There’s a lot to consider when considering replacing your air conditioner. You want to make sure you get the right AC system for your home, but you also want to make sure you’re spending your money wisely. It can be tough to know whether it’s better, in the long run, to replace the evaporator or just replace the entire unit.
We’ve got you covered! In this article, we will cover some quick tips on determining whether it’s best to replace the AC evaporator instead of just replacing your whole unit.
What are evaporator coils?
If you’ve ever wondered what HVAC evaporator coils are, we’re here to make sure you never have to wonder again.
An evaporator ac coil is a component of an air conditioner (AC) that helps to cool the air in your home or office. It’s installed in the plenum chamber, which is located above the furnace, and it circulates the refrigerant through copper tubing to distribute cold air throughout your space.
It works by pulling warm air into your AC system, cooling it down by passing it over a heat exchanger (also known as an evaporator coil), and then blowing it out into your home or office space through vents.
What does the evaporator coil do anyway?
It’s a question that’s been asked by everyone from your average person on the street to the most highly-trained engineers in the world. And, hey, if you’re reading this, we’re betting it’s probably you!
But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
The AC evaporator coil is part of your air conditioner or heat pump. It’s located in the outdoor portion of your HVAC unit—and yes, even though we call it “outdoor,” it may be inside your home. It’s where cold air comes out to cool down your home. The evaporator coil pulls in warm air from inside your home and cools it down using refrigerant from the compressor (the outdoor device). The cold air then flows into your ductwork and distributes throughout your home.
If there are any problems with this process, such as clogs or leaks in the tubing or refrigerant lines, you may hear strange noises from the unit.
When do air conditioner condenser coils need repair or replacement?
You know that feeling you get when your house is really hot, and you decide to crack open a window? It feels good for a minute, but then the heat starts creeping back in. If that’s happening at your house, it might be time to check your evaporator coil.
Here are some signs that your air conditioner condenser coils need repair or replacement:
Insufficient cooling
If your AC doesn’t seem to be able to keep up with the heat, it could mean the coils are clogged. This can affect the quality of air in your home, which is never good for your health.
Ice buildup
If you see a layer of ice on or around the inside of your home’s air vents, this could indicate an issue with your air conditioner evaporator coil and will need to be addressed by a professional HVAC technician in London, KY.
Blocked vents
If you notice that one or more of the vents in your home aren’t blowing out cool air, this could mean that there is something blocking them from doing so—such as dirt or debris from inside the ductwork. If this happens repeatedly over time, then you may need to call in a London, KY, HVAC technician for cleaning services before it becomes too difficult for even them to access those areas!
Mold or mildew growth
Mold and mildew can grow quickly in humid areas, so if you notice any kind of growth on walls or floors near where your AC equipment sits (or even on nearby furniture), this could be an indication that there’s something wrong with how coolant is moving through those HVAC coils!
Noisy operation
If you notice that your AC unit sounds different than usual or if loud bangs are coming from somewhere in the ductwork, these could be signals that something has gone wrong with the evaporator coil.
Strange odors
Did you smell something burning? Did the whole house smell like a wet dog? If so, it could be a sign that the coils in your air conditioner are clogged with dirt and debris. That might mean that the unit needs to be cleaned or repaired.
High energy bills
If your energy bill seems unusually high for this time of year, that could be because the coils in your AC system are dirty or clogged with debris from the outside. It might also mean that there’s an issue with the compressor or other parts of the unit that make up an air conditioner system.
How to Know if It’s Just the AC Evaporator Needing Fix or Replace the Entire Unit
Do you know how sometimes your AC unit starts to make that noise? Maybe you’re in the middle of a Netflix binge, and all of a sudden, there’s this… sound.
If you’re like me, you just want to fix whatever is causing that noise, so you can return to watching your favorite show. But if your AC is making this noise, there’s a good chance that it’s not just the evaporator—it could be the entire unit that needs replacing.
So how do you know which one it is? Here are a few ways to tell between evaporator vs condenser repair or replacement needs:
1. Check the condenser: If the condenser is leaking water, this is a good indicator that your entire unit needs replacing.
2. Check the filters: If they’re dirty and clogged up, this means that there is debris in your system that needs cleaning out before installing a new unit.
