Air Conditioner Evaporator Coil
One component of your air conditioning system you may not be aware of is the air handler, which houses the evaporator coils. These coils play an essential role in cooling air inside your home by transferring heat away from it. It also allows air to become cooler when it recirculates. If you’re having trouble keeping your home cooler than usual or hearing strange noises coming from your air conditioning unit. There’s a chance that something is wrong with the evaporator coils. It’s best to check these coils and replace them if necessary.
How to Tell if Your Air Conditioner’s Evaporator Coil Needs Replacing
More and more homeowners are learning the importance of regular maintenance and care for their home’s HVAC systems. But when it comes to components like your air conditioner’s evaporator coil, many people aren’t sure how to tell if it needs replacing. So here are some signs to look out for:
Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Cooling Your Home as Well as It Used To
If you notice that your ac unit isn’t cooling your home as it used to, there’s a good chance that the ac evaporator coil may be at fault. A clogged and/or dirty evaporator coil will lead to poor performance of your entire system.
Your Energy Bills Have Gone Up
If you’ve noticed your energy bills increasing without noticeable changes, it could be a sign that you need to replace the evaporator coil. Old and worn-out evaporator coils need more energy to work than newer ones, thereby causing an increase in your energy bill.
There’s Excessive Water Coming From Your Air Conditioner
If you see water coming from around your AC unit , it could be a sign that your ac’s evaporator coil may be partially or completely blocked.
Your Air Conditioner Is Making Strange Noises
If your air conditioner is emitting strange noises, then it could be a sign of damage to the indoor coil.
Common sounds that may indicate an issue with the indoor coil include banging, gurgling, and buzzing. It helps you pinpoint the source of the problem and determine whether it needs to be replaced.
You Can See Ice or Frost on the Evaporator Coil
If you can see ice or frost on the evaporator coil, it is be a sign that the AC unit isn’t working optimally. It can happen when the coil is blocked and does not all sufficient air through to allow the cooling system to achieve the required conditions.air pressure is too high or low, meaning the evaporator coil needs replacing.
When it comes to replacing your air conditioner’s evaporator coil, it’s best to call a qualified technician for help.
The Room With the Air Conditioner Feels Warmer Than Other Rooms in Your Home
If you notice that the room with the air conditioner unit feels warmer than other rooms in your house, even when the AC is running, that means it’s not working as it should be. It may be caused by a problem with the evaporator coil, and we need the replacement coil to fix the issue.
By watching for these signs, you can ensure that your air conditioner’s evaporator coil is working properly. If you find any of these issues or have any other concerns about your HVAC system, call a qualified technician immediately. We can help diagnose the problem and ensure your AC unit is in top condition.
Refrigerant Leak
The evaporator coil in your existing unit may develop a refrigerant leak.
A hvac technician can investigate and, once the leak is detected, advise as to whether it can be repaired or the only option is to replace an evaporator coil.
Repair or New Coil
There various options available:
- replace the coil
- purchase a new unit
- replace the entire system with a new indoor and outdoor unit
All of the above will be dependent on the repair costs and labour costs as to which option is suitable
HVAC companies are the best to consult for advice on these options
Steps for Replacing the Evaporator Coil
If you are convinced that an evaporator coil replacement is necessary for your air conditioner, you will want to ensure you hey a professional installation.
Step 1: The Coil
The correct coil is paramount to a successful change. The new coil must have the same refrigerant passes and operate on the same refrigerant as the existing refrigerant type.
Step 2: Remove the Old Evaporator Coil
- Isolate the power from the evaporator unit
- Disconnect any wiring and sensors
- Remove the refrigerant from the whole system.
- Disconnect the pipes from the coil
- Remove the fixings that hold the old coil in place
- Remove the old coil and dispose of the coil
Step 3: Install the New Evaporator Coil
- Install the new coil in the hvac unit and fix to secure points
- Connect the liquid and gas line to the new coil
- Reconnect the power and sensors where applicable
- Pressure test the entire unit to be certain there are no refrigerant leaks
- Evacuate the system
- Recharge with refrigerant
Step 4: Turn On the Power
Once you have checked for leaks and sealed them if necessary, turn on the power to your air conditioning system at the breaker box. Allow it to run for a few minutes before checking to ensure everything is working properly.
If all has been carried out successfully, the system should operate normally.
How Much Does an Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost?
Replacing an evaporator coil can be a daunting expense and one that you might want to plan for. The cost of replacing an AC evaporator coil depends on the size and make of you air conditioner. Some factors that can affect this cost include the size of your unit and how accessible the evaporator coil is. Also, how much labour is required to remove and replace the old evaporator coil? Additionally, if you need to purchase any additional parts or tools for the installation, that may affect your total cost as well.
There is the option to change just the coil but for a few dollars extra, an entire unit may be a more viable option. This is especially true if your existing system is using an old refrigerant.
If replacing the entire unit, you will have the peace of mind that you will have new unit warranty and the back up of a warranty company should any problems arise.
Tips to Keep Your Air Conditioners in Good Condition
It makes sense to do all you can to keep your AC in top shape. Here are some tips for doing just that:
Get an Annual Tune-up
One of the best things you can do for your air conditioner is to get it serviced by a professional at least once a year or more often depending on the location. It can help prevent any ducted air conditioner problems from arising. The technician should check the coils, pressure, and other parts to make sure everything is running smoothly. Also, that there are no underlying issues that could lead to costly repairs in the future.
For example, the AC evaporator coil could become clogged, making it difficult for the system to cool your home.
Keep the Area Around Your Unit Clean
Another way to keep your air conditioner in good working order is to ensure the area around your condensing unit is clean and free from debris. Leaves, twigs, dirt, and other items can block airflow and cause the system to work harder than it needs to. This can wear down parts like the evaporator coil more quickly. Cleaning the filters regularly can also keep the system running and reduce the chances of an evaporator coil needing to be replaced.
Change Your Air Filter
Your air conditioner’s filter traps dust, dirt, and other airborne particles from circulating through your home. It’s important to change this filter, as a dirty filter can cause your unit to work harder than necessary and may even lead to system failure. Most filters should be cleaned every three months or so. This will help reduce the strain on your system and can prevent costly repairs down the road.
Keep Your Vents Open
In order for your air conditioner to work properly, it is important that all vents in your home are kept open. If vents are blocked, it can cause your unit to overwork itself and may even lead to system failure. In addition, it can cause expensive repairs, including the need to replace the evaporator coil. For example, it must be replaced if the evaporator coil becomes clogged due to restricted airflow.
Final Thoughts
It is important to do what you can to keep your AC in top condition. Regular maintenance and cleaning, changing the filter, all go a long way in keeping your system running efficiently and preventing costly repairs in the future. It can help extend the life of your air conditioner and save you money in the long run. So consider taking these steps to ensure that your evaporator coil doesn’t need replacing anytime soon.
