How It Can Affect Your HVAC System
You probably have some working knowledge about your air conditioner, but do you know how the evaporator coil operates? Evaporator coils are an essential part of your air conditioning system and if you have an older HVAC system, it is possible the coil may have already accumulated dirt overtime. It is important to perform routine AC maintenance to keep not only your evaporator coil running properly but the rest of your HVAC system running efficiently as well. If you were to leave a dirty evaporator coil it could lead to more costly AC repair or even a full AC replacement. Below find out how a dirty evaporator coil could impact your HVAC system.
What Are Evaporator Coils?
An air conditioner’s evaporator coil is the part of the HVAC system where the refrigerant absorbs heat. It is where the cold air comes from. Unlike a furnace that produces heat, an air conditioner does not actually produce any cold air. Instead, the evaporator coil uses refrigerant to absorb heat from the air and carries outdoors. The refrigerant in your system constantly circulates to remove heat until the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature on the thermostat. The evaporator coil is located inside the home or near the air handler in a split-type ac system. The evaporator coils are made from copper, steel, or aluminum because these metals conduct heat easily. In residential settings, they are usually bent into U shapes and protected by fins which help attract heat and moisture.
Symptoms of A Dirty Evaporator Coil
It is important your evaporator remains clean to function efficiently and properly. If your air conditioner is not properly cooling your home, a dirty evaporator coil may be to blame. Even a minimal layer of dust on your evaporator coil can reduce its efficiency, because it will not be able to absorb as much heat as when its clean. Your system will now have to run longer to reach your desired temperature using more energy.
AC Is Not Cooling
Dirt and dust limit the evaporator coil’s ability to absorb heat from the air. Any dirt or dust on the coil acts as a layer of insulation between the air and the refrigerant in the coil. This will make it difficult for it to absorb heat from the indoor air and will result in higher indoor temperatures.
Higher Energy Bills
If your air conditioner has a dirty evaporator coil it will have to work harder and for longer periods to maintain the same desired temperature. If your energy bills have increased, but weather has remained relatively the same, it may be due to a dirty evaporator coil. A dirty coil is significantly less efficient at removing heat from indoors.
High Indoor Humidity
Another function of the evaporator coil is to pull humidity out of the air and recirculate the air that make makes your home feel comfortable. A dirty evaporator coil will not address indoor humidity as efficiently as a clean evaporator coil.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
In more extreme cases a dirty evaporator coil can lead to the development of ice on the coil. Refrigerant circulating throughout a dirty coil will not warm up as much as it should. The very cold refrigerant will cause the water vapor along the coil to freeze. The ice will then continue to accumulate until any remaining heat absorption is completely blocked. If you allow your system to continue to run with a frozen coil it could raise the compressor temperature eventually leading the component to completely fail. A dirty condenser coil, dirty air filter or a refrigerant leak can all also cause the evaporator coil to freeze. Turn your air conditioner off if you notice any ice on the coil and contact a professional to inspect the issue.
Clogged Condensate Drain Line
When an evaporator coil absorbs heat, it also creates moisture along the coil. The excess water drips from the coil and into pan, where it leaves the system through the condensate drain line. If the water dripping from into the drain line contains dirt or dust it can easily lead to a clogged drain line. Water will then overflow from the drain causing water damage, high humidity, and even health hazards from mold spores.
Give LA Heating & Air A Call Today
You may find DIY methods online, however any evaporator coil cleaning, maintenance, and repair should be left to a professional. While you may think a dirty evaporator coil is a minor issue, it is important to reach out to a professional as soon as possible to prevent costly AC repairs or early complete breakdown of your HVAC system. This is why routine AC maintenance is so critical for your system to operate properly and efficiently. Give LA Heating and Air a call at 818-341-3406 or contact us online for any air conditioner repairs, maintenance or installation service you need.
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