Experiments demonstrated performance degradation in air-conditioning systems resulting from dents in the fins of their condensers and the extent to which conventional fin repair methods restore performance. Two different, commercially available residential-type air-conditioner condensing units were tested. Flattening substantial areas of the fins caused a reduction in capacity and efficiency of the cooling systems tested. Performance dropped appreciably after 60% of the fin areas were pressed flat. With 100% of the fin area flattened, system capacity decreased by 27% and system SEER by 34% for one of the systems. Combing the dented fins after the extreme case where all fins were flattened restored capacity to within 1% and SEER to within 6% of the undented condition. Similar results were obtained for the second condenser unit tested.

Units: Dual