The evaporator coil in your air conditioner is very important to the overall operation of your unit. It is a part that is often overlooked; however, you need to know that if it is not functioning properly, it can cause expensive damage to your system.

What Does an Evaporator Coil Do?

The evaporator coil is responsible for turning the refrigerant in your air conditioning system from liquid to gas that transports heat out to the condenser.

This is done by applying pressure to the refrigerant, which then compresses its molecules and transforms the liquid to hot gas.

As this hot gas is sent through the condenser, it cools down and expands back into its cold liquid form as it releases its heat across the condenser’s fins and transforms into cold air. The cooled air is sent throughout your home via your air ducts as the cooled refrigerant is sent back to the evaporator coil to begin the process once again.

What Are Some Common Issues With Evaporator Coils?

There are a few common issues that can occur with the evaporator coil in your air conditioning system:

• Ice-ups: This can occur if you run your air conditioner continuously, especially if it is very humid outside. The ice forms on the coil because the excess moisture in the air freezes upon contact with the coil because of the cold refrigerant running through it.
• Poor airflow: If the evaporator coil is iced up or extremely dirty, airflow can become compromised. The warm air is blocked from blowing over the evaporator, thus allowing the refrigerant to change or remain in its liquid form as it goes out to the compressor. This can severely damage your unit’s compressor.
• Leaks: A leak in your evaporator coil will allow refrigerant to escape into the air. A drop in your air conditioner’s refrigerant level will prevent proper cooling. If you have an older unit, a Freon leak is also hazardous to the environment. It may be necessary to replace the coil if the leak cannot be repaired.

How Does One Properly Maintain Your Evaporator Coil?

The evaporator coil in your air condition requires regular maintenance to keep it operating properly. This maintenance includes removing dust that collects on the coils, which needs to be carefully removed due to this component’s delicate pipework.

For extremely dirty coils, the technician may need to use a foaming cleanser as recommended by the system’s manufacturer. The evaporator’s tray also needs to be checked for leaks, clogs or signs of mold.

If you need any assistance with your evaporator coils on your Dundalk HVAC unit, Call Reliability Home Heating and Air today at (443) 399-8663, and get the right answers and assistance from the experts.