Air Conditioner Evaporator Coils

What You Need to Know About AC Evaporator Coils

Your residiential air conditioning system is vital in keeping a comfortable home when the temperatures begin to soar. Unfortunately, if components are damaged, worn, or not adequately maintained, they can stop functioning and ruin your comfort. If you notice problems maintaining temperature, a lack of cool air coming from your vents, or strange noises, you should consider AC evaporator coil replacment.

The good news is Superior Home Supplies offers a wide range of AC vertical and horizontal evaporator coils in the sizes you need and from brands you can trust. Check out our huge inventory of cased coils and uncased coils, or contact our customer service department to find the best evaporator coil replacement options.

What is the difference between AC evaporator coils and condenser coils?

The AC evaporator coil and AC condenser coil are vital components for delivering cool air into your home. The evaporator coil is located in the indoor air handler of your AC unit and is responsible for part of the heat transfer process. Coils containing coolant will draw in the heat from the indoor air in your home as it moves across the blower. The evaporator coil will be continuously exposed to the warm air drawn into the system from the return ducts and then add it to the refrigerant. The cooled airflow is then pushed through the supply ducts, cooling the air in your home. The are options for cased coils and uncased coils.

The air conditioning condenser works in reverse of the evaporator coil. While the evaporator coil draws the heat and humidity out of the air, the condenser coil, located in the outdoor unit, releases the heat into the outdoor air. The refrigerant flow makes a u-turn after it travels through the condenser coil and returns to the evaporator coil, where the process starts again.

How much does it cost for an evaporator coil replacement?

Evaporator coil costs can be high, making many people question whether replacing the coil or the complete split air conditioning system is the better option. Most homeowners will pay an average of $1,200 to $1,500 to replace an evaporator coil, though prices can run as low as $800 to as high as $2,500. Labor costs run around $500 to $1,000, and the cost for the part depends on the chosen brand.

Is it worth replacing the AC evaporator coil?

Since a replacement AC evaporator coil can be expensive, in some situations, it may be better to replace the entire AC unit instead of simply replacing the evaporator coil. It is worth replacing the evaporator coil if:

• Your system is less than eight years old: Since most AC systems are designed to last between 10 to 15 years, once your system gets close to that age, it may be more cost-effective to buy a more energy-efficient option.
• Your evaporator coil is not obsolete: If your damaged evaporator coil has become obsolete because of its age, replacing it could cause a mismatch in SEER rating between the evaporator coil and outdoor unit, which can lead to problems down the road.
• Your system uses a newer refrigerant: If your system uses the older refrigerant R22, which has been phased out, then replacement would be the better option. It can be difficult or costly to service a system with R22 if the refrigerant needs to be added.

How do you maintain an air conditioner evaporator coil?

A dirty evaporator coil or improperly maintained one can wreak havoc on your AC system. Maintaining your evaporator coil is as important as changing your air filter and will improve the overall longevity of your system. You can choose to have your evaporator coil cleaned during routine HVAC system maintenance, or you can choose to clean it yourself.

If you choose the DIY option, starting with a bit of compressed air is best. Using a portable air compressor or can of compressed air, blow away the dust and light dirt that can build up on the coil. It can damage the coils if the pressure is too hard, so keep the nozzle at least a few inches away from the coil's surface.

If you still notice some stuck debris or a buildup of dirt, you may need to gently scrub the coil with a soft-bristled brush and a mixture made of vinegar, warm water, and dish detergent. Be sure to rinse off any soap residue with water.

What is the size of an evaporator coil?

Evaporator coils come in three primary tube sizes, 3/8". 1/2", and 5/8". Each tube size will be available in multiple fin and circulating variations. Each evaporator size is designed to the standards for the requirements of the refrigerant being used. If you are unsure of the size you need, contact your HVAC technician or the customer service team at Superior Home Supplies.

How often should AC evaporator coils be replaced?

If your evaporator coil and your air conditioner are adequately maintained and serviced when needed, your evaporator coil should last between 10 to 15 years. This is roughly the life of most AC units, which means they typically last as long as your system unless damaged or overworked. Failing to clean and maintain your evaporator coil properly can result in a significantly shorter life span.

What are the symptoms of a bad evaporator coil?

Even though evaporator coils are designed to last the life of your AC system, evaporator coil issues can occur. While evaporator coil leaks and frozen evaporator coils are among the most common issues, other malfunctions can lead to performance problems. You should call an HVAC technician to look at the system if you experience:

• A lack of cold air coming from your vents
• Your air conditioner continuously stopping and starting, but not properly cooling
• Your air conditioner doesn't turn on when you turn down the thermostat
• A refrigerant leak by the system.
• Strange noises coming from the cooling system

Find the right evaporator coil replacement at Superior Home Supplies

Superior Home Supplies knows that a properly functioning evaporator coil is vital to the efficient operation of your air conditioning system. Need help finding the right replacement for your AC Unit? Contact our knowledgeable customer service today to find the right cased coil or uncased coil and get your AC system operating as it should.