Evaporator Coil Replacement in San Antonio, Schertz, Converse, Floresville, Elmendorf, New Braunfels, and Surrounding Cities
An evaporator coil is an element of a heat pump or air conditioner that filters the indoor air and absorbs heat. Usually, it’s connected to the furnace or placed within the air handler. Evaporator and condenser coils are inside coils that allow heat pumps and central AC systems to carry out heat exchange processes.
The compressor moves chilled refrigerant into the evaporator coil, which stores the liquid. Then, the blower fan expels air over the coil while the cool refrigerant removes heat from indoor air. After the refrigerant warms, it goes to the outdoor condenser coil.
The process is a bit different with a heat pump during colder months. Instead of acting as a cooling coil, absorbing heat and moving it outdoors, the coil uses the heat from the refrigerant to warm the home.
Most systems use either aluminum coils or copper coils. Aluminum models are more durable because they feature oxidation protection, something their copper counterparts lack. Consequently, aluminum options resist formicary corrosion and is impervious to pinhole leaks and significantly prolongs the HVAC system’s service life.
The cooling refrigerant traveling through the coil can eat away the inner lining. As a result, it weakens the coil, sometimes leading to refrigerant leaks. In some cases, a technician will resolve the issue without much hassle. But investing in a durable replacement is more cost-efficient in cases of severe leaks. Some warranties may even cover replacement costs, so always check the documentation.
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Causes of a Frozen Evaporator Coil
If the AC brings indoor temperatures lower than expected, the evaporator coil may be frozen. This problem usually occurs due to the following:
A lack of airflow: When there isn’t sufficient heat for the coil to absorb, condensation freezes. Damaged ductwork, a malfunctioning fan, and even dirty air filters may cause low airflow.
A dirty air filter: Dirty air filters prevent the coils from absorbing enough heat from indoor air. Additionally, it can spread dirt and block other parts of the system.
Dirty coil: When debris and dirt accumulate on the coils, the components cannot work correctly.
Refrigerant trouble: The coils may freeze if there isn’t enough refrigerant in the system. The system works hard to overcompensate, and the condensation on the coils freezes. Since AC units run on closed systems, the refrigerant can’t just run out. A technician should assess the situation and determine whether the problem is an insufficient charge or a refrigerant leak.
Low outdoor temperatures: Restricted airflow can freeze the coils, but so can low outdoor temperatures because the lack of heat leads to condensation.
Clogged drainpipe: Condensation increases when the drainpipe is blocked or hindered in other ways.
While homeowners can try and thaw the coils without professional assistance, it’s best to call an expert and schedule repairs.
Causes of AC Evaporator Coil Leaks
Although it’s normal for water to drip from the AC’s evaporator coil, it may sometimes corrode the copper tubing and result in evaporator coil leaks. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), water, and copper interact in indoor air, resulting in formic acid accumulation.
Consider scheduling an annual diagnostic inspection with a reputable repair company to mitigate and prevent this issue. Also, cleaning the coils twice a year removes corrosion buildup and improves indoor air quality.
Warning Signs of Dirty Evaporator Coils
Homeowners should watch out for the following signs of dirty evaporator coils:
AC runs longer: The AC will operate longer than expected to reduce indoor temperatures.
Frost develops during operation: If condensation forms over the dirt and debris, it will freeze while the system is in operation. In such cases, the entire system could break down.
AC has poor cooling capacity: The AC will struggle to produce cool air if the coils are dirty.
Evaporator coils are hard to reach, but a trained technician can access and clean them to ensure the unit runs at peak efficiency.