3. Listen for strange sounds: If you hear rattling or popping coming from inside your AC unit, it could indicate that loose bolts or screws are causing friction against one another as they move around during operation—an indication that it’s time for a replacement.
When to Replace the Entire AC Unit?
If you’re thinking about replacing your AC unit, you already know how much of a discomfort it can be. However, there are some signs that indicate it’s time to get a new one.
Age of the ac unit
If you’ve had your unit for over 5 years, it’s time to replace it. The average lifespan of an AC is about 15 years, so if yours has been running for longer than that, it could be time for a replacement.
Maintenance history
You should know what kind of maintenance has been done on your unit before purchasing a new one. If there’s no record of maintenance or repairs being performed, then there’s also no guarantee that the AC system is working at its optimal level.
Thermostat problems
If you’ve been dealing with a lot of problems with your thermostat—or if you’ve had multiple thermostats replaced and they’re still giving you issues—it’s possible that the problem lies with the unit itself instead of the thermostat. In this case, replacing the entire unit may be necessary in order to get everything working properly again.
Performance issues
If you’ve noticed that your AC unit is working less efficiently than it used to, that’s a signal that it’s time for a replacement. This can happen even if the AC unit hasn’t broken down yet—it could just be wearing out.
Frequent breakdowns
If your AC breaks down more often than expected, it may be time to consider replacing the entire system instead of just repairing it. You might also consider this if your system is undergoing repairs every few months or weeks.
Environmental considerations
Air conditioning units use a lot of energy. If yours is older and has been around for a couple of years, you may want to replace it with a newer model that uses significantly less energy.
When You Move
It’s important to have an AC unit that’s sized correctly for your home and climate zone—if you need a larger or smaller unit because of a move or other change, then it may be time for replacement instead of repair.
Maintenance tips for air conditioning condenser coils
The heat is on, and you don’t want to be left out in the cold.
That’s why we’re here to help you keep your air conditioning condenser coils cool, clean, and working at their best. Here are seven maintenance tips for your AC condensers from Kentucky Climate Control experts:
1. Clean the coils regularly—at least once every 6 months.
2. Use a coil brush or coil cleaner on a regular basis to clear dirt and debris from the coils.
3. Keep trees and bushes away from the unit; these can block airflow through the condenser, reducing efficiency and causing damage over time.
4. Make sure the fan inside your AC unit is working properly by listening carefully for any unusual sounds that might indicate damage or malfunctioning parts (like clicking noises).
5. Check for bent or leaks in any pipes that run from inside your home to outside units. This can lead to higher energy bills as well as potential health hazards from mold growth around these areas.
6. If there are any problems with your system (such as broken parts), fix them ASAP! Don’t wait until summertime rolls around again before getting things fixed because then you’ll have even more work ahead of you when temperatures start rising above 80 degrees Fahrenheit outside.
7. Schedule annual maintenance by a professional HVAC technician to inspect and clean the coils thoroughly
Get Help from Professional Air Conditioning Repair & Maintenance Experts!
We know you’re busy, and we don’t want to add to your stress. That’s why we offer our AC repair services 24*7. We understand that your air conditioner is one of the most important things in your home—it keeps you comfortable and safe during those hot Kentucky summers. And when it breaks down, it can make your life miserable!
We’re here to help. Kentucky Climate Control is an emergency AC repair service that can help you get back up and running as quickly as possible. We’re here to help you with all your Air Conditioning Services in London, KY needs, including:
- Broken AC units
- A/C repair and replacement
- Air handler repair and replacement
- Upgrading your current system
- Preventative maintenance services
Our professional technicians in London, KY, have been trained to fix all types of AC units, including window units, split systems, and central units. They’ll arrive on time with their tools and supplies ready so they can get right to work on your system. We’re confident in our ability to fix any problem that comes up, whether it’s a leaky duct or an inefficient compressor.
We’ll come out to your home or business as soon as possible to diagnose your system’s problem and ensure its operating correctly again.
We use only high-quality parts and equipment, so you can rest easy knowing that your system will last for years to come—even through extreme temperatures and humidity. We also offer emergency service at no additional cost if you’re having problems during non-business hours.
We know how frustrating it can be when your Air Conditioner goes out in the middle of summer—don’t let it ruin your day! Contact us today at (855) 482-2522 so we can help get things back in order again quickly!
