You can buy a radiator"comb" to straighten fins from an auto parts supply or from an RV parts supply. I have had one for about 15 years and used it quite a bit on a window unit and on an RV AC.Beware of bending the cooling fins, whether it's a central unit, window AC, or even a vehicle radiator.
Some will flatten easily with compressed air or water pressure, which greatly reduces air flow. Always try to blow/spray them "straight on" rather than sideways.
I had a known company come out and do the maintenance and I said that it didn't seem to be cooling adequately and after a bit the "technician" said the compressor is going bad. So I told him to replace it with American Standard which they did and a few weeks later it started squealing so I called them back. They said the A coil that was in the attic wasn't matched to the condenser unit and it needed replaced-so I had it replaced. They charged a lot more than if they had done both A coil and condenser unit together and they offered no excuse other than "it should have been done." They also said on a later maintenance visit that the furnace was close to being replaced. I learned my lesson.
I had the igniter go out later and I called a guy here in Choctaw and he came out and checked the unit out and said that the furnace didn't need replaced, that company is known for doing replacements that aren't necessary. So he confirmed my suspicion about the company that is quartered in Moore.
Also, I have cottonwood trees behind my house and they release seasonal "cotton" that seems to gravitate toward the condenser. To prevent clogging and additional work in cleaning the condenser, I bought some fiberglass window screen and
wrapped the condenser (on the outside of the unit) and it catches the cotton, grass from mowing etc and all I have to do is take a garden hose and wash the screen off.
I had the igniter go out later and I called a guy here in Choctaw and he came out and checked the unit out and said that the furnace didn't need replaced, that company is known for doing replacements that aren't necessary. So he confirmed my suspicion about the company that is quartered in Moore.
Also, I have cottonwood trees behind my house and they release seasonal "cotton" that seems to gravitate toward the condenser. To prevent clogging and additional work in cleaning the condenser, I bought some fiberglass window screen and
wrapped the condenser (on the outside of the unit) and it catches the cotton, grass from mowing etc and all I have to do is take a garden hose and wash the screen off.
When we moved in our new home I kept hearing more than the expected amount of noise from the return vents where the filters are located so I contacted the company that did the AC/heat install and when the Tech came out he dropped the return air grill and removed the pleated cotton filter. The noise dropped by about 2/3. He told me to use the spun fiberglass filters rather than the pleated ones and since then I've been able to watch TV without having to crank up the sound when the AC comes on.
Now about that wet sock smell when we first turn on the AC in April...still working on a fix for that.
Now about that wet sock smell when we first turn on the AC in April...still working on a fix for that.
Just cleaned mine up the other day. Hosed it down, cleaned the leaves sticks out of the bottom inside, under, around. Sprayed the coils from inside out to remove built up dirt, dust, cottonwood, ect. Working fine and didn't cost me a thing but time.
You may be able to save your money on the A/C tune-up. OG&E is offering the service free of charge (SOME RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY)
Got this email today:
Schedule an A/C Tune-up and
we'll cover the cost up to $175*
Oklahoma summers make A/C units work overtime. You can increase your A/C’s efficiency up to 30 percent by getting it tuned up now. Not to mention, it could help ensure your A/C doesn't give out on the hottest day of the year. An A/C that’s running smoothly and efficiently saves both money and energy. We're providing an instant incentive to cover the tune-up.* All you have to do is schedule it.
Your A/C tune-up will include:
So make sure your home is ready for a summer of savings.Call us toll-free at 844.882.5746 to schedule your OG&E A/C tune-up with a participating contractor today.
*Additional charges may apply. Past A/C tune-up participants are not eligible.
Got this email today:
Schedule an A/C Tune-up and
we'll cover the cost up to $175*
Oklahoma summers make A/C units work overtime. You can increase your A/C’s efficiency up to 30 percent by getting it tuned up now. Not to mention, it could help ensure your A/C doesn't give out on the hottest day of the year. An A/C that’s running smoothly and efficiently saves both money and energy. We're providing an instant incentive to cover the tune-up.* All you have to do is schedule it.
Your A/C tune-up will include:
- Measuring indoor airflow
- Testing ducts
- Inspecting and changing or cleaning the filter
- Cleaning outdoor condenser coils
- Inspecting and cleaning indoor coils
- Inspecting and cleaning indoor blower
- Testing A/C to measure cooling output
So make sure your home is ready for a summer of savings.Call us toll-free at 844.882.5746 to schedule your OG&E A/C tune-up with a participating contractor today.
*Additional charges may apply. Past A/C tune-up participants are not eligible.
If you're going to "hose down" your outside condenser, be sure to turn the electricity of to the unit and leave it off for 24 hours or so. If you gotten water on the electrical part and turn the electricity on prematurely, you might fry some components.
I have been washing them out while they are running for 32 years and must say you are full of ****
Speaking of air conditioners...
