My central air outside unit is full of dust on the fins. I've gotten off the big dust bunnies with a brush but it's probably still quite filthy. Is it OK to hose it off or how else should I clean it?
Also I had been thinking of buying a fin comb to straighten the fins where they're bent, but then I noticed that the fins are not straight; they're wavy. Still possible to fix the bashed together fins?
2006-07-18 04:21:37 · 6 answers · asked by msabramo 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Should be fine to clean off with hose. You can also use a mild detergent to get even better cleaning. I would suggest simply green (environmentally safe I believe). If you are going to use a cleaner, turn your A/C off so it doesn't run while your cleaning.
The fins are not really a big problem unless you have a large number that are bent such that no air passes between them. You can straighten them carefully with a comb or even a screw driver, but remember these fins are thin and kind of fragile. You risk breaking them off all together if you mess with them too much.
2006-07-18 04:30:48 · answer #1 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Not only is it OK, it should be done every few months to remove the grime. This will make your unit cool much more efficiently. Just be sure you don't use enough water pressure to bend the fins.
Straightening out the fins that are already bent will also help with the efficiency. They are wavy to increase the surface area, thus giving them more opportunity for heat exchange. When they are touching one another there is no way for the air to circulate between them to carry the heat away. Wavy parallel fins are the most efficient, but straight fins that are not touching are definitely better than those that are mashed together.
2006-07-18 11:28:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
Sure it is OK to wash the fins but carefully because, as you probably know, the fins are very soft and even too much water pressure can bend them.
As for fixing the bent ones just run the proper diameter dowel rod or toothpick between them. It is a slow process but very well worth the effort. Many a air conditioner has failed because of blocked fins.
Bob
2006-07-18 11:31:31 · answer #3 · answered by Mr Bingo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
turn off the breaker and spray away, don't spray the wiring though use a small screwdriver to fix the fins, don't go in deep just about 1/4 inch
2006-07-18 11:24:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, we do this all the time. Just spray it off really well. You won't hurt anything. I would gently pull the bent fins apart.
2006-07-18 11:24:08 · answer #5 · answered by Justsyd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not only is it ok, you SHOULD hose it off, probably once a month in the summer.
2006-07-18 11:24:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