This is a tool that you need but would never think about it unless someone pointed out the benefits.
Saw one of the guys from the company next door with the hood up and grill out of one of the trucks and was using a fin straightening tool on the condenser. I ask does that help that much and he said he11 yes. Being he works on commercial AC units everyday I figured he knew what he was talking about. He told me it can effect the efficiency depending how bad the cooling fin damage, and dirt and road garbage build up is, close to 30% to 40%.
Better air flow means better heat transfer.
So yesterday after work I popped the hood and pulled out the grill (2 clips). I couldn't believe what I saw. A lot of the aluminum fins on my AC condenser are bent and crushed from the usual road debris and small stones that slam into it at speed.
Went over and asked where I could pick up a fin straightening tool. They offered to lend me one to use but I was more interested in owning my own. They sent me down to a local AC/Heating Wholesaler for it.
Less than $8.00 for the kit. Tool handle and 7 attachments for various spaced fins in a plastic tube.
Since we are looking at a hot summer around me, I'll be cleaning the garbage out and straightening the fins on the AC Condenser, Radiator and Intercooler tomorrow morning before work.
Saw one of the guys from the company next door with the hood up and grill out of one of the trucks and was using a fin straightening tool on the condenser. I ask does that help that much and he said he11 yes. Being he works on commercial AC units everyday I figured he knew what he was talking about. He told me it can effect the efficiency depending how bad the cooling fin damage, and dirt and road garbage build up is, close to 30% to 40%.
Better air flow means better heat transfer.
So yesterday after work I popped the hood and pulled out the grill (2 clips). I couldn't believe what I saw. A lot of the aluminum fins on my AC condenser are bent and crushed from the usual road debris and small stones that slam into it at speed.
Went over and asked where I could pick up a fin straightening tool. They offered to lend me one to use but I was more interested in owning my own. They sent me down to a local AC/Heating Wholesaler for it.
Less than $8.00 for the kit. Tool handle and 7 attachments for various spaced fins in a plastic tube.
Since we are looking at a hot summer around me, I'll be cleaning the garbage out and straightening the fins on the AC Condenser, Radiator and Intercooler tomorrow morning before work.
