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Your air conditioner consists of multiple components that all work together to produce cool, comfortable air inside your home. Every AC system, including a heat pump, relies on an evaporator coil and condenser coil to work properly. If your air conditioning unit isn’t up to par, it’s time for an HVAC professional to step in.
Learn why your equipment may malfunction in this comprehensive guide to air conditioner coil replacement.
How Do Evaporator Coils Work?
You may not think that all packaged HVAC units are the same. While they differ slightly, all air conditioners, including ductless AC systems and geothermal heat pumps, operate with the same key components — evaporator and condenser coils.
Every air conditioning system contains an evaporator coil, which is part of the indoor AC unit, also called an air handler. The evaporator coil absorbs heat from inside the house because it contains liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant cools the coil and then travels toward the outdoor AC unit for the rest of the heat exchange.
Learn More about Heat Pumps in our blog, “How Does A Heat Pump Work”
What About the Function of the Condenser Coil?
While the evaporator coil plays an important part in an AC unit’s function, it doesn’t act alone. The outdoor unit houses the condenser coil. It connects to the AC evaporator coil and, with the help of a compressor, turns the liquid refrigerant into gas. The absorbed heat is released outside, and the refrigerant returns to its liquid state for the process to start all over again.
If you need AC condenser coil replacement, you’ll have to replace the outdoor condenser part of your air conditioning system, including the slab units that support it.
Why Do AC Evaporator Coils Fail?
Your AC evaporator coil can break down for a number of reasons. Corrosion can lead to refrigerant leaks and keep your unit from producing cold air. Evaporator coils can also freeze and delay the function of your air conditioner because of dirt or mold along the surface.
With regular air conditioning maintenance, you can usually prevent these issues. However, coils fail over time as the unit ages and undergoes general wear and tear. If your air conditioner is over eight years old, you might consider replacing the whole unit instead of just the coil.
Signs You Have a Faulty Evaporator Coil
If your evaporator coil fails, you may notice the following issues with your AC unit:
- Refrigerant leak
- Malfunctioning control circuit board
- It blows warmer air throughout the home
- The unit makes strange noises
In addition to all these issues, you might find your energy costs increasing despite no changes in your cooling habits.
How Much Does Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost?
Air conditioner coil replacement costs depend on a number of variables. If you’re wondering, “How much does an AC evaporator coil replacement cost?” the following factors will all contribute to the total.
Replacement Cost by Unit Size
If you have a damaged evaporator coil, contractors will need to know how big your AC unit is. The size of the unit, usually measured in tons, determines the price of an AC evaporator coil replacement. Small two-ton units may see evaporator coil replacement costs around $500. A five-ton unit requires a bigger coil and may cost you over $1,000.
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Type of Coil
Did you know that AC units can operate with multiple types of coils? A-coils are one of the most common products technicians use and the most cost-effective. They have an average cost of $1,300 and are fairly reliable in the long term.
Other options include the most expensive N or Z coils. When you select these products, your evaporator coil replacement cost runs as high as $1,500. Despite a higher evaporator coil cost, these alternatives tend to freeze more easily. You may need evaporator coil repair more frequently if you install a Z or N coil.
The final consideration includes cased or uncased evaporator coils. Uncased coils need exact precision during installation and cost around $800, while cased coils provide more flexibility yet have a higher price tag with an average cost of around $1,000.
Efficiency Rating
The average evaporator coil replacement costs vary depending on the unit’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, also known as the SEER rating. Systems with higher ratings produce lower energy bills. However, their equipment tends to be more complex.
You should expect an AC evaporator coil replacement to cost a bit more if you have a unit with a higher SEER rating.
What To Do If You Need a New Evaporator Coil
Many homeowners wrongly assume that they can perform a DIY evaporator coil replacement. They order an evaporator coil online and tinker with their HVAC system, hoping to save money, but end up causing more damage to the entire unit. Replacing an evaporator coil without the proper qualifications may cause your central AC system to fail or release warm air due to the wrong refrigerant type.
Hiring a professional HVAC technician for air conditioner coil replacement is the best solution. Don’t get hung up on the upfront evaporator coil replacement cost. Scheduling AC evaporator coil replacement can save you money in the long run, especially when you let a trusted HVAC technician help.
A bad evaporator coil will continue to deteriorate every time you turn on the air conditioning. Replacing the evaporator coil as soon as possible is necessary to receive the following benefits:
- Improve indoor air quality
- Enjoy efficient cooling
- Avoid damage to the AC unit
Receive Professional Evaporator Coil Replacement Near You
Whether you need a replacement evaporator coil or want someone to inspect your condenser coils, Cooper’s Plumbing & Air has your back. We use high-quality AC coils and promise to keep replacement costs low. Our AC repairs and replacement services are the best in the business.
Contact the Best HVAC Contractors Around
Are you ready to make your air conditioner reliable and energy efficient? Call Cooper’s Plumbing & Air at (866) 464-7132 to schedule an air conditioner coil replacement.