins

When it comes to AC repair, many people automatically run for the phone book to call the first technician they can find. While this can be an effective means of getting the job taken care of, it can also amount to some rather costly bills. The truth of the matter is, you could have easily taken the matter into your own hands and repaired the unit yourself, saving a bit of time and money. While there are certainly many repairs that do indeed require a technician, there are actually quite a few you can do on your own.

In order to stay cool this summer, your AC unit must run correctly. If there is anything wrong with the unit, it will quit working and freeze up after a short while. Of the repairs you can do yourself, perhaps the most basic is dealing with bent cooling fins. These are the thin metal pieces along the side of the unit. These fins should be straight, but can become bent through various ways. In this article, we will run you through the steps necessary to fixing them.

Step 1 - Unplug the Unit

Prior to engaging in any ac repair, you will need to make sure the unit is turned off. In cases where the repair will be performed on a central unit or a split air conditioner, the power must be turned off at the breaker. Deciding to work on a unit with the power on can lead to serious injuries and should be avoided at all costs.

Step 2 - Housing Removal

In order to get at the fins, you will need to remove the actual air conditioner from the housing it is located in. Remove a few screws from the front and carefully pry off the face of the unit. Unscrew any smaller screws around the sides as well as the ground wire prior to siding the unit out.

Step 3 - Vacuum

Once access to the fins has been gained, use a vacuum to remove any dirt and debris.

Step 4 - Comb Your Fins

Most combs have various settings that they are able to be adjusted to. This is due to the fact that there are different sizes of fins. Use this tool to determine proper fin spacing.

Step 5 - The AC Repair

Once you've figured out the correct spacing, run it over the bent fins. Start from the bottom, moving upward in order to straighten them. In the case that you are unable to find yourself a fin comb, needle nose pliers will usually do the trick.

Step 6 - Replace the Unit

Once your repair is finished, you should replace the unit back into it's housing. Be sure to secure it with the screws removed earlier and connect the ground wire. And that's it! You're done!