The air conditioner coil, or evaporator coil, in your AC system is one of its most critical components. A failed evaporator coil is one of those difficult situations where you really need to consider whether the repair is worth the cost involved in replacing the part. Read on to learn more about whether a new evaporator coil is really a good investment for your Sanford, Florida, home.
Understanding the Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is an essential part of the condenser in your AC system. This coil is filled with cold refrigerant, which absorbs heat and moisture from the air. The air conditioner blows warm air over the coil and delivers fresh cool air on the other side. A functioning evaporator coil both chills and dehumidifies your air, giving you the comfort levels that you expect from any effective air conditioner.
If the evaporator coil isn’t working, your home’s not getting cool. You can’t limp by without this critical component, so you’ll need to come up with a plan to either repair or replace the unit as soon as possible when you’re having trouble with this part.
Why the Evaporator Coil Fails
As with any part of your cooling system, your evaporator coil will suffer from wear and tear over time. Efficiency gradually decreases throughout the coil’s lifespan, but proper maintenance can keep your evaporator coil going for up to 20 years.
The primary reason for most failed evaporator coils is erosion. The refrigerant passing through the coil expands and contracts as it changes temperature. Though the coil is designed to withstand this, the inner lining does weaken gradually. If the exterior of the coil is also weakened due to erosion from outside sources, the entire construction is more susceptible to damage and leaks. The evaporator coil may also sustain damage from impact or debris. Regardless of how it happened, a damaged evaporator coil is a very big problem.
Replacing the Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is one of the most expensive parts of your entire air conditioner. If the coil needs to be replaced, this job will usually rival a system replacement in price. Comparing the cost of the repair with the cost of a new AC installation, you should also consider some of the benefits of a new system, which may include:
- Improved energy efficiency from a system with a higher SEER rating
- Enhanced comfort from a more appropriately sized system
- Better features, such as a variable speed blower
If your air conditioner is older, even a mid-range replacement will likely offer some or all of these improvements over your previous installation. If you have a newer system, the evaporator coil may be under warranty, which will justify your choice to replace it.
One of the best ways to extend the life of your air conditioner coil is with regular maintenance. Schedule an AC tune-up annually with Del-Air Heating and Air Conditioning. Call us today at 888-831-2665.
