How Can AC Fin Cleaning Help With Cooling Efficiency

If you have recently had a central AC system installed in your home, then you may be concerned about the electrical costs of utilizing the new system. The good news is that technologies are constantly advancing to make sure the heating and air conditioning systems are as efficient as possible. While this is true, you still need to do your part to make sure the system runs like it should. Cleaning the fins properly is one way to do this. 

Why You Should Diligently Clean The Metal Fins

If you want your air conditioner to remain efficient, then you need to be serious about cleaning it. While cleaning does mean vacuuming or replacing air filters every few months, it also means clearing the debris away from the outdoor unit. Specifically, you need to make sure that the fins remain as clear as possible. 

Clear fins mean that the unit is able to dispel heat as best it can. Heat is carried to the outdoor unit from the indoor system. Basically, the coolant compound absorbs heat so cool air can be pumped into your house. The heat radiates from the cooling coil. The room-temperature coolant can then be compressed and moved back through your home again. 

The fins attached to the cooling coil channel heat from the system. However, if they are clogged with pollen, dirt, and leaves, then the hot air has nowhere to go. The coolant remains warm, and the system continues to force it through the system as normal. However, the warm coolant can no longer pull as much heat away as it moves into your house. The result is semi-cool air forced through your home. 

The problem with this is the fact that the AC system will continue to work and use energy like it always did. However, the results will be far from ideal, and your unit will have to turn on more. This means more energy use.

Cleaning The Fins

Now that you know why you need to clean the fins, make sure to check them for debris accumulation every few weeks. If you see loose debris, then purchase a tool called an AC fin cleaning tool. The tool has a dozen or more styrofoam or rubber ends that can be forced into the finds and moved to the left or the right. As you do this, the protrusions force the debris to come loose. 

If the tool does not remove debris, then you should wet the fin first. Use a gentle spray of water from your hose for this. You can also use a foam cleaner to dissolve some of the solids so they are easier to remove. Use your fin cleaning tool afterwards. When using the tool, wipe it off on a cotton cloth or paper towel after each pass. 

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