To straighten a bent evaporator fin on an air conditioner, slide a putty knife under it and gently twist until the fin is straight. Figure A Seasonal Home Maintenance Home-maintenance expert Darcy Westlind joins host Mary Ellen Pinkham to share some advice on keeping air conditioners and other appliances running smoothly and efficiently by taking the time to do a little spring maintenance.
Most air conditioners have a drainage hole on the base of the cabinet, beneath the evaporator fins.
This hole needs to be kept clear in order for the air conditioner to work properly. It's a good idea each spring to use a paper clip or wire to poke through the hole and clear it. To fix a small hole in a window or door screen, dab clear household cement over the hole with a toothpick. If the screens are plastic, test the cement on a scrap to make sure it won't melt the material. Use the same technique to repair screen tears.