4 Common AC Evaporator Coil Issues and How to Address Them

The air conditioner evaporator coil is a critical component of your AC system, responsible for removing heat from the air and cooling your home. However, like any other part of your air conditioner, the evaporator coil is prone to wear and tear. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common issues that can arise with the evaporator coil and what you can do to address them.

Note: issues with the evaporator coil should not be taken lightly as it handles refrigerant and is one of the most expensive parts to replace in an air conditioner.

1. Dirty or Clogged Evaporator Coil

A dirty or clogged evaporator coil can cause your air conditioner to function less efficiently, leading to higher energy bills and reduced cooling performance. Eventually, this could lead to the AC unit running constantly or a complete system failure. If you notice that your AC system isn’t cooling your home as well as it used to, a dirty evaporator coil may be to blame.

2. Frozen Evaporator Coil

If your evaporator coil freezes over, your AC system will stop working altogether. This can occur if the coil becomes too dirty, if the refrigerant level is low, or if there’s an issue with the blower fan. To fix a frozen evaporator coil, you’ll need to turn off your AC system and let the coil thaw completely before calling a professional to diagnose the underlying cause of this freeze-up.

3. Corrosion or Leaks

Over time, the evaporator coil may develop leaks or corrode, leading to a loss of refrigerant and reduced cooling performance. If you suspect that your evaporator coil is leaking, you’ll need to have it replaced by a professional HVAC technician. A repair is almost never an option with evaporator coils. This should be taken care of as soon as possible; refrigerant is extremely dangerous and can lead to long-term health problems.

4. Improper Size

If your air conditioner’s evaporator coil is too small, it may not be able to cool your living space effectively. Conversely, if the coil is too large, it may cause your AC system to short cycle, leading to reduced efficiency and increased wear and tear. This issue only arises if your evaporator coil has been replaced and the wrong size was installed. You’ll need to have a professional HVAC technician recommend the appropriate size for your evaporator coil.

The evaporator coil is a critical component of your air conditioner, and any issues with it can lead to reduced cooling performance and increased energy bills. If you suspect your evaporator coil is dirty, frozen, leaking, or improperly sized, address the issue as soon as possible.

Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado provides AC inspections, repair, cleaning and replacement services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Whether it is an emergency or you just need some guidance, do not hesitate to reach out to us! Contact us online or call us today.

How Often Should I Get an Air Conditioner Tune-Up?

Your air conditioner is a valuable investment in your home’s comfort and well-being and requires regular maintenance to ensure that it runs effectively and efficiently. Regular air conditioner tune-up services can help extend the lifespan of your AC system, improve its energy efficiency, and reduce the likelihood of costly breakdowns or repairs. But how often should you get your air conditioner serviced?

The rule of thumb is to get an air conditioner tune-up once per year, preferably during the spring season, but there are several factors that determine how often you should get an AC tune-up. Below we discuss some of these factors and when you should consider getting tune-ups more often. When in doubt, ask your HVAC technician what they recommend!

1. Age of the AC Unit

If your AC unit is less than five years old and has been well-maintained, it is recommended you get the unit serviced once a year. However, if your air conditioner is older than five years, it should be serviced twice a year. This ensures that it is functioning at its best and will prevent repairs.

2. Frequency of Use

If you live in an area with hot and humid summers and rely heavily on your air conditioner, it’s recommended to have it serviced twice a year. Here in Denver, our summers are quite mild, but some years are much hotter than others. If you find that your AC unit is running 24/7 for an extended period of time, a mid-season AC tune-up should be considered. Frequent use of your AC system can cause wear and tear, and regular tune-up services can help prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your unit.

3. Maintenance History

If you’ve neglected regular air conditioner maintenance in the past, you may need to have it serviced more frequently. This will help to address any underlying issues that may have developed. Your HVAC technician can assess the state of your AC unit and recommend the appropriate tune-up schedule.

4. Warranty Requirements

Some HVAC manufacturer warranties require regular maintenance as a condition of coverage. Be sure to check your warranty documents to determine the recommended tune-up schedule to maintain your warranty coverage.

 

Regular air conditioner tune-ups are an essential part of maintaining your AC unit. If you have questions about AC tune-ups, you’d like a professional HVAC technician to assess the state of your AC system, or you need to schedule an AC tune-up, contact Grand Home Services today! We are located in Aurora and provide AC tune-ups, repairs, and replacements throughout the Denver Metro Area.