One of the many components of an HVAC unit that is designed to be maintained is the condenser coil. The condenser coil is made up of copper tubing surrounded by thin metal fins. These fins can easily get bent and obstructed, restricting airflow and causing an unnecessary load to be placed on the unit. This can result in increased energy usage, poor performance, and even premature failure of the unit. To straighten these fins, all it takes is a tool called a fin comb.
Fin Comb vs. Fin Brush
Parts of a Fin Comb
There is no standard design of a fin comb, but most feature a handle with a comb on the end. Some fin combs feature multiple combs that can be spun or otherwise shifted into place in order to accommodate multiple fin sizes. Fins are measured in FPI (fins per inch), so figuring out what size you need is as simple as measuring and counting how many fins there are in an inch. As stated earlier, there are multiple different types of fin combs. Some feature a small handle that is intended for quick use and easy storage, others feature long ergonomic handles that are intended for long use and comfort. Beyond choosing the right FPI for your comb, there is no right or wrong tool to buy. Simply compare options and figure out which is best for your needs.
What Part to Use
There are not any swappable components on a fin comb, beyond the multiple sizes of combs. To know which comb to use, measure your FPI and use the corresponding comb.
How to Use a Fin Comb
Buying vs. Renting
A quality fin comb is an inexpensive tool that should be used on a regular basis in order to keep your HVAC unit running at peak performance. For this reason, we recommend buying this tool rather than renting it.
Keeping a Fin Comb in Good Condition
The only way to ensure your fin comb lasts as long as possible and stays in good condition is to use the proper size comb for your fins. The combs, especially those made of plastic, will wear with use, requiring you to purchase a new fin comb once that time comes.
When to Replace Your Fin Comb
Once the combs on your fin comb wear out or lose their pointed ends, it’s time to replace your fin comb. Additionally, if you move or purchase a new HVAC unit with a different FPI, you will need to replace your existing fin comb to accommodate the fins on the new system.
